Author Topic: Favorite Cast Loads (Read 707 times)

RiverHawk · « **on:** February 11, 2004, 02:42:00 AM »

I will be picking up my NEF Handi 45 70 on friday and am interested in reloading cast bullets. I am wondering if anybody has any favorite mold weights, powder and etc. I need something like a starter course for reloading the round. I would like to stay kinda light (300 grs ?) and kinda slow to prevent leading. Anyone having info to relate will be greatly appreciated.

Large bears shot with small caliber guns take longer to die, if they are shot in the morning they probably will die sometime after lunch. :lol:

Cottonwood · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2004, 02:54:16 AM »

300 gr cast bullet
Accurate Arms 5744
27.9 gr should give you about 1400 fps.

I normally stay with a 405 gr

24.5 gr of 5477
fps is approx 1200

Your milage may vary

ajj · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2004, 03:30:26 AM »

This cartridge will burn an amazing variety of powders at least reasonably well. Those 5744 loads are good ones. I buy my cast bullets and got decent accuracy until I ordered some soft ones, 20-1. Those really shot great. I'll look up the supplier if you're interested.

Cottonwood · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2004, 04:18:21 AM »

Here's http://www.bonusbullets.com/ You can order soft or a bit harder iffin you like. The 20:1 bullets are really ment for those of us that shoot black powder cartridge loads.

I hope this helps.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2004, 04:59:30 AM »

There seems to be a general agreement that it is easier to get .45-70s to shoot cast well with bullets of 400 grains up. You also need the bullets to be oversized. Best to slug the bore and get bullets or a mould that will cast .002 big. If you are unable or unwilling to do this, make sure you get bullets sized .459 or .460.

If you are going to cast your own, Lee 459-405-HB is a good one.

I've had good results with both XMP 5744 and the 4198s.

nightstalker · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2004, 03:18:16 PM »

Check with Midsouth Shooters Supply out of Clarksville TN. I have ordered a lot of Magnus brand cast bullets from them. They are high quality and very resonably priced. They are on the web.