Cast bullet question

[Art]

Hello, I will be loading up some hunting ammo for a Ruger # 1 45/70. I am considering trying some 350 grain cast bullets instead of heavier 405 grain,etc.

I want a good overall round that can reach out a fair ways and don't plan on hunting anything bigger than deer/black bear/moose. Before I place an order was wondering if anyone had any experience with the 350 gr. cast bullet, or should I use 405's? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[ben hunchak]

Art...the longer, heavier,flat point cast bullets will give you the most penetration and destruction. If you find a 350gr. that shoots well in your rifle, it would make a good deer bullet(with the right profile). When using cast for bear or moose, I would opt for something heavier with a very flat point, such as a WFN or LFN design, and possibly heavier ie; 420-480gr. A good read on the subject is a journal written by Cdn. B. Mitchell, who uses these heavy top end loads in his 45/70 #1, including some of the Chambers' big bullets. Note that some have had good luck with lighter jacketed bullets, and I'm not knocking that choice, but for total penetration in any direction, i'd go with the heavy cast.

 

[kf123]

Hi...
I have shot a lot of cast bullets from my guide gun that I made with a Ranch Dog mold. They come out weighing about 365 grains using straight wheel weights. They are a gas check/ tumble lube mold made by Lee. I usually load them up under 52 grains of varget. This load is good for 1650 fps. Very accurate out of the guide gun. I could probably load them hotter but this is a comfortable shooting load that I am sure would work on any big game.