Newbie needs some guidance on little things...
Hello all,
New here coming from the subreddit. I have a short list of questions that Ive had a difficult time getting solid consistent answers on. Thought I'd throw em here, and hope that they can help others in my shoes as well. Im hoping to load for 45-70: primarily heavy grain subsonics (500-550gr, maybe 600s if I can get some load data thats safe) but id like to eventually load supersonic hunting loads for bear, elk, and smaller.
1. what hardness is acceptable for subsonic velocities not exceeding 1050fps? Whats my best source for lead alloy to get me to that hardness or higher?
2. Do i need gas checks if im powder coating? worried what a separated check would do to suppressor baffles. If i eventually want to start loading supersonic hunting loads will I need them if PCing?
3. will i be good enough off with a cheap lee mould or should I jump to NOE moulds or something right off the bat? what are reccomended moulds/profiles?
4. I plan on slugging the barrel once I get my hands on it, and buying a Lee sizer. what sizer size do i buy based on what my slugging values give me? kinda confused on this whole "bullet larger than bore" type stuff.
5. round nose vs flat nose vs hollow point moulds? Im leaning towards HP bullets as this will be a bear gun for my property in the mountains, but i can imagine theres extra casting steps for that?
Thanks for the help!