Lee C457-500-F - deep enough grooves?

[SniderBoomer]

Been using this loaded down to 1000fps using no gas check with Trail Boss, using Lee Liquid Alox in my Marlin 1895.

Surprisingly accurate, what's most memorable is I hardly ever seem get my 'normal' fliers like with my other calibers... weird.. I like it, but can't explain that one. This boolit makes me feel good ;-)

Plan to up the velocity somewhat for the longer range. You reckon the grooves are deep enough for regular NRA lubes?

...and on that subject, anyone know the right Lyman/RCBS lube die and top-punch for this boolit?

http://i42.tinypic.com/2wdsq3q.jpg

[dubber123]

Sure looks it to me. I'll assume you are crimping up past the front band to get OAL short enough to work in your Marlin, which leaves you with 3 decent sized lube grooves and a bit in front of the gas check area. I think it will hold plenty of lube. Have fun.

[GBertolet]

I have that mold in the new style blocks. Bullets drop out at .460 using Lyman #2 alloy. I use it in my Ruger .458 for a full power load @ 2000 fps. Not my regular load, as I have a reduced power 325 gr bullet loading for normal use. I just wanted a factory duplication load to have around, and a $18 Lee mold was the way to go to accomplish this. I use regular 50-50 alox in my Lyman 450 sizer, with no leading. I purchased a .459 sizer die and ultimately lapped it out to .460, as I found my groove diameter in the Ruger was .4595. The best Lyman top punch I matched up, out of my box of punches, was the #649. I don't have my book handy, but I believe it is for a 45 colt traditional 250gr RNFP bullet.

[Larry Gibson]

I push that very bullet, GC'd of course, lubed with Javelina or other NRA 50/50 lubes to 2150 fps out of my Mauser 45-400-70. I've not had a lube problem, just a recoil one........

Larry Gibson

91254

[SniderBoomer]

Thanks guys, now I can get the right punch and some gas-checks.

I tried this boolit just a few hours ago at the range, last shoot of the year. Had some hard BHN-22 alloy cast to try. Unsized at 459" as they drop. Used 39 grains of H4198. Entertaining in my 1895. Once you 'adjust' to work with the recoil and accept you aren't getting a 'scope implanted in your eye sockets, amazingly accurate. No leading, despite no gas checks as yet. Just lubed with a double tumble of 45-45-10 and seated to 2.55 OAL with good crimp.

A great boolit. Will await the gas-check before pushing any harder.

[SniderBoomer]

I push that very bullet, GC'd of course, lubed with Javelina or other NRA 50/50 lubes to 2150 fps out of my Mauser 45-400-70. I've not had a lube problem, just a recoil one........

Larry Gibson

91254


Larry, that an express-train load, man I'd love to touch off a few of those someday.

Just a few... ;-)

[Larry Gibson]

It's an 8 1/2 lb rifle so it lets you know you've pulled a trigger for sure. If you're out this way let me know and we'll touch off a "few".....just have a dental appointment set up shortly after to tighten up the back teeth[smilie=l:

BTW; The j bullet on the left is a 400 gr Barnes SP pushed at 2300 fps..........hello left hook from Joe Foreman.........:sad:

Neither is really that bad from sitting or standing but off the bench it can be brutal.......

Larry Gibson

[MaLar]

I shoot this bullet cast of 1 too 20 alloy with GC sprayed with Lee drop out before sizing.
I can drive this from a wild cat 45-350 Rem Mag to 1800+ with out leading.
Mushroom recovered from a soft dirt back stop is about 1" plus, penetration is about 14".

Kicks like the devil from the bench.

[jgh4445]

Can anyone tell me what diameter this mold will drop using 20-1 and 30-1? I'd like to try it in my Pedersoli Sharps but am pretty sure I need a .459 or better yet a .460. I want a fairly soft alloy for hunting.

[CPL Lou]

MY mold drops at .457" using 50/50 COWW/SOWW with 1% tin added.
Have to remelt the whole batch and try a different alloy.
I need .459" for my rifles.

CPL Lou

[Fishman]

Mine is the old style singlr cavity and it does not exceed .458. Needs a little work is all but I havent gotten around to it.