Need Info please!

[no3]

Hi
I am after some information on a few things and was wondering if anybody could help me?.

With Paper-patching what is the best bullet diameter to go for?
I measured my bore, twice and got the bore diameter as .4515,maybe go to .452? And the lands were .458. (Ruger #3 45/70)
What bullet diameter should i go for?
When I get the mould made,should I say that I want it to cast with pure lead or other?,I will be using mainly smokeless powder,but every now & then I would like to try black powder. Is it best to get a bullet mould that will cast a bullet,that will ride the bore with most of its length?.

Any help would be appreciated

Regards
Dale.
Bemm River,Australia.  
 :lol:

[Castaway]

When I ordererd my patch mould from Dave Farmer (Colorado Shooter's Supply) he asked me the alloy I'd be shooting.  My mould drops at 0.452".  Matthews recommends 0.0005" over bore diameter.  I don't think a thousanth either way would make much of a difference.   I'm shooting smokeless loads.  For black powder, smaller is better.  Matthews recommends 0.004" - 0.006" less than bore diameter so rounds can be chambered after fouling starts.  He also states in his book that the mould should be based on pure lead.   A lead bullet that measures 0.450" will be about 0.4515" with linotype and is still fine for patching.  Cylindrical bullets are recommended over those that have a taper that starts from the base.  You want a long bearing surface fr the bullet to ride on and to be cut by the rifling so it blows off when it leaves the muzzle.