Need advise on which mold for 45-70

[Virginian]

I'm just getting into BPCR and intend on using blackpowder, not smokeless. The bullet weights range from 220 to 500+ gr, I understand this is highly subjective but I just need a place to start and go fromn there.

Primary use will be punching paper, 100 yards, pushed out to 200, 300 etc. I was thinking of going the inexpensive route with a Lee 500 gr pointed round nose (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/214596/lee-2-cavity-bullet-mold-459-500-3r-45-70-government-459-diameter-500-grain-pointed-round-nose) for $20. I'm not expecting anything great for the price of these molds and I figured the heavier bullet would be best as I learn to shoot further out. Thoughts?

I hate to invest in $100 mold only to find out that my rifle doesn't like it.I'll be shooting a Shiloh 45-70 32" Mt. Roughrider.

Thanks,

Eric

[Themoose]

It really depends on what your rifle likes... I would suggest that you try to get some of the projectiles cast from the molds you think you may be interested in... I'm not into BPCR anymore, my my Sharps dearly loved the Lyman 535gr Postell..my nephews Sharps was throated different and the bullets were too long for his rifle... Don't underestimate what range you will shoot... I started at 100 yds, thinking 500 was out of the question... but the Sharps with a good load can consistently knock rams off their feet... some shoot out to 1000.
I would try to ask some other shooters who have a rifle similar to yours to help you out with some sample bullets before choosing a mold... Hope this helps

TheMoose

[6.5 mike]

A 405 gr is a pretty good place to start, was the issue weight for a long time. If you want to try the lee 500 pointy boolit PM me, I have one you can borrow. If you don't hear back right away, I'm at work on the boat, I will get back to you.:Fire:

[beagle]

My shooting partner is shooting a #018 Saeco weighing 412 grains in his Browning and it does well at all ranges so far./beagle

[MtGun44]

The extra recoil from the 500 over the 405 is really noticable. For fun, I'd stick with 405 or
lighter. There are some 300 gr designs that should work well.

Bill

[Virginian]

Thanks for the advise. Just what i was looking for and will "tone" it down a bit. Thank you!

Eric

[largom]

I own several 45-70's and my son-in-law has several also. The RCBS 45-405FN is the best shooting in all of them, better than jacketed.

Larry

[6.5 mike]

And then there is always paper patching, :bigsmyl2:.

[Nobade]

I have very good luck with the Lee 405HB and black powder. Also Lyman #457124 and #457125. All these designs carry enough lube to work well with black. I never got the Lee pointed 500gr. to shoot very well in my guns, except when I paper patched it and shot it over smokeless.