Polymer coated bullets in micro-groove barrels

[Larsen E. Whipsnade]

Several years ago I set out to try to find a cast bullet load with a 400-405 gr. bullet for 3 .45-70's, 2 1886's and an older Marlin with the micro-groove rifling. I wanted one load that would give acceptable accuracy in all. Since I figured the Marlin would be the most problematic (and since it had a scope on it when I bought it), I started with that. I tried a half dozen different powders, but none seemed to be consistently better than 2.5 - 3 inches at 50 yds., so I never got around to trying them in the '86's. The bullets I was using were commercial cast, sized .458" (I don't cast - maybe some day.). I thought about trying some sized .459", but for reasons I no longer remember, I never followed through on it & moved on to other projects. I haven't hunted for many years, but since retiring to the boondocks, I'm ready to go after deer and maybe black bear again, & renewed my interest in the .45-70's. I was going to just load some jacketed bullets for starters, but found the 400 - 405 grainers either unobtainable or outrageously expensive. And looking at factory ammo gave me some serious sticker shock. So, I'm thinking about lead bullets again. I guess the poly coated bullets have been around awhile, but I just recently read about them & don't have any experience with them. I was thinking they might hold the rifling more like a jacketed bullet. I was wondering if any of you have tried them in a rifle with micro-groove rifling, and what kind of luck you had. Thanks in advance for any insight.

[Merle]

Several years ago I set out to try to find a cast bullet load with a 400-405 gr. bullet for 3 .45-70's, 2 1886's and an older Marlin with the micro-groove rifling. I wanted one load that would give acceptable accuracy in all. Since I figured the Marlin would be the most problematic (and since it had a scope on it when I bought it), I started with that. I tried a half dozen different powders, but none seemed to be consistently better than 2.5 - 3 inches at 50 yds., so I never got around to trying them in the '86's. The bullets I was using were commercial cast, sized .458" (I don't cast - maybe some day.). I thought about trying some sized .459", but for reasons I no longer remember, I never followed through on it & moved on to other projects. I haven't hunted for many years, but since retiring to the boondocks, I'm ready to go after deer and maybe black bear again, & renewed my interest in the .45-70's. I was going to just load some jacketed bullets for starters, but found the 400 - 405 grainers either unobtainable or outrageously expensive. And looking at factory ammo gave me some serious sticker shock. So, I'm thinking about lead bullets again. I guess the poly coated bullets have been around awhile, but I just recently read about them & don't have any experience with them. I was thinking they might hold the rifling more like a jacketed bullet. I was wondering if any of you have tried them in a rifle with micro-groove rifling, and what kind of luck you had. Thanks in advance for any insight.

Not every rifle will like every cast bullet design. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial & error to find a good match.

[Grizz]

I don't know about powder coated, but I can recommend Marshal Stanton's beartooth bullets without reservation. I shoot .460 hard cast gas checked bullets exclusively in my 45\70s now.

IMO .458 is way undersized for a lead bullet in 45\70s.

I also shoot BTBs in 44mag and 357mag with good results.

hope this helps. someone will be along with powder coated bullet info.

[Les Staley]

Mr Whipsnade, If you could wait till December I will cast and powder coat a few and size at .459 for you to try. I have a RCBS 405 RNFP and a couple other bullet designs. I'll dig them out and see what else I have. P M me and let me know.