Cast bullet for the .45-70 carbine

[throttleman]

Hello,

I am looking for a cast bullet with a large meplat to shoot through my .45-70 carbine.  I have had poor experience with 300 grain cast bullets (Cast Performance and Lasercast) as far as accuracy goes.  Maybe this barrel is intended for longer bullets, I don't know.  If any of you could offer assistance, please do.

Thanks,

Jeff

[HEAD0001]

How long is the throat?  Did you slug the barrel?  What measurements did you get?  Have you shot jacketed bullets in the barrel?  If so, what was your cleaning regiment?  Have you mixed jacketed and lead bullets? 

If you are just getting started, then these are all very important questions.  Any of these factors can adversely affect accuracy.  I have found most 45-70's to be long throat-ed.  IMO the 45-70 likes the longer bullets.  Sized 405's have worked well for me.

I would suggest you thoroughly clean your rifle, then slug from the chamber.  You should be able to ascertain your bore diameter, and throat length from this casting.  Tom.

[swampthing]

www.montanabulletworks.com   sized .459" minimum .460 if you can get them. Any of the LBT bullets in 350-405g range with the heat treated wheel weight alloy. Seat them out just above the last lube groove before, and, in between the crimp groove or until your action will chamber one cleanly. You can crimp with a lee factory crimp die, but shouldn't be necessary. If you are shooting a contender I would get some IMR trailboss powder or Aliant 2400 if you want a little more velocity. The encore will allow you to push things a bit faster. Good thing about the 45-70 and LBT bullets is that 1200-1300fps is all that is needed with the WFN's and 1400-1500fps is all thats needed with the LFN's.   
I have had awesome results doing this. 

[Redhawk1]

swampthing, I have to agree with you. Montana bullet works bullets is wihat I use in my 45-70. I use the 405 gr. with great success.

[throttleman]

HEAD0001:

When a person buys the slugging kit, what do you get and what is the process for slugging?  Is it spelled out in the kit (if this comes as a kit)?  How is throat length determined from slugging the barrel from the chamber?

 
SWAMPTHING & REDHAWK 1:

I see that Montana Bullet Works does not list meplat diameter.  What would you recommend as their widest, hardcast bullet in your suggested weight range?

Thanks for all the advice guys.  Jeff

[Redhawk1]

This is what I use, also you can call Dave and ask him questions on his bullets, he is very helpful.



Caliber
 Mould Make(Number)   Weight(BHN) Diameter Range     Bullet Style                   Nose to Crimp Length(Metplat)   Price/50(Lubed/sized)
 

 RCBS (82053)                405               .457 - .459      Flat Nose - Gas Checked                     (0.285)                           $16.60
 

[swampthing]

Another great supplier is www.beartoothbullets.com they offer bullets with meplats ranging from .290" to a huge .375"
The 405g LFNGC with its .320" meplat sized .460" over a charge of Aliant 2400 powder would be my choice.


                       The slugging kit does tell you how to do it. Basically you fill a case with molten lead, let it cool, then chamber it. Next you start a slip fit lead slug down the barrel and tap it down till it makes an impression and fills the throat of the barrel. This is a very generic description but basically thats it.

[swampthing]

Whoops you asked for widest.... The 425g WLNGC, sized .460"  meplat is .374" .   

[MarkH]

Cast Performance makes a 405 grain LFN plainbase bullet that works like a champ for me ... at about 1250 fps.

[throttleman]

Thanks for all the replies.  MarkH, is that through a Contender?  If so, what is the powder charge that you use?  Thanks much, Jeff

[Lloyd Smale]

the 405 rcbs bullet is a tough act to follow. It may not have the biggest metplat but its big enough for anything short of elephant and ive never seen a 4570 that wouldnt shoot it. I even like the 500 grain version better.