New to me Marlin 1895CB .45-70, Boolit mould recommendations

[DeputyDog25]

I will be picking up my Marlin 1895 CB in .45-70 with 26” barrel. I am thinking about a couple of boolits, one around 350gr and another around 400gr. What do you shoot and what do you suggest. I would be willing to purchase a few of each to see how they perform. Thanks in advance for your time and advice.

Scott

[Walks]

I shoot the Lyman #457193, had Good Luck with both IMR4198 and 5744.

[DeputyDog25]

I shoot the Lyman #457193, had Good Luck with both IMR4198 and 5744.

Thanks for the information, that is one of the moulds I am considering. The other being the Accurate 46-405k.

[Michael J. Spangler]

I shoot the Lee 405 RNFP with good results.
Lubed or paper patched.
I prefer 32 grains of H4198 or 12 grains on unique for plinking.

[osteodoc08]

NOE has several molds. An excellent one for plinking is the 186gr collar button. I can easily go through 50-100 of those in an afternoon busting clays or cans. Sooooooo much fun.

[RickinTN]

In your Marlin you will probably need a bullet that drops at least .460". I have a recent production Lee 340pb which does. I haven't shot any but in my Marlin 1895 the nose engraves very slightly on chambering and it appears to be a very good fit. A friend has the Accurate 460405C mold and it works very well in his Marlin. Both of our rifles are the later "Ballard" rifling which I think yours is also.
Good Luck,
Rick

[DeputyDog25]

In your Marlin you will probably need a bullet that drops at least .460". I have a recent production Lee 340pb which does. I haven't shot any but in my Marlin 1895 the nose engraves very slightly on chambering and it appears to be a very good fit. A friend has the Accurate 460405C mold and it works very well in his Marlin. Both of our rifles are the later "Ballard" rifling which I think yours is also.
Good Luck,
Rick

Thanks for the information Rick. My rifle is a 2018 model, so the Ballard rifling is probably correct.

[SOFMatchstaff]

I've had one for quite awhile, and havent found a cast projo yet that didnt shoot great. I settled on the Lee 405 gr HBRN at 20-1 at just above Trapdoor levels. I've gone hotter, but the recoil is a bit more than I want to deal with . I'll use the heavys in the Sharps.

[Maine1]

Ok, i'm jealous! Give us a report on the overall quality when you receive it.

my 1895 with microgrooves shoots the RCBS 405 gr ( drops at 415+ gr) pretty well.

[DeputyDog25]

I've had one for quite awhile, and havent found a cast projo yet that didnt shoot great. I settled on the Lee 405 gr HBRN at 20-1 at just above Trapdoor levels. I've gone hotter, but the recoil is a bit more than I want to deal with . I'll use the heavys in the Sharps.

My first inclination was the Lyman 457193 but I have been reading several posts where this boolit has a feed issue in the 1895.

[DeputyDog25]

Ok, i'm jealous! Give us a report on the overall quality when you receive it.

my 1895 with microgrooves shoots the RCBS 405 gr ( drops at 415+ gr) pretty well.


I’ll be sure and let you know how I make out.

[pjames32]

Scott.....I do a 350gr NOE SWC in mine and it feeds well. I have a 480gr NOE for my rolling block that does not like to feed in my 1895. Can I send you some to try? You have my contact info I think. Paul

[444ttd]

a lyman 47122(330gr gould hp) or a 425gr ranch dog(noe is SC460-429-RF-BA2 RG4 cavity GC Brass (RD))

[Winger Ed.]

I have the RCBS 405. I like it with 4198 or 70gr. of FF.

But up over about 1500 fps it makes you wonder which end is more dangerous than the other.

[Duckiller]

I use two Lee molds. 405gr and 330 gr. Wasn't sure how it would shoot so wanted to try cheap molds first. Very happy with them. Minimum loads of Trail Boss make a great light load. Max load of TB or a reasonable load of 5744 will probably let you shoot buffalo or something smaller. The light Trail Boss loads are just fun to shoot and have very little recoil. Enjoy it!

[Walks]

I've had My 1895CB for 20+yrs and My 1895S Pre-Safety for about 40yrs. I bought the Lyman #457193 just for The 1895S.
It shoots just as well in the 1895CB.

And it Feeds without any problems AT all in either Rifle.

Never had a problem with the 457191HP either. The RCBS 45-405-FN works ok too.

My Sharps prefers the RCBS to the Lyman#457193.

[DeputyDog25]

Scott.....I do a 350gr NOE SWC in mine and it feeds well. I have a 480gr NOE for my rolling block that does not like to feed in my 1895. Can I send you some to try? You have my contact info I think. Paul
Hi Paul, I would love to try a few. I’ll send you a PM with more information. Thanks very much.

[DeputyDog25]

I certainly appreciate all the replies and information. I want to use all this info to develop a couple of good plinking/practice loads and a couple of reliable but not overpowering hunting loads.

[murf205]

You will love that rifle!! I use 40 grs of Accurate 2015 and a 405 gr mold from Accurate Molds for 1500+ fps for a hunting load and it recoils at about the top level I want but shoots great. A Skinner rear Express and front sight helped A LOT. Good luck.247036247037

[redhawk0]

I have 3 molds...Lee 340gr, and 405gr both FN....and the Lyman 457122 330gr Gould HP. The two lighter boolits are at 1350fps, the 405s are at 1200fps and they are still comfortable on the shoulder. I use IMR3031 and H4198 powders.

redhawk

[Walks]

If you're shooting from the bench, you will really appreciate a folded towel or strap-on recoil pad. Try it before you FEEL the need.

[DeputyDog25]

You will love that rifle!! I use 40 grs of Accurate 2015 and a 405 gr mold from Accurate Molds for 1500+ fps for a hunting load and it recoils at about the top level I want but shoots great. A Skinner rear Express and front sight helped A LOT. Good luck.247036247037

I love the look of those sights. I checked out their web page yesterday and really liked them.

[DeputyDog25]

If you're shooting from the bench, you will really appreciate a folded towel or strap-on recoil pad. Try it before you FEEL the need.

Thanks for the heads up. I will definitely need something since I will be having a total reverse shoulder replacement in the next few weeks.

[buckshotshoey]

I certainly appreciate all the replies and information. I want to use all this info to develop a couple of good plinking/practice loads and a couple of reliable but not overpowering hunting loads.

I was wondering what you intend to use it for. If whitetails are the biggest game you intend to hunt, I would stick to the lighter bullets. From 325 to 350 grains. There are several advantages.. ...

The RCBS 325 gr I use is more then adequate for whitetails, they are easy on the shoulder, are very accurate, and you wont burn through your lead stockpile as fast.

[murf205]

I love the look of those sights. I checked out their web page yesterday and really liked them.

You will like the accuracy you get from them for sure. I couldnt tell which of my loads were better than the others with the old Marlin open sights. When I got the Skinner sights zeroed, I changed my targets to a big black circle against a white background (full piece of computer paper) an the shooting got a lot better. A small target that the front sight completely blocks out will not tell yo nearly as much as one that you can orient the sights to.

[murf205]

Thanks for the heads up. I will definitely need something since I will be having a total reverse shoulder replacement in the next few weeks.

I have 2 total reverse shoulders and that is when I let some of the air out of my Marlin CB 45/70. It still bites @ 1500 fps so I use a piece of memory foam. I am going to let a bit more air out of it and get in the 1300fps range. It will still penetrate into the next zip code without beating my shoulder up. My 358 Norma has been relegated to a cast boolit gun since the shoulder reverse as well. Those 250gr Noslers @ 2800fps just plain hurt. Good luck with the surgery. Do the therapy and you will be glad you had it done.

[DeputyDog25]

I have 2 total reverse shoulders and that is when I let some of the air out of my Marlin CB 45/70. It still bites @ 1500 fps so I use a piece of memory foam. I am going to let a bit more air out of it and get in the 1300fps range. It will still penetrate into the next zip code without beating my shoulder up. My 358 Norma has been relegated to a cast boolit gun since the shoulder reverse as well. Those 250gr Noslers @ 2800fps just plain hurt. Good luck with the surgery. Do the therapy and you will be glad you had it done.

Thanks for the advice and the well wishes.

[DeputyDog25]

I was wondering what you intend to use it for. If whitetails are the biggest game you intend to hunt, I would stick to the lighter bullets. From 325 to 350 grains. There are several advantages.. ...

The RCBS 325 gr I use is more then adequate for whitetails, they are easy on the shoulder, are very accurate, and you wont burn through your lead stockpile as fast.


My wife and I will be moving to NW Montana this spring so I will be hunting elk and mule deer. I also will be carrying for anti-bear use.

[NorthMoccasin]

DD, I use Lyman 457191 (300gr), 457193 (420gr) and 457122 (340gr HP). Also the RCBS 45-300 fp. All feed fine in my 1895 marlin. 15.0gr unique and the 300gr Lyman is a favorite load. Easy on the shoulder, plenty of power. The 340 HP at about 1500 fs has penetrated from the point of shoulder to under the skin on the opposite ham of a good size whitetail buck. except to flatten trajectory, there is no need for "Magnum" 45/70 loads IMHO. BP equivalent velocities work fine. BTW real black powder works great if you use the proper BP lube!

[DeputyDog25]

DD, I use Lyman 457191 (300gr), 457193 (420gr) and 457122 (340gr HP). Also the RCBS 45-300 fp. All feed fine in my 1895 marlin. 15.0gr unique and the 300gr Lyman is a favorite load. Easy on the shoulder, plenty of power. The 340 HP at about 1500 fs has penetrated from the point of shoulder to under the skin on the opposite ham of a good size whitetail buck. except to flatten trajectory, there is no need for "Magnum" 45/70 loads IMHO. BP equivalent velocities work fine. BTW real black powder works great if you use the proper BP lube!

I appreciate this information. I have a feeling the 340-350gr boolit is going to be my primary choice.

[Norske]

My 1895 rifle shoots 400gr boolits pushed by Ramshot Exterminator or Alliant Reloader 7 very well. for a mild-recoiling load, try the same boolit and 38.5 gr IMR 3031, a "factory equivalent" load from my 1967 Lyman reloading manual.
Both Exterminator and Rx7 are double-base Powders. Western Powder's manual recommends WLR primers. Winchester primers are designed to burn through any graphite coating and reliably ignite double-base powders. I had one hangfire with CCI primers and learned my lesson: Follow directions!

[Winger Ed.]

[QUOTE= I have a feeling the 340-350gr boolit is going to be my primary choice.[/QUOTE]

I would encourage that.
I've got the 405 mold and will keep it, but if I knew then, what I do now- I would have picked a lighter boolit.

If you ever go hunting for a Woolley Mammoth, or a Cape Buffalo, grab a box of 500s.
For everything else, the 350s should do fine, and not be quite as punishing to shoot.

[DeputyDog25]

To all who have replied to my post, I truly appreciate all the valuable information you have shared. I would like to ask your opinion about this; given the choice to purchase the Lee 340gr mold or go with the NOE Ranch Dog 350gr PB which would you choose and why? Thanks in advance.

Scott

[sghart3578]

Scott,

I will send you some Lee 340 gr bullets that I have left over. You can try them first if you like.


Steve in N CA

[DeputyDog25]

Scott,

I will send you some Lee 340 gr bullets that I have left over. You can try them first if you like.


Steve in N CA

Thanks Steve, PM incoming

[longbow]

My old 1970's vintage 1895 liked the Lyman 457124 385 gr. boolit. I had other moulds but cast and shot that one the most. Never a problem and good accuracy.

If I still had a .45-70 I think I'd get a collar button mould, a Gould 330 gr. or similar and a 400 gr. +/- a bit mould (maybe that 457124 again!). That would do me for about anything I think. I have a chance of buying back my old Marlin I sold to a friend when I went to college and needed money in the late '70's. I am seriously thinking about it! I loved that gun but never replaced it.

Longbow

[DeputyDog25]

My old 1970's vintage 1895 liked the Lyman 457124 385 gr. boolit. I had other moulds but cast and shot that one the most. Never a problem and good accuracy.

If I still had a .45-70 I think I'd get a collar button mould, a Gould 330 gr. or similar and a 400 gr. +/- a bit mould 9maybe that 457124 again!). That would do me for about anything I think. I have a chance of buying back my old Marlin I sold to a friend when I went to college and needed money in the late '70's. I am seriously thinking about it! I loved that gun but never replaced it.

Longbow

Trust me, if you have the opportunity to purchase the gun back, do it! I regret selling the Remington 1100 I received from my step-father for Christmas when I was 15 years old. I would give anything to have that gun back.

[Petander]

The RCBS 325 gr I use is more then adequate for whitetails, they are easy on the shoulder, are very accurate, and you wont burn through your lead stockpile as fast.

I got that mold a year ago,good success right away - and it's the lightest 45-70 bullet in my 20 year Marlin career. I really enjoy it @ 1900 fps (Marlin SBL has a good pad and kinda straight stock compared to my previous 1895).

We have had moving moose target practise sessions lately,I much prefer this rifle/load to anything else I have. And I have a few.

I used to shoot macho loads (eg. 465 grains @ 2000 fps) for years. My moose load still is 350 Hornady FN @ 2150 fps but that little 325 RCBS (I coat them Hi Tek) really got me back into shooting Marlin. Trying to save my shoulders,too. No more bows... bad practise,pain... crazy Marlin years did their share as well as 338 Lapua Mag,bench...

[PHyrbird]

DD25, I suggest a slip on pad, I keep a medium Limbsaver in the range pack. It lets me go home with out bruises. I also like the RCBS 300g GC mould. With irons at a hundred it will ruin a clay pigeon. You could try some Leverevolution powder, it seems to give better velocity without lots of kick. I confess though my Marlin left after I got 2 scars in my eyebrow & 3 broken pairs of glasses.[smilie=b: I like the Siamese Mauser better after all, It pushes not recoil. Granted it will "move" you about 8-12" depending on the load.

[Jeff Michel]

If you can find one, Mihec did a group buy a while back, 462 Hammer with the large HP it runs about 300 grains. I shoot it in a Marlin CB, Highwall and a Ruger #3. 25 grains of 2400, very easy on the recoil and very hard on whitetails.

[NorthMoccasin]

DD, I would size to .459 to start. this works in most Marlins. Of course, it would be best to slug your bore, but I'll bet 459 will work.

[DeputyDog25]

Curious if anyone has ever used and had good results with Reloder 7 powder

[DukeInFlorida]

Lyman's 50th Edition has the best coverage for Cast Bullets load data (cause they sell casting molds)

Don't use jacketed load data for cast lead bullets!

If you really want good safe load data, call Alliant (powder manufacturer) with the bullet info (whatever you choose for bullets to try), and they will give you safe start and max load data for your Reloader 7 (IF they feel it's appropriate for those bullets.)

Call them: Call our help line at (800) 379-1732

[softpoint]

I have a BUNCH of .45/70 molds, the ones, though that see the most use are the Lyman "Gould" hollowpoint, (which I powder coat sometimes now), The RCBS 405 gr. Gascheck, and the 405 grain Lee hollow base. I also have both "Ranchdog" molds, and use them when i need a gas checked bullet, which isn't often anymore, I can shoot the non gaschecked bullets very nearly as accurately,and cheaper. I use a Lee 340 grain cast of fairly soft alloy and paper patched for hunting at times.

[Norske]

A factory equivalent 435-70 load is a 400gr bullet and 38.5gr IMR 3031. I use a 400gr Lee bullet and it hits inside a group of over-the-counter Remington 400gr CorLoks.

[Petander]

Oh,there's a group buy still open for this one:

249377.

I have ordered one, just remembered it today when I was fast-firing full house 465 grainers and punched myself under the eye with my right hand thumb knuckle...

Light plinkers forgive careless shouldering. :)

[bigted]

Lyman's 50th Edition has the best coverage for Cast Bullets load data (cause they sell casting molds)

Don't use jacketed load data for cast lead bullets!

If you really want good safe load data, call Alliant (powder manufacturer) with the bullet info (whatever you choose for bullets to try), and they will give you safe start and max load data for your Reloader 7 (IF they feel it's appropriate for those bullets.)

Call them: Call our help line at (800) 379-1732

Expound on your warning of "not use jacketed data for cast boolits" please.

[rintinglen]

The RCBS 45-325U works very well in my Marlin CB. 25 grains of 2400 and you have a pleasant, moderate recoiling, load that is pretty accurate.

[onelight]

Curious if anyone has ever used and had good results with Reloder 7 powder
I have in a Ruger no.3 with 300 grain jhp and 322 grain GC bullets , 1" 100 yard groups with both and Reloader 7.

[surfanarchist]

Thanks for the information, that is one of the moulds I am considering. The other being the Accurate 46-405k.

Recommend the Accurate 46-405M. Tell Tom forward of the crimp groove must not exceed .456 as in the drawing. Bullet should drop behind the lube groove at .460 and you size to .459. OAL should be 2510; no more. This has worked great in three Browning 1886s and and my Marlin 1895 . I've tried a number of molds for these rifles and in my experience this combination is the winner. Of course each rifle is an individual none of this might suit you; but I doubt it. I like IMR 4759 and I've got a bunch of it still. AA 5744 is close.

[CLAYPOOL]

Does this gentleman know that some bullet company's will sell samples...??

[CLAYPOOL]

at least i think they will try to help and of course sell pre cast bullets down the road..