Ohaus 45-405F in 1895

[KeithB]

I recently acquired a single cavity Ohaus 45-405F mold with the intention of using it in my .45-70 M1895. Has anyone used this particular bullet in this model? I also have an RCBS .45-325-FN-U. I planned to first develop loads with 405gr bullet at magnum pistol/trapdoor velocities, ie 1200-1400 fps. I have Bullseye, 231, Unique, Red Dot, Blue Dot, 2400, 4227, and 3031 to choose from. I could randomly pick a load from one of my reloading manuals or from an online source but I thought I'd ask for input from someone that may have experience with this combination. It looks like the lengths would come out right but honestly I won't know until I cast a few and make up some dummy rounds.

If it does function properly I may HP the mold. I have a design in mind that I think will work easily. And it doesn't require having a doorknob hanging from the bottom of the mold.

Any comments or advice is appreciated.

 

[Brad]

Haven't shot that bullet in quite some time but it is a great shooter.
Nose is long enough that you may need to crimp on nose to get it to feed from magazine.
I would suggest starting around 22 gr of 2400 and going up to 24gr. Somewhere along there it will shoot great at 100, like 2" or better off a bench with a scope.
Those loads will give in the 1300-1400 fps range with recoil mild enough to allow 50 plus rounds to be fired in a day with no problem.

Khornet has that mould and I have used it in the past. I can guarantee he would never let it go as it is about his favorite for 45-70.

You have a really good one Keith.

 

[Brad]

How long is the nose? Looks like much over .4" may be an issue. Like I said, I have used that bullet and just crimped on the nose.

 

[RicinYakima]

Everything Brad said, I second the notion. Never used or knew anyone who used the RCBS GC bullets.

 

[KeithB]

The bullet's OAL is 1.093". The nose length (tip of nose to first drive band) is .563". My Lyman manual suggests a 2.100" trim to length and a 2.55" OAL so it looks like it may require seating the bullet at least .645" deep into the case. This reduction in case volume is what concerned me and one reason I was asking for advice, which is greatly appreciated.

 

[Brad]

Mould I use most has more like .56" in the case. I use 24 gr and that is why I suggested starting at 22 gr and going up.

 

[Wasalmonslayer]

That bullet has always intrigued me alas I have never aquired one to cast with. It is on my short list of molds to aquire if I run across one.

I have done most of my 45-70 work with the Ranch dog 350 grn or the Gould 330 grn both of which have shot very accurate for me loaded over 2400.
The Gould mold over 2400 is scary accurate and is an all season round with nothing fickle about it!
All my experience is with my remlin 1895 guide gun that has been flawless since I purchased it.

Max

 

[RBHarter]

It looks a lot like the 457193 . I'll check mine when I get home .

 

[oscarflytyer]

I started my 45-70(s - now 2 diff) on the Lee 405 HB. Fairly similar. My load is 38.5 gr of IMR 3031. Chrono's @ 1325 fps out of the late '70s Marlin 1895. Haven't chrono'd out of the custom RB yet.

 

[smokeywolf]

Looks a bit like the old Ideal 457124, but with one less lube groove.

 

[KHornet]

Like Brad said, it is my favorite 45-70 mold/bullet.

Paul

 

[Gary]

When I bought that mold it was a "like new in the box". I cast about 25 bullets with it and that's the only use its had. Looking good Keith.

 

[KeithB]

Yes it's a very nice, very clean mold in fine shape. Given its use in a rifle I think I can live with a single cavity mold. I'm looking forward to setting up my casting area again. And if it shoots and functions well I may HP the mold and make up both HP and a flat face pin for it.

Gary, have you tried knurling anything yet?

 

[Gary]

Dropped one of the wheels out of the tool and there weren't any numbers on the side(s) to indicate # of teeth, just HSS stamped on the side. I'll give it a go next week.

 

[KeithB]

Wow, most wheels are marked somewhere. You might just have to count the teeth by hand.

 

[Brad]

Don't despair Gary, mine aren't marked either.
Once you get the hang of it knurling isn't too difficult.

 

[Rick]

That is a beautiful mold given it's age. Such small blocks sure make the cavity look big, be no problem keeping this one hot enough.

 

[waco]

My Marlin 1895 really like a 405 with 42gr of 3031
Pretty mild on the shoulder.
Shoots well at 50 yards.

 

[S Mac]

That is a beautiful mold given it's age. Such small blocks sure make the cavity look big, be no problem keeping this one hot enough.

I'll second that. Curious, what handles can you use on those.

 

[KeithB]

Gary included a set of Lee handles, I haven't tried them but I'm sure I can make them fit one way or another. And if not I've got all sorts of other handles I can try.