very stupid question

[brybenn]

Are .458 cal bullets for the 458 winmag interchangable with the 45-70? Common sense says yes but I've heard not. Is the only difference the expansion rate of the bullets?

 

[Thunder F/X]

Many of the .458 bullets are designed for .458 win mag velocities. I use a 350gr Hornady round nose in my 45/70 and it is amazing. Keep in mind not to use pointed bullets in a tube magazine. Remember, the bullet is coming out at.458" and it is already larger than most rifle bullets are after expansion. Expansion at that size is truly not required. Let me tell you the 350 Hornady RN will expand at 45/70 velocities (modern loads) and penetrate like a hot knife through butter. They also kill like Thor's hammer.

Thunder

 

[unstableryan]

Some bullets, like the hornady 500gr round nose are made for the 458. The crimping groove is in the wrong spot for a marlin. I still use them with a 105% compressed load of 3031 with a crimp the best I can. They come out at ~1500 and won't expand a lot on anything soft, but they will drill a deep hole. I use them because I came across a few boxes of them.

Any of the .458 bullets under 400-450gr will probably work great with the 45-70.

 

[Arctic]

Something's wrong here, first of all, you won't get 105 grains of 3031 in the case, and second, you won't want to shoot it without destroying your rifle.

 

[unstableryan]

105% sorry...

 

[brybenn]

Thanks. I just always see the 45-70 separate from the 458 wm. Once I start loading ill try those 350s to see how my double likes them.

 

[unstableryan]

if it's in a double, then you are way more open to bullet selection. Most of us have Marlins and the OAL of the cartridge has to be in a much more exact spot than what you can get away with.

 

[brybenn]

Ya having a sxs is nice. I'm also looking at getting a mould for 500 or 535gr and casting my own bullets as well. I got a lot of playing around to do this winter. Right now its good with 405gr factory loads (2" 4 shot group with both barrels at 50 yards) open irons

 

[unstableryan]

I love the sound of that rifle

 

[ben hunchak]

Either way, if you are using handloads with your double rifle, you will want to crimp in the groove provided so that the bullet in the second barrel doesn't jump out. I doubt that the chamber/throat would permit it to jump too far but still better it doesn't.

 

[brybenn]

Good to know. I just bought the lyman 49th. Next is the lyman casting manual then more lol. I don't even have a press yet so I haven't mucked around with the regulation on my gun yet. I think ima put a scope on it as its intended for bear hunting and the sights aren't the greatest for aiming at a black animal in the shadows. I think that will tighten my groups as well