40:1 alloy for .50-70

[varsity07840]

I have some 450 gr government bullets that I cast in 40:1 for an original .50-70 Springfield Roller with a groove:groove size of .524. I had it relined back to spec. Is 40:1 too soft?

[missionary5155]

40-1 will do just fine with cases full of 2F Goex. 3F Goex if you feel so inclined in a carbine length.
Should you feel you have to use smokeless you should be fine to around 1400 - maybe 1500 fps with good fitting cast.
Have shot 40-1 in all sorts of rifles and handguns and as long as the diameter is right for the barrel all is well. Slower smokeless powders are much nicer on soft bases also.
We use range scrap in our 50-95 up to 1465 fps with Goex #F and never have any lead issues. We size them Groove diameter also. Use the same velocity with 5744 or Buffalo River Powder and the same 350 grain cast.

[downzero]

Nothing is too soft with the right powdercoat!

[Old Caster]

The only time to add more tin is if it is causing insufficient fill out and 40 -1 should be fine.

[GregLaROCHE]

How much hardness should you gain over pure lead with 40:1? Does it help a lot with fill out?

[John Rigby]

No, you're fine. I shoot the same and get excellent results at 200 yards. Great hunting mix.

[Jeff Michel]

40-1 worked pretty good in my 50-70 yesterday Accurate 51-350CL, A-5744, Pedersoli Sharps.

Attachment 293269

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Nice deer Jeff!