Calling all 45-70 lead bullet casters….

[Ric-san]

I’m wanting to purchase the Lee 340 grain 45-70 mould, but for the life of me cant find any load data in my books: Lee Second Edition, Lyman Reloading 49th edition nor the Lyman Cast Bullet 4th edition. Anyone cast this bullet…? Any load data? OR recommendations on a 300-350 grain mould to start out. I know Lee makes a 405 grain mould and there is plenty of info on them, but trying to shoot a pleasant paper punching load first. Thanks for any and all info.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

@Daezee

 

[Baddog 0302]

Midway USA shows that mold in stock. BUT , it's as cast Dia. I don't think will lend it's self to Paper Patching. Maybe tumble lubing or powder coating.
You might get more info on that and any other cast bullets for your 45-70 on the castbullet forum
Cast bullet info
For a heavy .458 cast bullet you might also contact NOE bullet molds.

 

[Daezee]

I use the Lee 405gr hollow base bullet. Mine come out 395gr made from 20/1 alloy. They also come .463" as-cast. Since my M1888 Trapdoor has a .463" groove diameter, I size and lube in a custom .463" die so as to shoot them at their full diameter.

Here's one of my loads: WW LRP, 2.55” OAL, LEE 395GR HB CAST BULLET, 12.0GR UNIQUE, 1138 FPS 70 DEGREES 10’. A mild recoiling, fine load. I also use the same but with 16.0gr Swedish 6.5x55 wooden bullet powder (SWBP) (a bit slower than Unique) giving SUPERB accuracy, but I doubt you have a supply of that powder.

Now this is just speculation, but using the same 16.0gr SWBP, I got nice accuracy with cast 45/70 bullets from 325 to 500gr when testing a friend's Shilo Sharps and working up loads for him. I speculate that 12.0gr Unique might work well for your lighter weight bullet.

Lyman 3rd edition cast bullet manual has loads for 293, 322, 366, 420 bullets. 4759, IMR4198, IMR3031, RX7.

 

[Daezee]

I use the Lee 405gr hollow base bullet. Mine come out 395gr made from 20/1 alloy. They also come .463" as-cast. Since my M1888 Trapdoor has a .463" groove diameter, I size and lube in a custom .463" die so as to shoot them at their full diameter.

Here's one of my loads: WW LRP, 2.55” OAL, LEE 395GR HB CAST BULLET, 12.0GR UNIQUE, 1138 FPS 70 DEGREES 10’. A mild recoiling, fine load. I also use the same but with 16.0gr Swedish 6.5x55 wooden bullet powder (SWBP) (a bit slower than Unique) giving SUPERB accuracy, but I doubt you have a supply of that powder.

Now this is just speculation, but using the same 16.0gr SWBP, I got nice accuracy with cast 45/70 bullets from 325 to 500gr when testing a friend's Shilo Sharps and working up loads for him. I speculate that 12.0gr Unique might work well for your lighter weight bullet.

Lyman 3rd edition cast bullet manual has loads for 293, 322, 366, 420 bullets. 4759, IMR4198, IMR3031, RX7.

I knew I had it somewhere...the 2nd edition Lyman cast bullet book. It has 292, 330, 385gr data for Unique, 2400, IMR4227, IMR4198, IMR3031

 

[Daezee]

I can photo and post any of the data my manuals list if you want.

 

[Southalabama]

 

[Ric-san]

On the internet archive I found a .pdf of “Modern Reloading 1st edition by Richard Lee” and lo and behold on pg 502 has some older load data for the Lee Precision 340 gn. lead boolit mould.
Thanks for all the help. Looks like some of the listed powders are retired now.

e

 

[boatbum101]

If anyone's interested have a lb each of recent vintage factory sealed powders Reloader 7 , IMR 4198 , SR 4759 , Acc 5744 & Norma 200 . All very good for 45/70 , 444 , 375 Win . Some are hard to get these days & cover loads from BP equivelent to buffalo / large beast slayers . Package deal cash $ 150 or 1400 Large Rifle Primers or other powders I use like 4064 or N-150 .

 

[Plinker]

Subscribed!
Good stuff here!

 

[brasshog]

You didn't mention what tier of 45-70 load that you're looking for so I'll assume a modern lever action.

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 3rd Edition-1980

Lyman 44th

 

[Ric-san]

Reloading for a modern 45-70 lever action. I just found online the digital version of what “brasshog” posted above. I also came across a digital pdf of an older reloading manual “Ideal Hand Book No. 38” produced in the 1950’s. Looks like back in the day powder “No. 2400” was used For a 340 gr lead bullet. I’m going to assume it’s Alliant 2400, I’ll do more research…

 

[boatbum101]

Yup good old Hercules now Alliant 2400 . Many of the older powders can & were used in cast bullet rifle loads . Ask @ Daezee what you can do with a jug of 2400 . Unique is another one .