Are the Laser Cast 45-70 boolits big enough for Micro-Groove barrels?

[tacotime]

Since the reading is pretty consistent that Marlin Micro Groove barrels need "oversized" cast boolits, how have the standard Oregon Trail 45-70 boolits performed in these barrels (meaning accuracy and lead fouling)?

Are they fat enough? I think they are .459.

I know it depends on the specific barrel, but has anyone seen a tendency here?

[Castaway]

Specifically, what Marlin 45-70 rifle are you asking about?

[tacotime]

1895 Micro-groove

[NSB]

Just FYI, the Laser Cast bullets were offered in both .458 and .459. They are no longer being sold.

[tacotime]

Pretty sure the ones on hand are .459.

[Castaway]

Well, to state the obvious, if you have them on hand, load and shoot some. The proof is in the pudding. Otherwise, all you will get are opinions. Shoot them and let us know if they work

[JimB..]

I’ve shot them with no problems.

[tacotime]

I fired a few to begin with but being short of time for real testing I became wary of being able to see and easily remove leading at the breech, so I wanted to see if there was a firm consensus that larger than standard pills will be required. After a few shots, it appeared there was some lead showing at the crown, even with a heavy Alox coating.

[Castaway]

If it’s lead, you’ve answered your own question. What was your accuracy? Did they stay oriented or did they keyhole?

[dla]

Usually bad bullet fit will show up after 8-10 shots as keyholing (45-70 slugs sound like a fat bumble bee). If you see a lube donut on the muzzle then the bullet fits and the alox is doing its job.

Back when Oregon Trail was still in Baker City, Oregon, I used to buy unsized-unlubed 405gr that measured .461". I shot that fodder out of a ballard-rifled guide gun with a sloppy bore that would keyhole with .459" cast bullets after a few shots.

I shot a lot of cast out of a microgroove 30-30 (.310") and never had a problem. But I have no experience with a microgroove 45-70.

[hylander]

I like a .460 in mine

[tacotime]

No keyhole and accuracy fair on early trials. Lead fouling is unclear... I can't see the bore at the breech very well. These are .459.

[Tazman1602]

1895 Micro-groove

Not questioning you but I have a few 45-70’s JM barrel stamp Marlins and they are all Ballard rifled and shoot cast extremely well. Not all Marlins were micro groove…

Art

This may help you out:

https://www.marlinowners.com/threads/micro-groove-and-ballard-rifling-question.39547/

[warren5421]

Zoom image
45-70 CAL. 405G RNFP .459 - 250 COUNT

Reviews: 2
Product Details
Laser-Cast silver bearing alloy in a 45-70 Cal. 405g RNFP .459 cast bullet.
Brinell Hardness: 15 This is the accual hardness tested with a LBT tester.

$71.00