Lee 45 cal. hollow base

[Tom4570]

Hey folks, I got a cimmaron uberti 1885 in 45/70 this summer need to make loads for it. I of course will use the Holy powder but need to know if Lees 405 gr. hollow base will work well and have enough lube for a 30" tube. thanks:confused:

[NickSS]

The lee hollow base is an exact copy of the original government bullet used in the 45-70. It carries plenty of lube for black as long as its black powder lube. I have used this bullet for some time and load it without a card wad as I have found that the wad sometimes gets stuck in the hollow base. It is a good accurate slug with 65 gr of FFG GOEX in Remington cases. I size it .459 and lube it with 50-50 bees wax and Crisco lube.

[Tom4570]

Thanks Nick, Iwas hoping this was a good choice. I''ve been casting and loading for about 20 years but this black powder cartridge is new to me. Glad there is a sight like this to air problems and questions

[rinella]

Dos anyone besides Lee make the 405gn HB mold?

[Tom4570]

In off the shelf molds I can't think of anyone. I think some of the custom mold people offer HB molds but can be pricey depending on yoyr budget. Maybe some of the other guys can help?

[wills]

http://www.neihandtools.com/catalog/458-405-hb.jpg

nei

[littlejack]

Tom:
I got one of the Uberti Hiwalls in 45-70 myself this summer. I really like it. I am loading the Goex Cartridge bp with the Lyman 530 grain Postell bullet. What fun they are. I hope you really enjoy your rifle. Let us know how it shoots.
All the best
Jack

[Tom4570]

Jack, Since you also have a uberti highwall in 45-70 how was the factory sights? I loaded some 350 gr. with a no smoke powder and at 100 yards sight set half way up shot 2 foot low and a foot or better to the left. adjusted front and rear sight really far off center of the barrel and still 6 inchs to left. :cbpour::shock:

[StanDahl]

I'm not sure that the Lee bullet is the exact copy of the gov't bullet, I have two, and they only cast out at 380 grains with a 25:1 mix. Both of mine have a tiny little ring around the edge of the base that is very difficult to fill in properly, which could lead to uneven gas blow-by at launch, I suppose. I use a dipper and put it right up to the sprue to get optimum pressure while filling and that helps, but doesn't cure the problem.

From an 5 year old Buffalo Arms catalog, I see the Rapine 460404HB was available, I don't know if it still is. HTH's Stan

[littlejack]

Tom:
On my rifle, the sights were just as close to center of the barrel as I could tell with the naked eye. With the rear sight at the second to lowest notch, it will shoot on at 100 yards. With the rear sight at the second from the highest notch, it is on at 200 yards. This is with bp and my cast Lyman 530 Postell bullet. Chrony'd at 1100 fps. I did buy the Pedersoli mid range sight because the factory sight is a little blurry with my eyes. The pedersoli did definately help my groups. If I were to hunt with the rifle, I would use the factory sight as the Pedersoli sight would not be a good sight for hunting in my opinion. Too slow and cumbersom in the woods.
I hope you get your rifle to shoot.
Jack

[Jim]

Tom,
I think you'll like that bullet. I started shooting .45-70s in the late '90s and that was the first mold I bought for that caliber. I'm on my third mold now. The lube grooves are huge will carry all the lube the bullet needs for the ride down the tube, regardless of length. Try using straight lead with just a touch(20:1) of tin to help with fill out. You'll find it'll cast better if the heat is up.

[Tom4570]

I do appreciate all the info. I thought the Lee HB mold would be a good start, like I said been loading and casting for smokeless for years, but not to sure about what I'm doing yet with black but willing to learn. Of course I usually do everything the hard way it's just me.