Found some bullets

[Sierra Sherpa]

While reloading my supply of jacketed 300-gr. Hornady .45-70 bullets for my Handi-Rifle last night I found a half-filled box of all lead, 305-gr. flatpoint, .459" diameter Bear Creek Supply bullets.  Does anyone know of, or have recommendations for, what loads and powders to try with these bullets? 
 
I rarely load all-lead bullets and don't really recall buying these items.  Any help would be appreciated.  I'm mainly interested in deer hunting loads with ranges out to 200 yds.  But if these are only good for plinking I would also be interested in hearing your suggested load data.  Thanks.

[BBF]

I wouldn't be surprised if those 305 gr bullets are several grains off their marked weight. I have loading data for 292 gr and 330 gr bullets which you could use as a guide. PM me if interested for top velocities around 1700 fps
 
Since the are FN's I think 200 yards is stretching it for range unless you don't mind rainbow trajectories

[Sierra Sherpa]

Scatterbrain, they are that first bullet on the left in this link:  http://www.cliffsgunsmithing.com/Cat_BC4570.htm. 

[jhalcott]

 you sould be able to reach 1600 FPS with those slugs using SR4759 ,IMR 4198 or IMR 3031. A dacron/ polyester wad is called for in the IMR loads. Start at 34 gr and max at 44 gr with3031. With 4198 start at 28.5 and max at 34.5. SR 4759 starts at 26 and max 30. no filler is required with 4759!
 with a 100 yard zero you SHOULD be about 7" low at 150 and 19" low at 200. Energy will be about 1000 fpe at 150 and 850 fpe at 200. YOUR shooting will tell you exactly how much hold over is needed!

[Swampman]

I don't use Dacron and IMO it's dangerous.  IMR-4198 is your friend.

[Sierra Sherpa]

Thanks for the load data tips.  Fill me in on the use/non-use of Dacron wads guys.  I don't know what they are, where you buy and what purpose/need they serve.  Just curious, when handling these unjacketed lead slugs does anyone wear gloves out of direct lead contact health concerns?      Even with the moly coating, should I look for increased barrel leading?  What is the cleaning method remedy?

[Swampman]

There are no health concerns.  Wash your hands before you eat if it makes you feel better.  The dacron poly is the same stuff they sell to stuff pillows with.  It can ring a barrel and isn't needed.  Clean if you wish just like you would after shooting jackets.  I don't clean.

[BBF]

For something that requires a little less hold over for 200 yards you could Zero at 125 . Not knowing the BC value on that bullet I would calculate it at .200.  The Rem 300 gr. HP is .213 the Hornady 300 gr HP is .197
 
If you can deal with( my choice) plus 4.5"( the highest point of the trajectory) at 100 yards you should have a 150 yard zero and are 11" low at 200.
 
Above is calculated at 1600 fps MV

[Sierra Sherpa]

Thanks Scatterbrain and everyone else.  4.5" high at 100 yds. does not sound unworkable.  Really appreciate the help on this site.  On the muzzleloading section I'd posted questions about a firearm and posted the same questions on the North-South Skirmish Assoc. website.  I got more help on this forum, far more help. 

[jhalcott]

 The biggest problem with Dacron polyester wads is many guys are too cheap. They do NOT use enough wadding! Your wad should FILL the space between powder and bullet base. A 1/2x 1/2" wad may NOT do this. The wad can then act as a second projectile and impact the bullets base BEFORE the slug can move. The result CAN be a bulged chamber or worse. you should cut a wad longer than the space to fill cut it off at the length of powder to mouth of the case. Tuck it into the case AFTER charging with powder,then seat the bullet. This ensures that it is against the bullets base. The wad is supposed to hold the powder back against the cartridge base, so it MUST be enough to fill the space. Some guys use a cereal filler such as cream of wheat,to do the same thing

[jhalcott]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=1504&highlight=poly+fillers

[Swampman]

I would avoid fillers.

[BBF]

I have avioded them mostly, in the rare case I wanted a filler I used a portion of a cotton ball.

[tacklebury]

35gr. Reloader7 and it'll get you about 1600 fps and shouldn't lead.  I've taken these weight bullets down to 31.2gr. Reloader7 for really mild trap door loads for my wife who's very recoil sensitive.