I'm not looking to approach 45-70 Gov't performance with a 45 Colt cartridge. Also, 45-70 bullets are 0.458" versus 45 Colt bullets being 0.451"-0.454". I'm just looking to put a big lead slug into something with a modern revolver or carbine. Something greater than 300gr. if practical.45 Colt... Don't call it 45 Long Colt or...
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But seriously, I don't have any knowledge of anything that heavy. I think the heaviest I've loaded has been 250 grains. 400 is getting up into 45-70 territory, but I don't know if the two are interchangeable (projectile-wise).
Understood. I'm just not sure if any are made in that size range at that weight. Like I said, the heaviest that Hodgdon lists load data for is 395 grain. Hopefully someone will come along with a better answer for you. Out of curiosity, what are you wanting something that heavy for?I'm not looking to approach 45-70 Gov't performance with a 45 Colt cartridge. Also, 45-70 bullets are 0.458" versus 45 Colt bullets being 0.451"-0.454". I'm just looking to put a big lead slug into something with a modern revolver or carbine. Something greater than 300gr. if practical.
My musings were leaning toward 350-400 grains. Want to be able to have at hand a multiple purpose sidearm with shared ammo carbine that can also be used on the farm to put down a cow or hog.Understood. I'm just not sure if any are made in that size range at that weight. Like I said, the heaviest that Hodgdon lists load data for is 395 grain. Hopefully someone will come along with a better answer for you. Out of curiosity, what are you wanting something that heavy for?
Thank you for the excellent suggestion!Check over at marlin owners site.
they load the heavy for caliber rounds for most of the lever action guns.
Thank you, but I do have load data for 300 and 310 .452" bullets...hoping to go a bit heavier. Cheers!I've gone as high as 310 gr.
If it will help I'll pull the data and PM you with it.
Many thanks! This sort of load sounds promising!My best results in the "heavy" area are with Lyman's 452651 325 grain gas check mold and a large charge of Lil Gun. This bullet went through a whitetail doe lengthwise at 35 yards when fired from a New Henry Rifle. At carbine ranges I think it would bring down just about anything on the continent.
Many thanks! This sort of load sounds prMy best results in the "heavy" area are with Lyman's 452651 325 grain gas check mold and a large charge of Lil Gun. This bullet went through a whitetail doe lengthwise at 35 yards when fired from a New Henry Rifle. At carbine ranges I think it would bring down just about anything on the continent.
I will try to find these daya. Thanks!The highest bullet weight for which Hodgdon has load data is 395 grain.
Back in the day Nosler used to offer a 360gr. Lead .452" bullet, but no more. Swift offers a 325gr. and their loading recommendations look promising. Bear Tooth is said to offer 355gr. and 405gr. bullets, but nobody can contact them. Cast Performance offers 335gr. and 365gr. bullets with reasonable load data. Of course the cartridge case has to be modern and top quality, and the handgun strong (e.g., Ruger Blackhawk, Old Model Vaquero, etc.). I am not (yet?) a bullet caster, but was hoping to hear of learned experience from those who might be casting heavyweight bullets, sizing them to .452", and possibly gas checking them.
Many thanks! This sort of load sounds promising!
Many thanks! This sort of load sounds prMy best results in the "heavy" area are with Lyman's 452651 325 grain gas check mold and a large charge of Lil Gun. This bullet went through a whitetail doe lengthwise at 35 yards when fired from a New Henry Rifle. At carbine ranges I think it would bring down just about anything on the continent.
I will try to find these daya. ThanksThe highest bullet weight for which Hodgdon has load data is 395 grain.
Your mention of barrel twist being suitable is insightful! In all honesty, I am not seeking pinpoint accuracy in a "hand howitzer" load. Rather, if it will hold a 2-ish inch group at 50 feet, then I'm good with that.Best advice if you decide to cast and cast heavy stuff is cast it with the pot full, or dropped with some height to it. Fill out is sometimes an issue otherwise, even when you have tin added. Check your rate of twist as well, my Marlin 444 doesn't do well with the Lee 310 cast bullets, same with my 1894. Both rifles were originally set up for 240 grain pistol bullets and struggle above 265.
So I have heard, and it is a candidate. In the past I have had great results using W296 in hot loads for straight wall pistol cartridges. Just now availability is important.lilGun is an excellent powder for heavy bullets with big powder charges in straight wall pistol caliber stuff.