200 gr cast bullet in 45-70?

[Ed from Maine]

I have a pile of cast lubed SWC 200 gr bullets intended for .45 acp. However they seem a bit oversized, even with a well-flared case, I am getting a ring of cut lead and lube when I seat them, that I then have to pick out with my thumbnail. Rather than .452, they are running .453-.454". I am wondering about trying them out in my Browning HighWall 45-70...I would have to guess at load data, using smokeless powder, probably near the max recce load for the next heaviest 45-70 bullet for which load data is available? I would be shooting this at 100 yards or less, not serious target work,more like plinking. Bad idea?

I was also thinking about trying them out in 45 Colt, which would be used either in a S&W Governor or in a Ruger Old Vaquero.

 

[Lafitte]

Two issues: One, 200gr is really light and consequently short for accuracy in a .45/70.
Two, All of the 45/70 rifles that I have had experience with required lead bullets in the .458 to .461 range.

Lafitte

 

[ReloaderFred]

They will be too small in diameter for your .45-70, but will shoot well in your .45 Colt. Load some up and give them a try. I shoot a 200 gr. RNFP in .45 Colt for both my Marlin rifles and my Ruger Blackhawks, so your SWC bullets will work fine in your handguns.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[.452]

Intended for .45 ACP- does that mean no crimp groove?

That would be bad news for a repeater with a tube magazine, or especially in a revolver.

 

[ReloaderFred]

With a soft lead bullet, you can crimp right into the side of the bullet. In my tests there hasn't been a measurable difference in accuracy by doing this. I do it for both handguns and leveraction rifles with no ill effects, and I'm a stickler for accuracy.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Elkins45]

I think sending an undersized lead bullet rattling down a rifle bore is a recipe for severe leading. Hot powder gasses escaping past the base of a lead bullet is thought to be the main cause of leading and this would seem to be an ideal condition for that to occur.

 

[Sunray]

"...they are running .453-.454"..." Still the wrong diameter for .45-70. Those are made for .45 Colt.
"...would have to guess at load data..." Absolutely do not do that with BP or smokeless.

 

[Dudedog]

An option if you have a bunch (or if you think you will run into more in the future)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/116429/lee-bullet-lube-and-size-kit-452-diameter
Lee resize die about $21

You did not say where they came from. If you purchased them recently most companies would make it right by letting you return them.
Some companies might just replace them outright and not require a return.

 

[PapaG]

Not quite the same but I used to use a 220 grain bullet for light plinkers in the 45-70. Actually, they were 220 grain maxiballs shot as cast and lubed. Worked quite well with a pinch of Red Dot and some Kapok to keep it on the primer.
I'd try them but they probably will be too small in diameter to seal.

 

[erikharwell]

Need .459 for lead in a 45/70. Size them correctly and shoot them in the .45 as intended.