Pistol bullets in 45/70

[Butch Fish]

Have any of you guys used pistol bullets to reload your 45-70 Govt.?I was just thinking that I had so many .452 bullets  in my reloading supplies that I could maybe use some for plinking or small game.I'm new to the 45-70 so bare with me for the crazy question.Thanks in advance.

[R.W.Dale]

 .45 handgun bullets = .451"

 .45 rifle bullets = .458"

 accuracy would likely suffer a great deal from shooting handgun bullets in a rifle.

[quickdtoo]

I have four 45-70s, I checked .452" jacketed bullets in their bores, 2 would allow them to drop straight thru, on the other two the bullet could be forced thru with very little resistance using a rod.

Tim

[njanear]

I was just reading a post over at another forum, which was talking about paper-patching the lead .452s for the .458s.  Too much effort for me, but if that is what you are willing to do...

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,30890.0.html

[torpedoman]

I don't think that a bullet as light  (short in length) will stabilize in the barrel with its twist rate

[quickdtoo]

150gr collar buttons work fine in 1:20" H&Rs if you just want a plinker.

Tim

http://westernbullet.com/cbip/cbip.html

[Lone Star]

I don't think that a bullet as light  (short in length) will stabilize in the barrel with its twist rate

Your thinking is backwards.  Short bullets are easier to stabilize - longer bullets need steeper twist rates.


.

[Ranger J]

I haven't tried it but I have read several posts about using black powder round balls for plinker loads.  .457 size as I remember.  This doesn't help you  with your question though.  See what happens when you pose a question to a bunch of old coots!   We just wonder off on another tangent.  What was it we were talking about?

RJ