Favorite .45-70 cast boolit for lever gun?

[40-82 hiker]

Looking to get my first mould for a lever .45-70 (had unusable barrel on an '86 Win rebored). I have my favorites for my TD, but this is a new ballgame.

So, what is your favorite cast boolit for a lever .45-70? I like Accurate molds. Haven't tried NOE, but like their reputation. Lyman okay, but in my experience they require work to get diameter correct.

Not using BP, so probably need a crimp groove?

Will use 1:20, and BP velocities.

Can't hunt anymore, unfortunately, so just target shooting (don't need heavier boolit).

Think that's enough to get this started...

Thanks,
Bob

[monge]

I love my RANCH DOG 350gr gc,NOE is making a copy of it size it to .460 very accurate and with kill enenything roaming North America!

[KirkD]

I have purchased several moulds from Accurate Moulds. One of the several things I really like about them is that you can tell him what diameter you want to size your bullet to and he will machine the mould to drop them slightly larger than that diameter. After getting undersized boolits from several other moulds from other companies, I just stick to Accurate Moulds.

[TXGunNut]

I like the RD mould as well but a PB version of that or something from Tom would probably make more sense for you.

[Mike Malat]

Just received my mould from Accurate today. 2 cavities in 46-405V and 1 in 45-390P for my new Remlin 1895. The mould was dumping boolits 2 hrs after pulling the package out of the mailbox. Finished loading 20 rounds to take it's first trip to the range tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.

[Jailer]

Accurate molds 46-405M works fantastic in my 1895. Works even better for another member in his Handi.

[Jon K]

Slug the bore, and check the chamber size.....make the boolit fit the rifle.
The NOE 350 RD has a large nose and may not fit the Winchester.

Jon

[jh45gun]

My Final 45/70 is my Marlin Guide gun with Ballard rifling, but before that I had a handi rifle then a Roller I had built which I traded off for my guide gun which is a much handier rifle than the long octagon barreled roller I had. Anyway the Lee 405 grain .459 hollow base has shot great in all three of those rifles.

[Bucking the Tiger]

I purchased a NOE 460350 mold that drops 5 plain base bullets at a time. It is a joy to use and this bullet is the ideal target bullet for my Marlin 1895. If the the nose of this bullets fits your chamber, this bullet is a winner.

[zuke]

NOE 330 HP GC that I paper patch for my 45-70's and also used in my 577-450

[40-82 hiker]

The NOE 460350 seems to have a following (I would get PB). If anyone could spot me a few boolits (10?) unsized I would pay shipping and boolits. I can size .459, but will have to get a .460 anyway...

Bore is .450, grooves are .458.

Thanks,
Bob

[40-82 hiker]

The NOE 460350 seems to have a following (I would get PB). If anyone could spot me a few boolits (10?) unsized I would pay shipping and boolits. I can size .459, but will have to get a .460 anyway...

Bore is .450, grooves are .458.

Thanks,
Bob

Oops! Forgot to ask which alloy you cast with, but doesn't really matter if checking fit is biggest question...

One boolit would probably do...

[40-82 hiker]

Accurate molds 46-405M works fantastic in my 1895. Works even better for another member in his Handi.

Jailer,

I very much like Accurate molds. I've been looking at Tom's catalog so often and so long I'm starting to see boolits everywhere I look! Not sure I want to go as heavy as 405 for my '86. I use the traditional Ordnance Department RN 405 in my Trapdoor with great results, but thinking I'll lighten up a tad for this multi-shot AR-'86. However, if you could spare a few unsized I will certainly pay for postage and boolits.

Thanks

[6pt-sika]

Get the RD 460-350GC or 460-425GC , but not the NOE copy but rather one if the original Lee/RD molds .

[Nrut]

Get the RD 460-350GC or 460-425GC , but not the NOE copy but rather one if the original Lee/RD molds .
>>>Why?

[Kim]

A Lyman 457406 HP casts at 440 grains for me and I use a flat top punch to put a meplat on while sizing them. Brinell 12 lead at 1350 f/s shoots wonderfully in my 1895SS and the 2 bears taken with this bullet looked like they argued with a locomotive. I'd like to try a 462560 some time.

[40-82 hiker]

Get the RD 460-350GC or 460-425GC , but not the NOE copy but rather one if the original Lee/RD molds .

As Nrut asked, why? Really curious.

[6pt-sika]

As Nrut asked, why? Really curious.

I prefer the original over the NOE copy .

[40-82 hiker]

I prefer the original over the NOE copy .


What did NOE change?

Thanks

[StrawHat]

...I have my favorites for my TD, but this is a new ballgame ... Thanks,
Bob

I would start with what you already have. Who knows, you might not need anything else.

Now, if you WANT to buy another mold, that is a different story!

[skeettx]

Lyman 457483, great bullet

[missionary5155]

Good morning
I like 350 grainers. I hunt in close and there are no big critters in east ILLinois to pop with rifles. They will scoot fast, flat and are far more than any coyotee or ground hog needs.
Mike in Peru

[6pt-sika]

What did NOE change?

Thanks

The lube grooves for one thing and cost for another !

Ranch Dog had tumble lube grooves and NOE changed to more traditional .

Ranch Dog was selling 6 cavity Lee molds for about $60 and a 5 cavity NOE is over $100 I think .

I happen to have both in some configurations of the RD bullets but thats beside the point .

When I found out RD was shutting his doors the last time I got seconds and thirds for the molds I use the most . So I should be in good shape 44 cal molds for as long as I care to cast .

[Silence is golden]

My personal favorite is a LEE .457-500f bullet on top of 20 grs. Of 2400 coal is 2.55" shot out of a Rossi Rio grande

[303carbine]

My over all favorite is the 405 grain RCBS, it works great in my 86 Winchester and my Marlin GS.:lovebooli

[hornetguy]

I second the nomination for the Lee 405 hollow-base bullet. I've only had one 45-70, a Marlin, but of the 3 or 4 types of bullets I've tried, it has given the best accuracy. I shoot it at around, or just under 1200 fps... can't remember exact chrono numbers. I use Unique, no filler, and the first 5 shots of that load at 50yds were almost all touching. Under 1", easily. It can duplicate that anytime I do my part on the trigger. It also prints groups of no more than 1.5" at 100yds, so the accuracy holds up pretty well. It is mildly amusing though, that after the muzzle blast, you can actually hear the slap of the bullet going through the paper at 100yds. Seems like it takes about a full second to hit, but it probably isn't that long. It's not like you have time to fire, light up a cigarette, then watch the hit, or anything, it's just on the slow side. It's a total cream-puff to shoot, and if you ever had a hankering to hunt with it, I imagine it would drop anything that MOST of us would hunt... deer, hogs, black bears... even elk at 100 yd ranges, I imagine.
The ONLY drawback I can see with the Lee is that it is a single cavity mold. This doesn't bother me at all, since I'm not putting hundreds of rounds downrange every time I go shoot. It works for me... very nicely.

[Lead Fred]

So, what is your favorite cast boolit for a lever .45-70?


This one:

http://www.ranchdogoutdoors.com/bin/TLC460425RF/bullet/sketch.jpg

Now made by NOE

Using holy black they travel at 1200-1500fps

With reloader 7 1600ish

With IMR4895 1750fps

from yawn to Oh Ship!

[Grapeshot]

When I had a Marlin .45/70 M1895 I would use the Lee .457-405 grain RNFP with smokeless. I would get good results with Unique and 2400. When I switched to Black Powder or the substitutes I used the .459-405 grain RNHB boolit with excellent results. I also used the 350 grain RCBS RNFP with BP/Subs. That slug also gave impressive results.

[40-82 hiker]

UPDATE:

A number of boolits:

1)Accuracy: Somewhat surprised, but so far the most accurate load is the one for my Trapdoor. Nothing changed! I just picked up the box of TD loads and took them to the range with others. Lyman 405gr with 1:20. Can't load them in the magazine, or more than one at any rate (round nose boolit). Sitting position best 4-shot group at 50 yards: 1 1/8" C to C.

2)Just starting on loads with other boolits given to me, and gun is developing likes/dislikes. Rifle likes 1:20 best in any boolit (I have two boolits the same in hard lead and 1:20 - 1:20 best hands down). Accurate 46-300B is one fine looking boolit, and fairly accurate in hard lead (love to try in with 1:20). Haven't had enough time to make much sense out of it all, but working on it. Slight leaders go to 1:20 in any weight, including the TD loads which are 1:20 as well.

All boolits sized .459" (groove diam. is .458"/bore is .450") and lubed with Lyman moly lube, which I like very much (JMHO, and not to be swayed - loads in 40-65 RB and TD have proved this out for me time and again). Powder is 5744, with same loyalty. All loads are to stay in BP velocities and pressures.

At this point I think I'd choose two molds (ARGH! - outside of budget), one would be the Accurate 300gr, and the other a 400gr. FP version of my Lyman 405 (I know, it is no longer the same boolit - but still love to try it). The 300gr. boolit could be quite the mouse fart load, as well as a regular load. No loads will be used for hunting, so whether the target is head down or charging, all loads will work.

Thanks to all for input. Spine tests and treatments are slowing this down, but plugging away...

Bob

[skeettx]

Just use your TD bullet and drill a hollow-point in the end,
the diameter hole a little larger that the large rifle primer diameter,
so it will work in your tube feed gun.
Mike

[StrawHat]

...UPDATE:


1)Accuracy: Somewhat surprised, but so far the most accurate load is the one for my Trapdoor. Nothing changed! I just picked up the box of TD loads and took them to the range with others. Lyman 405gr with 1:20. Can't load them in the magazine, or more than one at any rate (round nose boolit). Sitting position best 4-shot group at 50 yards: 1 1/8" C to C ... Bob

Bob, if you want to "test" the flat point boolit, just use a file to make a flat on the RN boolit. If it works, either buy a new mold or make a jig so you can flatten the points uniformly.

Also, I have heard that Marlins like fatter boolits. Key word there is "heard", I do not have a Marlin rifle.

[725]

Hands down favorite - an old group buy: 460420 With my alloy (soft) mine casts about 415 gr. Large flat meplat, wide lube grooves, flat based or gas checked, sent out mild or wild, it's the most accurate one I've used.

[pipehand]

I have the same mold that 725 refers to. Terrific accuracy out of my Marlin. 425 grains in my alloy, and about 25 grains of 2400 get it going at +/- 1300fps.

[pls1911]

Favorite bullet is tough to define.
The RD 350 is a sweet number all around and would be my choice if limited to one design. I'd recommend an NOE mold too... better quality than Lee, and many more cavities.
The RCBS 300 grain is accurate in all my guns too.
Another mid range consideration is the NEI 440... a heavy soup can, plain and simple; a wad cutter for big boys...and there ain't no bigger slap factor around. At this weight though, recoil starts getting stiff at higher velocities.

All are gas checked, loaded with RL-7, and a tuft of dacron.
With this combination, I've NEVER found a hint of leading.

[40-82 hiker]

Favorite bullet is tough to define.
The RD 350 is a sweet number all around and would be my choice if limited to one design. I'd recommend an NOE mold too... better quality than Lee, and many more cavities.
The RCBS 300 grain is accurate in all my guns too.
Another mid range consideration is the NEI 440... a heavy soup can, plain and simple; a wad cutter for big boys...and there ain't no bigger slap factor around. At this weight though, recoil starts getting stiff at higher velocities.

All are gas checked, loaded with RL-7, and a tuft of dacron.
With this combination, I've NEVER found a hint of leading.

Leaning towards the NOE 350 PB. Still testing...

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I like the 300 gr RCBS Flat Nose gas check. Accurate, less recoil, flatter trajectory, less lead. 300 grains shoots through elk and moose unless your taking Texas heart shots. I just don't like that extra recoil of the 350 and 400 grain bullets in the lightweight Marlin. Unless I was walking into really big grizzly or brown bear, I have found no need for more than 300 grains. Ask the .44 Magnum and .454 guys about 300 grain bullets.

[40-82 hiker]

I like the 300 gr RCBS Flat Nose gas check. Accurate, less recoil, flatter trajectory, less lead. 300 grains shoots through elk and moose unless your taking Texas heart shots. I just don't like that extra recoil of the 350 and 400 grain bullets in the lightweight Marlin. Unless I was walking into really big grizzly or brown bear, I have found no need for more than 300 grains. Ask the .44 Magnum and .454 guys about 300 grain bullets.

Tom does make a really nice looking 300gr. boolit (46-300B). I have some to test in hard lead...

This '86 Win. is rather heavy, and even the TD load I am shooting with a 405gr. boolit is not very worrisome, and I've got a messed up back. Not sure it weighs much, if any less than my TD, as the barrel is VERY thick compared to the TDs. The Winchester's stock also seems to mitigate recoil better as well.

Still, I'm thinking lighter than the 405 at any rate!

With the 405 grain boolit in my TD the muzzle velocity is around 1240fps, as someone at the range let me shoot through his Chrony the other day. He told me I could shoot more, but I had visions of pieces of his Chrony spread over half the county. One was enough... Not sure what the velocity is in the Win., but would think it's about the same.

Thanks to all for suggestions.

[40-82 hiker]

I would start with what you already have. Who knows, you might not need anything else.

Now, if you WANT to buy another mold, that is a different story!

StrawHat,

So far this is holding true! Of the boolits given to me to try, this 405gr. RN is still ahead of the rest. Really thinking about trying a FN version. I tried filing off the point a little as suggested, and I could not seem to make any two boolits the same. Didn't make a jig, though. Still working on things, but so far I've got a two shooter. A good one at that!

I must admit the 300gr. to 325gr. boolits not far behind. Just not as consistent...

[StrawHat]

For testing purposes, a jig can be made from a block of hardwood. Bore it to slip over the boolit, cut it so the amount of boolit filed or clipped off gives you the meplat you want. Make 10 or 20 and test, If it works, either pursue a mold or build a better block from metal. I've done a few and they work fine for a limited number, until I can get a mold. Another way to the same end would be sizing with a flat punch. Not sure how much pressure on the handle or how you could duplicate it.

[40-82 hiker]

For testing purposes, a jig can be made from a block of hardwood. Bore it to slip over the boolit, cut it so the amount of boolit filed or clipped off gives you the meplat you want. Make 10 or 20 and test, If it works, either pursue a mold or build a better block from metal. I've done a few and they work fine for a limited number, until I can get a mold. Another way to the same end would be sizing with a flat punch. Not sure how much pressure on the handle or how you could duplicate it.

I like the idea of the block of wood. I'll work on that tomorrow and see what develops. I sure don't need to take much off of the TD boolits, as they have a very round nose. Only trouble I was really having was keeping the file square to the boolit. The wood jig will fix that.

Thanks.

[StrawHat]

Glad to help.

[Bouv]

Since last Friday I am a proud owner of a Browning 1886 in .45-70. Yesterday I've cast some Lee .459-405-HB, some of you use this bullet in leverguns. I am a bit in doubt if it is safe to use this bullet in my Browning, because the nose is the same diameter than the primer. What are your experiences?
Sooner or later I will order a mold from Accurate, at present I am waiting for a mold for my Henry in .44-40. It has been shipped 5 weeks ago and did not arrive until now ....

Greetings from Bavaria!

[40-82 hiker]

Since last Friday I am a proud owner of a Browning 1886 in .45-70. Yesterday I've cast some Lee .459-405-HB, some of you use this bullet in leverguns. I am a bit in doubt if it is safe to use this bullet in my Browning, because the nose is the same diameter than the primer. What are your experiences?
Sooner or later I will order a mold from Accurate, at present I am waiting for a mold for my Henry in .44-40. It has been shipped 5 weeks ago and dit not arrive until now ....

Greetings from Bavaria!

Just my 2 cents:

Since you've molded them, shoot them one at a time, or load one in the magazine and one in the chamber and have fun. I'm too cautious about such things, and would not tempt fate as to load more than one in the magazine. Besides, the 405gr. RN boolit I'm molding for my TD is my most accurate load in my '86 Win. after much testing of other boolits. Someone recommended I do this in this thread, and sure enough I'm having a ball with this load. Saved me having to buy another mold, at least for now. Until then, I've got a two shooter! Besides, I like the slower rate of fire while at the range. Swimming upstream, but fun...

I made a jig and filed the nose off of some as recommended, but realized it was buying me little since all I am doing is target shooting. They shot okay, however.

Thinking I'm going to eventually get the Accurate 300gr. mold (46-300B), however. It is a good boolit design, shot well, uses less lead, and the recoil was very tame. If I didn't already have my 405 RN mold, I'd really be tempted to get Tom's 46-405M which Jailer recommended. Looks like a nice boolit.

[longbow]

When I had my 1895 Marlin in the 1970's (wish I still had it) I tried several boolits and found the Lyman 457124 worked very well for me. Kinda mid range weight. It shot well over both hot smokeless loads, with less recoil than heavier boolits, and over BP as well. It just seemed like a good gun/boolit combination to me.That boolit is round nose but I never had any issues with loading in a tube magazine. Nowadays if I were to get another .45-70 Marlin I would be looking at boolits between 300 and 400 grs. with a moderate meplat.There's lots of good choices out there and lots of suggestions so far.If you get an Accurate mold you will not be disappointed! Tom does excellent work.Longbow

[Bouv]

Thank you both for your answers. 40-82 hiker, what you said was in my mind as I wrote the post. I also don't want to tempt fate :-)
I bought the Lee .459-405-HB a few months ago for my Sharps, but haven't tried it. For my Browning I would like to use a 405 gr boolit for both smokeless and black powder. And it will be an Accurate, heard only good things about.

[40-82 hiker]

When I had my 1895 Marlin in the 1970's (wish I still had it) I tried several boolits and found the Lyman 457124 worked very well for me. Kinda mid range weight. It shot well over both hot smokeless loads, with less recoil than heavier boolits, and over BP as well. It just seemed like a good gun/boolit combination to me.That boolit is round nose but I never had any issues with loading in a tube magazine. Nowadays if I were to get another .45-70 Marlin I would be looking at boolits between 300 and 400 grs. with a moderate meplat.There's lots of good choices out there and lots of suggestions so far.If you get an Accurate mold you will not be disappointed! Tom does excellent work.Longbow

457124 Yep. This is the boolit I'm using now in my TD and '86 Win. and discussed above. Using 1:20 it comes in a barely over 400 grains for me. Really does seem to be a good all around boolit for .45-70.

I just can't bring myself to stack them, though. Glad it worked out for you. Too chicken to try it myself, but really glad to hear it can be done.

[longbow]

Well, nowadays I am older and a bit smarter so I might think twice about using the round nose boolit in a tube mag. However, the nose is very round and blunt and the cartridges do lay on an angle so I doubt a primer would ever be set off but... a meplat would solve that and make for a better hunting boolit as well.

I shot some screaming loads from that Marlin (Hornady Marlin top end loads) and it recoiled fiercely with those loads but no primers set off. Still, like I said, I would think twice about it now.

I also lucked out in that the boolits cast in that Lyman mould seemed to fit the Marlin just fine with no leading. I was definitely not smart enough to slug the bore in those days. After all I bought a .457" boolit mould didn't I? It has to fit doesn't it? Got lucky that time!

I do not recall if I ever weighed any to check them but they were noticeably shorter than boolits from a .405 gr. mould I had so I have to think they weighed under 400 grs.... but I probably never weighed the 405 gr. boolits either. After all that's what the mould is supposed to cast so it must right?

Yeah, definitely older and I hope a bit smarter.

Longbow

[nhrifle]

The Lee 405 solid base is what I have been shooting for a few years now and am never disappointed with it. Works with both smokeless and black powder.