The one mold you would have for 45/70

[Bigslug]

RCBS 405GC, because it's really accurate and hits like a train.

[alfloyd]

I agree with Bill "405GC RCBS is a top performer."
Also agree with Bigslug "RCBS 405GC, because it's really accurate and hits like a train."
I like the ease and quality of the RCBS mold that I have.
It works great in my Marlin 1895 cowboy rifle. It can be loaded down for light loads and up for shoulder bruising loads.

Lafaun

[Ron in PA]

One more for the RCBS 405 GC. Shoots good in my 1972 Marlin. Ron

[Mr Peabody]

RCBS 300gr. GC. mine weigh 325gr. lubed with gas check loaded to 1800fps. can be done at trapdoor pressure levels

Mine loves it too.

[44wcf]

Magma Engineerings 45-70-405-FPS_BB

[alfloyd]

"Magma Engineerings 45-70-405-FPS_BB"

I have tried this boolit and found that the one small lube grove is not enough.

Lafaun

[W.R.Buchanan]

It kind of depends on how much you're going to shoot. If you are going to shoot it a lot like at Cowboy Silhouette matches then I would say RCBS .45-300 FNGC. If you are going to hunt with it and not shoot that much then RCBS .45-405 FNGC. The extra recoil generated by the heavier boolits does tend to slow you down, unless you are really stout.

Keep in mind that the standard factory load for the .45-90 used a 300 gr boolit,(Express Load) so hunting with that boolit is not out of the question by any means and would be suitable for anything in NA up to the Great Bears. Probably want that 405 gr + boolit for them.

Also understand there are literally scads of good boolit designs for these guns (probably 50 anyway) and any of them are going to work pretty well.

Also keep in mind that all of them will probably go clean thru any thing you shoot. Example: the 400 gr Belt Mountain Punch Solid (brass) will go completely thru an Elephant lengthwise at 2000 fps. (**** kicker Load!) and thru 2 Cape Buffs sideways!

Or so I have read from people who should know for sure.

The round is only limited to what you want to do with it, and is more versatile now than it has ever been in it's 141 years of existence.

It is easily one of the 10 best cartridges of all time, and nobody would argue that.

Randy

[Wayne Smith]

Lyman 457122 Gould HP. Shoots great out of my friend's Marlin. In fact, that's the only lead boolit he will shoot! Of course, he is single and has a good job so he can afford anything he wants.

[44wcf]

"Magma Engineerings 45-70-405-FPS_BB"

I have tried this boolit and found that the one small lube grove is not enough.

Lafaun

I have had real good results out to 500 yards.
Using Sage brush lube

http://www.sageoutfitters.com/catalo...24/7455440.htm

[zuke]

NOE 330 gr HP GC group buy from several year's ago.
Paper patched with that big HP, it is a thing of beauty.

[josper]

405GC RCBS is a top performer.

Bill

+1 Not only that but the mold is a dream to use, it just keeps cranking out perfect boolits.

[rintinglen]

RCBS 45-325U for me.

It casts about 340 grains for me, but is very accurate and gives me a boolit or two more per pound o' lead. Were I up in Alaska or Montana where big critters might want to eat me, I might change my mind, but I dare say a 340 grain boolit at 1600 fps ought to dissuade even a fair sized bear from gnawing on me.

[pdawg_shooter]

451114, because I paper patch and this bullet is perfect for that. Works great in my .458 Winchester too.

[StrawHat]

I agree it does depend on the rifle or the intended use. For long range target work I would certainly need something different than for whitetails close up. I have the Lee 405 HB mold and it is great in my trapdoors. I also use and like the Lyman Gould (457122) for whitetails. To choose one mold for all things? Not something I would do. At least, not for a rifle. Each mold for a purpose.

[220]

Only one I currently have is the 340 lee, have a NOE 460 405 RG4 some where in transit hoping it will be my mold for the 45/70. Went with plain base because it will also see use with black powder.
Lee 340 has performed well for me, son shot a 5 shot 1.5 moa group with boolits from it on the weekend.

[ghh3rd]

Seems like the RCBS 405GC is very popular, among others...

[Green Frog]

I have an old Lyman 457193 mould that drops a 405 grain bullet very similar to what has been used since the Trap Door Carbine came out in the 1870s. While I have several other heavier and lighter designs I can go to, I always start with and frequently go back to this bullet regardless of the rifle I'm shooting.

Froggie