Cast for 45-70 ??

rdinatal

rdinatal

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2016
Messages
13,239
Location
Lake Normanopolis, NC
Rating - 100%
21   0   0
Now that I have 100 tons of lead I've decided break away from buying and cast what I need.
All loads are around 1200fps.
Currently using Oregon Trail Laser-Cast Bullets 45-70 Government (459 Diameter) 405 Grain Lead Flat Nose.

Any suggestions on a double cavity that is similar?
 
Last edited:
I would strongly suggest you look into a MP Molds design. Look them up. Miha makes some of the finest molds I've ever found. I'd look into a 3-4 cavity mold instead of just two if possible. And go with brass. And if offered or desired,, get the one with interchangeable pins for HP, Penta etc. Well worth it.

After that,, if you don't find what you want with MP Molds,, I'd look at the following companies;
Accurate Molds
LBT Molds, (Veral)
NOE molds.
 
contender said:
I would strongly suggest you look into a MP Molds design. Look them up. Miha makes some of the finest molds I've ever found. I'd look into a 3-4 cavity mold instead of just two if possible. And go with brass. And if offered or desired,, get the one with interchangeable pins for HP, Penta etc. Well worth it.

After that,, if you don't find what you want with MP Molds,, I'd look at the following companies;
Accurate Molds
LBT Molds, (Veral)
NOE molds.
Click to expand...

Seconded. MP are the top of the line when it comes to molds. To me, NOE comes in right behind. I dont have any LBT or Accurate molds so can't speak about them.

I have been using a NOE Ranch Dog 350gr FP as my goto for 45-70 and hunting. I load them around 1300fps.

I have a Marlin 1895 with the micro groove rifling, I have to use water quenched WW to get accuracy out of it.
 
cold1 said:
I have a Marlin 1895 with the micro groove rifling, I have to use water quenched WW to get accuracy out of it.
Click to expand...
water quenched WW?? 🤔
Ah... water cooled wheel weights!

I run a lead 459 Diameter, 405 Grain, Lead Flat Nose in front of 25gr of IMR4198 w/filler. Grouping is good and predictable out to
200yds in a 1895 GG.
 
Last edited:
Definitely MiHec ..molds, brass if available, all the pins, the quality, machine work is top notch.
Have a bunch of his molds via group buys. depending on your ability weight wise get a 4 ganger,
If not a 2 will work just as well. The other mold company would be NOE.
Cast a 400 gr. RN (average) for the 45/70, 458 WM

Mold wise here is ole H&G's, Lyman's, and MiHec..a few NOE here n there


-Snoopz
 
rdinatal said:
Now that I have 100 tons of lead I've decided break away from buying and cast what I need.
All loads are around 1200fps.
Currently using Oregon Trail Laser-Cast Bullets 45-70 Government (459 Diameter) 405 Grain Lead Flat Nose.

Any suggestions on a double cavity that is similar?
Click to expand...
I have a couple of single cavity 45-70 molds available (385 gr & 450 gr), plus top punches and H&I sizers. All of it way downmarket from NOE and MP, not even multicavity. But please PM if interested. Thanks!

100 tons? Did you buy 4 dozen sailboat keels? Or your own scrapyard? :)
 
Thanks all for the info on molds.

I suspect melting lead, casting and using the new lead projectile is the goal but I can't help think there a size step.
What comes out of the mold couldn't be immediately usable, or could it?
 
rdinatal said:
Thanks all for the info on molds.

I suspect melting lead, casting and using the new lead projectile is the goal but I can't help think there a size step.
What comes out of the mold couldn't be immediately usable, or could it?
Click to expand...
I am not as sophisticated as some here when it comes to casting bullets, but I did get rigged up to size and lubricate my bullets when I got into it several months ago. I have one of those presses that lubes and sizes in one stroke. It seems to work fine. I know many are coating their bullets so they do not have to mess with the waxy lubes, but I have not yet ventured into that activity. You probably could load a bullet straight out of the mold and shoot it, but you would quickly lead the barrel if what I hear is true. You also want to size the bullet for your barrel.

I have learned a lot from the folks on this site and appreciate all the help. I am sure you will also learn a lot that will be helpful.
 
rdinatal said:
Thanks all for the info on molds.

I suspect melting lead, casting and using the new lead projectile is the goal but I can't help think there a size step.
What comes out of the mold couldn't be immediately usable, or could it?
Click to expand...
They can be loaded and shot without sizing. There are many different opinions out there on this subject. You can try them straight out of the mold, lubed before loading, or you can go ahead and size them first. One of the great things about casting is trying different things.

As far as lube, I use liquid alone from lee and just tumble lube. It works, most of the time, as long as I'm not pushing the bullet too fast. That isn't much of a problem with non magnum pistols. With the 45-70 i keep it below 1500fps. If I want to faster, then I need something besides alox.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom