Muzzleloading bullets in cartridge loads?

[Ol BW]

With the mad buying craze there is no bullets to be had locally.  (There was already a small selection.)  Seems like all that has not affected the muzzleloader supplies.  Has anybody used lead muzzleloading bullets in cartridge loads?

[stimpylu32]

I've done it a few times over the years , more of a what will happen thing with so-so results , ML lead bullets are basicly just a softer lead " Swedged " bullet and don't shoot too bad if you keep them down to plunker style loads .
 
When used in a ML they are protected by a sabot and can be pushed a bit faster with no leading issues , however the lube used is not the best for lead to barrel contact so load accordingly .
 
stimpy

[Ol BW]

I was thinking more full caliber like the great plains, maxi-ball, or maxi hunter, but I didn't think about sabots with pistol bullets!

[stimpylu32]

I was going more in the lines of a .45 bullet that was designed to sabot in the .50 cal ML's . I'm not sure how something like the Maxi-Ball would do in a handgun round , those are looong bullets and I'm not sure how well they would stabalize given the twist rates of most handguns , I have however loaded a bunch of the " REAL " bullets in rounds like the 45/70 with very good results .
 
stimpy

[Ol BW]

You read my mind Stimpy, 45/70 is what I'm thinking about.  I'm not set up to cast yet and I've found it hard to find bullets locally.  However I haven't tried Dixie Gun Works yet, they're here in town, I guess they may have something that will work, but probably expensive.

[wolverine_1]

Years ago I loaded 500 gr .45 ml bullets in my .45-70, worked fine. Velocity was low.

[Ranch13]

It's going to depend alot on the diameter of the muzzleloader bullets, most 45 cal stuff is about the right diameter for 45 colt, a bit small for a 45-70 so have your lead mining technique all lined up.

[Ol BW]

Ranch 13, lead mining???  Please explain.

[45-70.gov]

i have shot ''patched round ball'' loads in my 357 mags
OO buck shot  with  t-shirt patch


was looking at  the 50cal  maxi ball in the 500snw...for a reduced  load


the LEE  REAL boolits  look like the best candidate
tho the bearing surface  looks limited....so keep velocity down

[Ranch13]

Lead mining = lead removal from the bore of a gun after shooting very soft bullets to small for the barrel, or not lubed very well..

[Ol BW]

HA HA Ranch!  I'll make sure I have my hardhat, headlamp and pick-ax handy! 

[hillbill]

Lead mining = lead removal from the bore of a gun after shooting very soft bullets to small for the barrel, or not lubed very well..

 
ive mined lead in the dirt backstops behind the targets at the range the local cops use.i use a home made sifter and a small shovel.lots of copper and cast lead bullets. melt out the lead and sell the copper.