Hi guys, Im hoping to work out a deer/hog/black bear all purpose 45-70 hunting load for my Marlin 1895.
The barrel slugs 0.458. I picked up a 46-405V mold from Tom at accurate, and 459 and 460 dies are on the way from Lathesmith. I think what I want is a fairly soft bullet that may be willing to expand a bit in the target, and speeds in the 1400-1500fps range. Im hoping this will be a deadly load on medium game that wont be so hard on my shoulder or rifle. Am I headed in the right direction here?
Between wheel weights and range scrap (or some mix) or possibly wheel weights with 2%tin, which alloy would you guys pick? I have had good luck at these pressures and MV range with air cooled pure WW metal, but would be curious about using something even softer for expansion.
Is Felix Lube a good starting point for a load like this? Its all I use in pistols from 45 auto up through full snort 357 loads. My rifle experience is very limited.
I think I have a pretty good handle on popular powder choices, but Id be happy to hear about any pet loads too..
I do have a reloader 7/RCBS 405 4570 load that clocks in around 1800 on the chronograph. Those bullets are water quenched pure wheel weights, and the load is accurate with 3 shots in a 1-1/4 @ 100 yards through the skinner sights off the bench. The recoil from this load is on the edge of what Id really like to "experience", but Id be happy to shoot them one or two at a time for hunting.
Thanks for any advice - John.