.45-7o cast reloading help needed (again)

Claven2

Claven2

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I'm curious - can you gas check this Lee bullet profile from mould No. 457-405-F?

Here's a pic:

457405f.gif


Alot of rifle bullet profiles have a rebated base to allow easy gas check installation. This one doesn't. Can I gas check it with .45 gas checks?

I tried it today and the OD of the gas check is equal to the OD of the base, so it won't go on without removal of material or persuasion.

Anyone know if I'm up the creek without a paddle, or can a GC be fitted?

I suppose worst case I can glue waxed carding to the bottom of each bullet to give me a little more velocity.
 
OK, after readng up I'm pretty sure I can't GC these bullets.

They are cast from wheel weights and water quenched.

Anyone know how fast and what pressureI can go to without gas checking?

Do you think I can go a little hotter than that if I use something for a wad like waxed card?
 
I have gone over 1300fps in my 45/70 without gas checks.

You are correct. In order to use a gas check there has to be a reduced diameter at the base of the bullet to accomodate the check.


I have heard with a good hard alloy one can go to about 1600fps.

Water quenched wheel weights should be around 20 bhn.

I use a 1/2 card wad, usually cut from a primer tray sleeve as an over powder wad.



Rod. :wink:
 
A basewad can be used and common practise in BP loads. Problem is you want to use smokeless. Unless you glue the base to the bullet AND it stays on, any wad you put in can and will wiggle around the case and can cause Kaboom.

Best to just try shooting and see how fast you get with the water quenched bullets.

If all is proper with your chamber and throat, I would expect 1400 to 1600fps achievable. That is big whomp. No need to go faster with that much bullet.

You could always get the Lee 500gr bullet which can accept gas checks. Just in case you didn't have enough bullet.

Jerry
 
No, you can't gas check that bullet, but, with certain powders you can use a filler, and that accomplishes much the same thing.
I suggest you get a copy of Lyman's 'Cast Bullet Handbook' and that will explain the use of fillers. Or at least the third edition does.
 
I have gone 1800 fps with a 30 caliber bullet wheel weight water quenched and had no leading. To harden even further bake your bullets in the oven at 450F for 30 minutes and water quech them in ice cold water. That will raise the bhn to about 26-28 and you should have no problems at all. Mind you 400grn at 1800 from a 45-70 is a healthy load. Time also increases bhn number. Right now I am making up next years pistol bullets. I usually make 4000 bullets for each of my 5 calibers I shoot and they sit on a shelf in my garage for at least a year until I use them. It raises the bhn number about 4 or so after 6 months if sitting.
 
Allright, I'll try as-is. See what results I get. Bore is new, so no issue there. As for paper patching, I'd have to size the bullets down to do that which I don't want to do right now.

Also, I doubt I need to go 500grains. We're only talking White-tail out to 100 yards max with this rifle/bullet combo (Sharps 22" carbine) in my area.

I imagine 1400 fps would be ample. Similar to hunting with a 20 gauge shotgun only better velocities.

Should put a big hurt on a big buck, no problem. :twisted:
 
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