Bullet Mold for 1895 Marlin

[gman]

Guy's I just picked up a used JM stamped 1895 that dates back to 1977. After a little cleaning I ran 3 rounds down the pipe just to check initial accuracy and function. I was using loads for my other 1895 featuring the BRP 462-405( think that is correct ) seated on top of Reloader 7. Managed to put 3 shots into 2.5" at 50 yards with iron sights. No bench to rest on so I dropped to one knee and let it fly. First thing I remembered is why I had a Decelerator pad fitted on my original 1895! 3 shots with that plastic butt plate was enough to make my shoulder sting. Was thinking of getting a new mold for this rifle and was looking at the 350 grain Ranch Dog version made by NOE that has the traditional lube grooves instead of the tumble lube grooves. Just looking for a little input if anyone has used this bullet before pulling the trigger. Open to suggestions. It is a micro groove barrel. Thanks!

 

[Lost Dog]

2.5" at 50yds kneeling ain't bad right out of the gate. What's wrong with the bullet you have now loaded down a might to spare you some pain? Kinda along the line of "If it ain't broke. ...."

The only Marlin I ever had with microgroove was a Glenfield. 30-30 that didn't have an issue with cast GC rounds. Dunno about one in .45-70. Mine has Ballard rifling and I'm starting to paper patch due to leading. If you can pull it off with no lead and good groups with a lighter load, I'd call that a winner!

 

[Josh]

I have to hang my hat in the same camp as Lost Dog, reduce the load a bit and shoot on. I am a firm believer in as few a moulds as I can get by with.

 

[gman]

I hear you! That was my first thought as well but I seem to have a mold addiction lol! After this week in the oil patch I will probably try some reduced loads and see how they do. I'll admit I was pretty amazed at that first grouping. My luck it would be hard to duplicate. I've never had problems shooting cast in the micro groove Marlins although my bullets are gas checked. I'm using 50/50 air cooled. Thanks fella's! Probably the best option.

 

[9.3X62AL]

Not sure what role your 45-70 will play for you in the game fields or target range, but in its black powder intensity......405 grainer at 1300-1325 FPS......it has taken every game animal in North America VERY efficiently for 140+ years. This same load will shoot right through a BISON, or a cavalry mount. Those were its design specs. If trajectory flatness concerns you--and I get that--what is needed is a 30-06, NOT 1800 FPS to a 7/8 oz. flatnose that will still have a rainbow trajectory while your shoulder blades collide during recoil. I had a Ruger #1 in 45-70 for a time--it was accurate and enjoyable, a delight to carry afield. Like most owners of these rifles, I just had to try stretching its legs.....with Hornady 350 grain SPs at up to 2150 FPS--in a 7-1/4# rifle. I have had far more enjoyable root canals. I still have a Bubba Trapdoor (project rifle) and a RemLin 1895 that goes along during berry forays in the mountains. Load is cast soft-point Accurate 385 grain flatnoses at about 1450 FPS, which stay inside 2" at 100 yards with OEM open irons. If whatever shagnasty critter or person can soak up the rifle's contents and still kill me.......well, it was my turn.

 

[Brad]

Try that 405 on top of 23-25 gr of 2400. Really like 24 gr of 2400 with my 460420 plain base. Runs in the 1350 fps range and I can shoot them all day with no recoil issues. Groups under 2 inches at 100 for 5 shots isn't a big deal.

 

[gman]

Wish I could get my hands on some 2400. I'm aware of what the 45-70 is capable of in the game fields. One of my most impressive kills in terms of shock was the first whitetail I harvested with a 45-70. Not looking for a screamer load and I do favor the 400 grainers so it looks like I knew the answer before asking. Respect the opinions here and I do appreciate the input.

 

[Brad]

2400 is a powder I just won't be without. I have 12 pounds on hand and will likely buy another 8 pounds when I see it.
I have killed a couple blacks bears with the same bullet and around 46 gr of H322, goes 1650 or so. Recoil is more significant but t sure does a number on bears.

 

[gman]

I've found H322 to be a very good powder for the 45-70. On hand to try I have H322, 3031, 4198 & Reloader 7.

 

[waco]

On hand to try I have H322, 3031, 4198 & Reloader 7.

My Accurate 405 does very well with 42gr of 3031.

 

[Brad]

I have never loaded 3031 in anything. H322 is very good in my Marlin 1895. I also had some decent luck with H335 for really stout loads.

You have 4 powders that are all quite capable in your rifle. RE 7 will be the best for lower velocity loads in my opinion.

 

[Lost Dog]

I can't believe no one's mentioned Accurate A5744! Meters great. Burns well (except squib loads) and for me and my stumpy, barrel leading, mean little Guide Gun with a Lyman 457124, a 405gr PBRN, shoots an inch and a half (on my good days) at a hundred. And knocks the snot outta those big ugly hogs that invaded my place at times.

Before that, I was shooting BP with that bullet outta my old Sharps and trapdoor way back when. Ya know I even won a standing shooting match against some boys with scoped bolt actions back in '74 at our little gun club. Used an 1884 Springfield rifle with those wonderful Buffington sights. I think it was the black powder smell and smoke that messed those fellas up. Just too much for 'em!

 

[Brad]

Biggest issue I have with 5744 is the price. Most expensive powder around. I bought a pound and decided it didn't do anything that cheaper powders couldn't do.
Looking back I should have done what Rick did and laid in a large supply of 4759.

 

[Lost Dog]

Just thought of sumpin. G man is wantin' a new mould for his new gun and here we're yappin' (me included ) about all the wonders or the .45-70 and he knows that stuff. Gman, don't fret the small stuff. Go buy you a new mould for that thumper. Pay no attention to our ramblings. Go have fun!

 

[Brad]

I have a 3 cav, one HP, from the first run Al did of the 350 RD with traditional grooves.

Great bullet. The HP is a bit large for use on deer. It also does well with the powders you listed.

I shot a deer with a "real" 350 RD and it worked great. The 425 did mighty fine too.

If the RD bullets don't shoot in your Marlin then something is seriously wrong.

 

[gman]

No sweat lost dog! I was just thinking out loud on that 350 grain bullet. Enjoy the conversation. I'm going to try a little milder load plus install a good pad. With 400 grains nothing will notice the velocity change. It's a sledge hammer either way!

 

[gman]

Dang Brad, I almost convinced myself!

 

[Brad]

I gave my Lee 350RD mould away. I prefer the traditional grooved NOE version. I haven't cast a 425 in better than 6 years, no need for them.

If you have a 405 BRP mould it is gonna be damn hard to beat. Just need to find a 1300-1400 fps load for it.

 

[waco]

Looking back I should have done what Rick did and laid in a large supply of 4759.

 

[Rick]

hehe . . . When that's all I had I bought 2 more 8 pounders. In case you were wondering, yes Rick likes the stuff.