LEE Mold .459-405 HB

[mikez]

Is this a good Boolit Mold? Is it an accurate design for the 45/70. Is the cutter on the top of the Boolit since it is a hollow base? Size it at .458?

[chuebner]

I have this Lee mold and at about 30:1 it drops at .460 which I load as cast for my trapdoor and size to .459 for my rolling block. This is a copy of the original Springfield Arsenal bullet for the 1873 trapdoor. It shoots OK but I have loaded other 45 cal bullets that shoot better. Yes it is a top pour design and for an under 20 buck mold I don't think you can go wrong. You never know, it may shoot great in your guns.

charlie

[mikez]

Charlie,

I could shoot that boolit out of my Ruger #3 as plinking loads. Would I size it to .458?

[35remington]

I have the same mould. It casts to .462" and I size to .460."

I can see no particular reason to size to .458", as your rifle will accept a bit larger and this may better fit the throat.

The best size is determined after taking a casting of the throat, or a slug from the same region.

We cannot say for certain what would be absolutely best for you, but you'd best be advised to go larger than .458" as throats are usually cut a little large.

The bullet is intended for moderate velocities, and cannot take the speeds a gascheck design will. For old time ballistics or factory duplication it is fine.

[oldhickory]

I have the same mould. It casts to .462" and I size to .460."

I can see no particular reason to size to .458", as your rifle will accept a bit larger and this may better fit the throat.

The best size is determined after taking a casting of the throat, or a slug from the same region.

We cannot say for certain what would be absolutely best for you, but you'd best be advised to go larger than .458" as throats are usually cut a little large.

The bullet is intended for moderate velocities, and cannot take the speeds a gascheck design will. For old time ballistics or factory duplication it is fine.


I've been using this boolit, (WW) in an 1884 Springfield for a few years now, and it shoots good with a duplex load of 5grs. Unique and 50gr. FFG black. I wouldn't use this combination in a Ruger #1 though, it would do good with a mild smokeless load I'm sure. Anyway, for the price...You can't beat it!

[jack19512]

Is this a good Boolit Mold? Is it an accurate design for the 45/70. Is the cutter on the top of the Boolit since it is a hollow base? Size it at .458?







I know you are asking about the LEE Mold .459-405 HB which I have but just haven't used it much, just thought I would add that I use the Lee 457-340-F boolit in my Marlin 1895 CB 45/70 and it does really good even considering I have not spent much time working up a load yet.

I was shooting it today and done real well. The smaller holes on the right are from my Marlin 1894 CB 44 mag and the larger holes on the left is from the 45/70. Distance was around 60 yards with 6 shots. Load was the 340gr. and 28 gr. of 4198.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a63/jack19512/4570-340.jpg