Anyone use the RCBS 45-325 FN U in .45-70 in an 1895 Marlin?

[KeithB]

Before my medical issues started I acquired an 1895 Marlin. I've shot less than two boxes of jacketed ammo through it. A couple years ago I bought an RCBS 45-325 FN U mold. Wanted a lighter bullet than the typical 400 gr, it's strictly for paper punching and soda can rolling so even this would be loaded way short of maximum.

Anybody use this bullet/cartridge/gun combination? Any recommendations for moderate loads? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Brad]

If it casts 459-460 then size to 460 and let em fly.
I bet around 10 gr of Unique would work as a starter. If you want 1400 or so the 24 gr of 2400 is never a bad idea.
When I get home I can run some QL numbers of you would like.

 

[KeithB]

I have Unique and 2400 (and other powders) on hand. I have tools to make all necessary measurements and can lap molds and make the proper size expander plugs and other reloading tools. Any feeding issues? It doesn't look like there would be from the nose shape but I haven't used the mold so I can't make up any dummy rounds to test function.

 

[Brad]

I can't imagine any feeding issues. I have used many bullets with large meplat with nary a hiccup. The few times I shot leveraction sillouhette that was a popular bullet in 45-70. The guys there seemed to feel the 45-70 was by nature abusive, they called it the 45-cemetery. If they felt recoil was manageable then it must be quite light.

That should be a good bullet for you.

 

[9.3X62AL]

The RCBS 45-325-FN feeds fine in my Remlin 95. Seat to crimp in the designed crimp groove, and it runs like water through the action. The "bad" news--my mould AT MOST casts about .4585" in 92/6/2 alloy. The .457" diameter spec for 45/70 bullets is not a "real world" value. Nicely, this same bullet shoots very well from my Ruger BisHawk x 7.5"sized @ .454", but could use a taller front sight.

 

[KeithB]

I plan on trying a little different method to lap a mold if need be. I've always thought that RCBS molds were among the best commercial molds. All of them that I have work well. My only beef is the total lack of four cavity versions of their handgun bullets.

Unfortunately I don't have any .45 handgun that could use that bullet, but that just means I can fit the mold to the gun without losing any utility value.

 

[358156 hp]

I used that bullet in my early 1895 45-70. It worked very well, and I even took a deer with it one year. I think I loaded it with one of the faster Dupont rifle powders like IMR3031.