HOW HOT CAN YOU LOAD LEAD .357 FOR A LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Walks

Well-Known Member
My only experience with cast HP's was the Lyman/Gould #457122. Cast of 20/1 it was used in a "Log-Spliting" Side-Match at a Annual Cowboy Match in AZ. After the side matches were over I went "digging" into the debris. Found one bullet, one petal had broken off and one was folded into the bullets center. guess I didn't hit it dead on or hit another bullet on the way in. But half of the hollow point had curled back as expected. Maybe it was hit by another bullet too. But It did expand. It was a compressed load of IMR3031, hotter then what the Cast Bullet Handbook #4 shows now. A heck of a lota recoil in My OLD Marlin 1895-24" bbl. A bit less in the 26" bbl of a New 1895CB. But they are shot up now. Doubt if I'll cast another. there is simply no call for them in my shooting these days.
CA has mandated Jacketed Expanding for all Big Game since the mid-1960's. Now, no lead AT ALL.

To go back to the OP's original question; just as fast as you want, until your rifle blows up or you are satisfied. Which ever comes first.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I love that bullet!! Its like a "super preformer"!

im hoping it owrks as well In my 450! (I know a bullet dont know what cartridge it's fired from.... Only the velocity it arrives at! )
 

popper

Well-Known Member
Mitty, sounds like a S.S./bolt with 350 factory ammo is best choice for your situation. Won't get more than 3 shots a session anyway. Could then be rebarreled or little loss of funds when the rules change.