Author Topic: Smokeless loads for .458 Win (Read 627 times)

Dan Hackett · « **on:** December 06, 2004, 11:39:57 PM »

I've decided to try cast bullets in my M70 Super Express .458 Win Mag as a way to do some plinking and practice shooting without breaking the budget. I would like to start by duplicating the ballistics of the old .45-70 and .45-90 loads, with a 500-gr. bullet at around 1200 ft/sec. Hodgdon has suggested a starting load of 44.5 gr. H4895. Does anyone here have any alternate recommendations?

Thanks.

--Dan

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2004, 01:31:08 PM »

I load (Ruger #1) right up to the max with gc 476gr Lyman hard cast. Hurts as much as the 500gr solids. Groups - don't know, but I can hit a 2" diameter jar lid at 75 paces with iron sights. Plinkers are OK too.

captainkirk · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2004, 08:21:09 AM »

I have used IMR SR-4759 for reduced loads in the 458 WM with good results. No fillers are needed even at low loading densities (25 grains with a 520 grain Lyman), the loads are mild and can be accurate if the bullets are good. Of the bullets I have cast, the best ones would group into 1 1/2 or less at 100 yards with the 4759 loads. I have also used the 450 grain Lee bullet with similar loads of 4759 (28-32 grains) It groups about as well with even less recoil. All of my shooting has been from a Ruger # 1 and I think groups could be better if the bullets were better. I am still having trouble with mould fill-out. Make sure you get all of the copper out of your barrel before you start shooting the cast slugs for best results.

enjoy

PS velocities with the above loads should be in the 1000 to 1200 range I think, this is w/out a chrono.

captainkirk

LAH · « **Reply #3 on:** December 10, 2004, 04:17:52 AM »

Which Lyman bullet you casting Captain Kirk?

captainkirk · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2004, 03:45:44 PM »

It is the Lyman # 457125 either listed as 500, 520, or 464 grains in the Lyman manuals/ cast bullet handbooks depending on your alloy. Mine come out about 515-520 with straight wheelweights. I also didn't find out until after purchasing the mould that it has a smaller diameter nose than might be ideal for loading in the 458. I need to work with it some more before I completely pass judgement on its suitability in the 458 though. I have had some slightly undersized bullets enter the target completely sideways, while others (of proper size) grouped around an inch and a half. It just seems a little harder to get a consistent cast with this one as compared to other ones I have worked with in the past. I'm considering a Mountain Moulds 440 grain around the first of the year for less recoil and maybe easier casting.

Well, I'm sure this was more than you bargained for, but I think Will Rogers probably had plenty of quotes about the value of "free advice".

captainkirk

LAH · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2004, 04:54:47 AM »

Free advice is always welcome here. You will not bore me with cast bullets. Just started casting the 457125 my self. My first try was with 1-20. It's a beautiful bullet.

I've read mixed reports with this bullet. My use of this bullet was in the 80's using a Ruger 77 chamber for .458. The rifle and loads where loaners. It was so bad the bullet struck the target completely keyholed at only 25 yards. After hunting season I plan to test this bullet along with the Postell bullet in my ole Sharps.

If you plan to buy a mould and want something a little lighter you might try the RCBS 405 gr. It's a gas check and that may turn you off. If not I think you'll be completely happy with it. I cast basicly the same bullet from an NEI mould and it's great though a little heavier at 430 grs. from 92-6-2 alloy.

captainkirk · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2004, 01:39:23 PM »

You will probably have better luck withthe Sharps. That is what really got me turned onto this bullet - a friend with a Pedersoli 45-70. He shoots the 457125 exclusively and loves it. My keyholes were at 100 yards and I initially thought they were "two touching" Imagine my dismay as I approached the target to see the perfect ouline of my bullet sideways! Oh well, if the first combination I tried was a bughole how boring would life be? I am interested in a lighter bullet but not a gaschecked one. One more step for me to foul up. I got my Lee 450s to shoot pretty good before I ruined that mould. Not enough lube under the sprue plate and the aluminum was eaten away in two casting sessons.

captainkirk