I've been thinking about getting in casting lately and have looked at several bullet molds. I'm looking for something in the 405-425gr range, a wide meplat as I can get an a .460 diameter and haven't seen any molds that throw a bullet this size. Anyone have any suggestions or molds that I can look up?
What kind of mold for a .460 diameter 45-70 bullet?
- Thread starter natesfitness
- Start date
Depending on your alloy a mold may drop at .4585 or .4595 from the same cavity. Usually alloys higher in tin/antimony will cast a bit bigger, pure lead will cast a bit smaller. I've got a 450 Marlin(twin to the 45-70) and have been very pleased with RCBS molds in 300 and 405gr weights. If you can afford to go custom get an LBT mold.(I'm thinking of getting one for my 450). I'm not sure of their prices but when I bought other molds for 308-303 the price was about 1 1/2 X that of Lyman RCBS molds. With LBT you get the diameter/weight/meplat you want, totally custom and are the easiest molds to cast from. Having said that you won't be disappointed with the RCBS 45-405FN, a gas check slug. Performance on target is great and on deer is amazing. I don't know why anyone shooting a 45 cal rifle would shoot jacketed whey lead performs so well and a LOT cheaper. Why do you think you need to go to .460, have you slugged your barrel?What city are you located in?
Check out "Ranch Dog Molds' he is curently not selling moulds but you might find a used one. Rumor has it Lee Precision might be offering these as a catolog item in the near future. the molds are460 diameter gas check design in 350 grain and a 420 grain. I have been using both for a few years and they are wonderfully accurate. They have a wide metplat are work great for hunting.They are designed for the large throat of marlin rifles. The website has some interesting reading also.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Although its a bit heavier than you are looking for, MT Cambers makes a 480 gr WFN that is dandy in the .45/70 and the .458. Maybe Ben will chime in and let us know which mold it is.
I have had great success with Lyman 457193, about 420 grs. cast soft, usually cast about .460. My target load is 20.0 grs SR 4759, no filler.
Also another favourite is Lyman 457483, about 385 grs with gas check.
457193 and others are available new from Lyman and on e-bay.
The RCBS 405 gr mould looks good as well, but I haven't tried it.
Cheers
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Another vote for Lyman 457193. Mine casts at 418 gr (can't remember what the alloy was - wheelweights I think) and can be driven quite fast without leading too badly. Mine trudge along at 1950 FPS from my High Wall. Looking forward to trying them in my 1895 CB as well.
My Lee .459 Hollow base 405gr .45/70 (459-405-HB)mold throws 460-461ish with wheel weights. I had Lee custom make a .459 sizer for me, although I'm sure these boolits work great as cast. The only downside for me is the hollowbase mold is single cavity.
