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December 30, 2023
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I have a 1886 winchester sporting rifle in 45 70 of 1891 manufacture date. I have slugged the barrel, and it mics at .457 to .458, will a original winchester 45-70 flat point bullet mold cast a bullet of appropriate diameter for this rifle? I plan on using black powder for my loads.
July 31, 2005
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Robert,
An original mold should work. Also, Ideal/Lyman 457192 will drop a 350 grain flat point bullet. It was designed for the .45-75 but works well in the .45-70 too.
Also shown is an original .45-75 mold. Essentially identical bullet to the Ideal/Lyman mold.
Hope that helps
Bill
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
December 30, 2023
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Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. I have shot 18 rounds of ultramax 45 70 405 through it, at fifty yards, and shot a two and a half inch group offhand, but I want to load up some black powder rounds for this deer season.
November 7, 2015
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Welcome, Robert. It’s been my experience that the old Winchester moulds work best with 20-1 lead-tin alloy or softer. A harder alloy will likely not obturate (bump up) enough to properly engage the rifling, even using Holy Black. An original Winchester mould in good condition is often capable of dropping some very good bullets! I wish my Winchester 45-70 mould was in better shape.
Mike
July 31, 2005
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Robert,
This is a .45-60 mold on eBay. This mold drops a 300 grain bullet as used by the .45-60 and .45-90. It also works well in the .45-70. I don’t have any interest in the listing, but the mold looks nice and the price is fair.
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
December 30, 2023
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Bill , I have purchased the mold that you thankfully suggested . I should have it in a few days. I am looking forward to casting some bullets for the old girl. I will try to be patient, but this project is starting to become a passion. Thanks again.
