New .45 cal Cap N Ball Bullets

[rodwha]

I had read of someone using the Lee 160 grn FN bullet in their percussion revolver. I don't recall if it was theory or observed, but the bullet's OAL was slightly less than a ball, but with more bearing surface would/should increase the pressure and velocity.

I contacted Tom at Accurate Molds and asked for dimensions that would work in a cap n ball pistol with it being ~ the length of the ball. It came out at .460" long and 180 grns (WW). He also designed one that drops at 160 grns (WW) that's only .410" long. They would be cast pure, and the way I understand it is that when he cuts the molds they'll be designed to work with the lead/alloy you choose.

He's also going to design one that weighs ~250 grns.

Would the short and light weight bullets do well in the faster and slower twist cap n ball barrels? And at target and full loads?

What are the thoughts on these?

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-160B-D.png

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-180S-D.png

[Maven]

Rodwa, That may have been me on the Tradtional ML Forum: http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/283343/ Actually, I tried them sized to .452" (as cast was .453", pure Pb) in my Armi San Paolo 1858 Rem. over ~28grs. Pyro. P that I wanted to use up. Btw, I used a lubed OP Ox Yoke felt wad and seated those CB's normally, and backward. Seating (in either direction) was easy as there was plenty of clearance between the chamber mouths and the frame. Accuracy, however, was another matter: patterns rather than groups and ~12" high @ 25 yds. Normally, the gun shoots high with .451" RB's and will group into 2" or less at the same distance.

[rodwha]

Did you have another thread about it? It wasn't that one. It went into a little detail on the use of it. It was a few months ago I'd guess.

[Maven]

No, it must be someone else, as I just got the Lee mold ~2 1/2 weeks ago. I'll try it again, but I think I'll wind up selling it as it does cast well. The CB's and my revolver just aren't a good fit.

[rodwha]

Anyone else?

I'd really like to hear thoughts about the 160 grn FN vs a .457" RB. With an OAL of only .41" it can certainly hold more powder. And with more bearing surface it ought to produce more pressure, along with a smidgeon more due to increased weight.

I load up my Ruger with 30 grns of 3F Triple 7 and a ball for around the house. If 33 grns and a ball gave 1062 fps I'd guess I'm close to 1000 fps.

I'm also curious about the 180 grn FN as it's about the OAL of a ball. A similar max powder charge could therefore be used. I'd venture to guess it would make a nice hunting bullet!

Another fellow had them design a nice 200 grn FN (200S IIRC) with an even wider meplat. It looks quite dandy!

[Rattus58]

I had read of someone using the Lee 160 grn FN bullet in their percussion revolver. I don't recall if it was theory or observed, but the bullet's OAL was slightly less than a ball, but with more bearing surface would/should increase the pressure and velocity.

I contacted Tom at Accurate Molds and asked for dimensions that would work in a cap n ball pistol with it being ~ the length of the ball. It came out at .460" long and 180 grns (WW). He also designed one that drops at 160 grns (WW) that's only .410" long. They would be cast pure, and the way I understand it is that when he cuts the molds they'll be designed to work with the lead/alloy you choose.

He's also going to design one that weighs ~250 grns.

Would the short and light weight bullets do well in the faster and slower twist cap n ball barrels? And at target and full loads?

What are the thoughts on these?

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-160B-D.png

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-180S-D.png

Personally I'd not be interested in the 160, but the 180 being at least a smidge longer than wider is more my cup of tea.... and I'll wager more stable as well...

[rodwha]

I emailed a guy at JBMBallistics about the stability number his calculator gave and what it meant (it was far off from ideal, though it seemed set up for rifles since even 45 ACP/Colt bullets were waaaay off), and his reply was that it ought to do just fine, and that the number I was given meant it was "over stabilized" as some might put it.

For me the 160 grn only need to work well to maybe 20 yds as it was intended for close and personal use.

I've been torn on what bullets I'd have in this mold as I really like the idea of the 160 grn for around the house, and the 180 grn looks quite appealing as a hunting bullet for non dangerous game. And I'm set on a 250-260 grn FN for hogs and such. I'd want 2 cavities per style and all I can get is up to 5 in a mold. 2/2/1? A separate mold? Grrr!