SHOOTING CAST BULLETS

[Slugnut]

Does anyone reload and shoot cast bullets in their 45 LC Henry rifle ? The reason for asking, is that I'm new to cast bullet reloading and wonder if there is alot of "leading up" in the barrel that will effect accuracy after a few shots . Also, I've read about BHN scale and the bullets I like are either 15 or 16 on that scale. I will have the velocity about 1000- 1100 fps. I don't want to use gas checks. These rounds will be just for plinking and fun shooting, nothing more. I really don't want to spend along time trying to remove the leading . Lastly, what grain bullets do you suggest ? Any info, suggestions and experiences will be greatly appreciated for these newbe questions. Thank you in advance.

[BigAl52]

Most popular bullet is the 250gr RNFP. Missouri Cast is hard to beat and they also have the coated bullets. The coated bullets are less likely to cause leading provided the fit right. Slugging the barrel is always a good idea when it comes to that. That being said guys on here are shooting those along with some 200gr RNFP. Rifletom Fortyshooter Ranchroper and some other guys will also probably chime in. I have had good luck with the MC 250 coated bullets.

[fortyshooter]

No issues here shooting coated or just plain cast lead bullets thru my .45 Colt Henry Carbine. You can read my 45 Colt Range Report
where I shot some of each. The bore was clean after shooting the plain cast bullets. You should be fine with a .452 dia. lead bullet at 15-16 Bhn.
at those speeds you mentioned. What powders will you be using? Unique is a good powder 8 to 9 gr. with a 250-255 gr. bullet for all around use.
For hotter loads 2400 powder works very well.

[Rifletom]

Agree with Al and forty. 250gr rnfp, coated or plain work great. No leading issues at all. I run 8.0gr Unique, some go .5- 1.0gr more and those work. I'm just a plinker/range shooter, so, 8.0gr works well for me. It's an easy round to load for.

[Slugnut]

Thank you, gentlemen for your input, advice and experience.

[Slugnut]

Gentlemen, I just have one more question. What is the benefit of using the 250 gr. over the 200gr. cast bullets (as you all mentioned) ?

[BigAl52]

Lighter bullet less recoil. But if you are shooting these in a rifle I doubt you will tell much difference. In a pistol you will feel the difference. This is another case of trial an error in a rifle. You would need to try some of each to see which one your gun will shoot better.

[fortyshooter]

I think RR is the King Shooter with his 200 gr. rifle loads!

[Headhog]

The first load I put to gather for my Marlin 1894 in 45 Colt was cast lead. I loaded them with Titegroup and they ran about 950 fps. I went through 400 or so of these rounds and no signs of leading. I then switched to Missouri Bullets 250 grain coated "Pin Buster" bullets with Bullseye powder. This load runs about 1080 fps and still no signs of lead in the bore. My only complaint is the Bullseye is a very dirty powder and it leaves a smokey residue behind. But a quick pass with a patch and some bore cleaner makes fast work of that.

Paul