One for the 45-70 GVMT loaders

[Pete_Cambs]

I’ve got a nice new Marlin 1895 dark series on order and want to start working up a load.

Plan will be to use 405gn cast bullets as it’s by far the cheapest way to shoot this caliber.

Never loaded for cast bullets before but am aware they need lining and sizing…. Lube will be done with Lee liquid aloe and a couple of plastic tubs but what I have no idea about is the bullet sizing…. I can see Lee do an inexpensive bullet sizing kit but I’ve no idea on what I’d need to size them to for my Marlin? Appreciate bores will differ but what would the expectation be on a modern gun?

 

[Smellydog]

With cast you need to be one to two thou bigger than groove. More if it will load in the case and chamber.
Slugging the barrel and measuring the slug is the only sure way to work out the size of sizer or mold you need.

 

[castbullets.co.uk]

Nice rifle, but I don't envy your shoulder!

I make 405gr .45-70 bullets sized to .458, as do the other UK commercial casters. Mine are polymer coated so no need to lube etc. Being cast lead means you won't be able to push them as hard as a jacketed bullet so have that in mind when working up a load.

 

[tackb]

if you purchase bullets go for hard cast sized to .458 , i used some gas checked ones (500gr) for some subsonic loads since i had them in stock for my 45/120 and they shot well in my dark series

i recall some marlins i think had micro groove rifling and they could be fussy with lead non jacketed but it's just a dim recall from my memory

 

[Selous]

PPU do a jacketed 405 grain soft point that is fairly cost effective. Not as cheap as cast mind you but still useful.

 

[Jagdmatch]

MME do a 350 grain flat tip swaged jacketed bullet in 458. They are about £50 per 100 I think

 

[Andy RV]

If you’re going to buy a mould I recommend this over any of the lee moulds;

MP 462-420 PB Solid mold (Multi Choice) - MP Molds

Best moulds for casting lead bullets. Hollow point, hollow base or solid bullets. Molds are Brass or aluminum. The best money can buy.

www.mp-molds.com

If you’re planning on buying hard cast bullets they come sizes and lubed so you can use them as delivered.

Casting makes sense for 45/70, off the shelf cast bullets are not cheap! For the big 400gr + moulds I’ve found that ladle pouring produces a better bullet than a bottom pour pot.

 

[25 Sharps]

I’ve got a nice new Marlin 1895 dark series on order and want to start working up a load.

Plan will be to use 405gn cast bullets as it’s by far the cheapest way to shoot this caliber.

Never loaded for cast bullets before but am aware they need lining and sizing…. Lube will be done with Lee liquid aloe and a couple of plastic tubs but what I have no idea about is the bullet sizing…. I can see Lee do an inexpensive bullet sizing kit but I’ve no idea on what I’d need to size them to for my Marlin? Appreciate bores will differ but what would the expectation be on a modern gun?

Would love to cast my own but time is not on my side. Plus you can get cast for sensible money £24-28/100 from these guys, they also do a 340 gr gas checked bullet should you want to push harder.

The 405s must be cast quite hard as I’ve run then at 1600 fps with no stripping.

The Shellhouse bullets shoot well in my Remlin and my buddy’s Ruglin, no need for sizing.

ShellHouse Castings-Shellhouse Bullet Company Shop

Shellhouse Bullet Companys webstore to purchase bullet heads.

shellhousecastings.com

 

[Pete_Cambs]

Would love to cast my own but time is not on my side. Plus you can get cast for sensible money £24-28/100 from these guys, they also do a 340 gr gas checked bullet should you want to push harder.

The 405s must be cast quite hard as I’ve run then at 1600 fps with no stripping.

The Shellhouse bullets shoot well in my Remlin and my buddy’s Ruglin, no need for sizing.

ShellHouse Castings-Shellhouse Bullet Company Shop

Shellhouse Bullet Companys webstore to purchase bullet heads.

shellhousecastings.com

I’ve got 500 GM heads coming, 405gn as I found them available before I knew about Shellhouse but I’ll be using them moving forward.

 

[25 Sharps]

I’ve got 500 GM heads coming, 405gn as I found them available before I knew about Shellhouse but I’ll be using them moving forward.

They are pretty helpful.