45-70 cast bullet test out of Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun

[grouseman]

303crabine wanted me to post this...
45-70 cast bullet test out of Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun
420 grain gas checked Green bullet
Chronographed velocity 1630 fps
Shot through 7 railroad ties at 100 yards
Bullet retrieved from 4x4 backstop after bullet hit a large knot and turned sideways.
Bullet weight after losing gas check 377.6 grains

 

[Teapot]

Impressive. I really should start reloading. I'll be taking my Stainless GG out for a black bear hunt this Fall if I can get leave. I'll be using factory ammunition though. What type I have not decided. Mild Remington 405's ok?

 

[casterpollox]

It didn't mushroom or is that just the picture?

 

[hs4570]

Green bullet

The 420 Gr. "Green " bullet is hard cast and mushrooming is not an occurring ,nor desired feature. Hard cast at this weight and speed will easily go through major bones and continue out the other side of the animal. And as it is already .45 caliber, further mushrooming is generally not required.

However if you cast and want mushrooming.. just fill the nose of the mold with pure lead ..about 75-100 grains worth and add the harder alloy for the bullet shank. Some of these will easily go to just about .55-58 caliber

 

[303carbine]

It didn't mushroom or is that just the picture?

That cast bullet started out with a big flat point,so I guess it did "mushroom" to some degree.

 

[casterpollox]

Interesting... I'm new to the whole 45/70 game but I like what I see so far. That's an interesting point about blowing through the bones.

Thanks for the post... and the tip about adding pure lead to the point.

 

[Camp Cook]

Can you post a pic of a before picture of the bullet?