450 Marlin loads

[BCall]

Does anybody have any datafor heavier cast bullets in the 450 marlin? I assume the lack of data is from the fact it is mainly chambered in lever guns where the longer bullet would not work, but in the Handi I don't have that problem. Now I have some 500 gr cast bullets that I would like to load in the 450, and no data. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Billy

Pics of the new slugs-just started casting, pretty happy with these and the 47 that match them. Thanks, Billy

[kevinsmith5]

Check the Big Bore and Handloading forums. 
Will the H&R 450 Handi throut handle those? 
I had to ream out the throat on my 45-70 to go higher than 405 grain.
I expect Tim will come along in a moment to answer that.....

[BCall]

I hope its not a problem. Those are a bore rider style, and the nose only measures .449-.450, while the bands measure .457-.458. I'll have to seat one and try it. Thanks, Billy

[quickdtoo]

Loadswap has one load for the 525gr Beartooth Pile-Driver, I checked AmmoGuide, they only show up to 400gr.

http://www.loadswap.com/display.php?action=view_load&table=Rifle_Data&bullet_weight=525&cartridge_id=94

I'd do some bullet length/bearing surface comparisons with the Pile-Driver(length 1.278", bearing surface .900") and work with the 45-70 data on the Pile-Driver page, there's very little difference tween the 450M and 45-70 case capacity, 72.5gr water for the 45-70 and 73.4gr for the 450M, make of brass will account for more difference than that. Since the bullet you're working with is a bore rider, you should be able to load it long which will reduce pressure, even at that you're going to be well within the frames strength capabilities, whether you'll be able to stand it will be another matter!!

Tim

http://beartoothbullets.com/open_sight/archive_open_sight.htm/21

[BCall]

Thanks Tim, I seated one-pic is down below-and it chambered fine. I'll start with some of the loads listed for the 45-70, just reducing them down a bit. I don't really want to make it brutal, but I like the look of the "little 458", as I like to think of it now. Bullet length is 1.261 with a bearing surface of .660 roughly, so I don't think I'll have much issue with pressure with starting loads. More worried that the bullet is big enough so I don't have any leading problems. Thanks, Billy

[quickdtoo]

Yeah, that crossed my mind, all of my 45-70(45-120) cast bullets are .459" and .460", but being gas checked may make the difference. 

Tim

[dk17hmr]

I shot a handful of my own cast 325gr Hammer Bullets out of my 450 Marlin yesterday.  I size them to .457 as that is the sizer I have, let them sit a week or so and they will rebound back a bit so they are .4575-.458 I am shooting these 325gr gaschecked bullets at close to 2100fps without leading.  Its not only the gas check but the lube you use is a big part in fighting leading.  Looks like you are using Carnauba Red, same stuff I use with my 325gr bullets at 2100fps.

I will keep an eye on your progress with the 500gr bullets I have thought about getting that mold.

[BCall]

Not Carnuba red, just some old Hodgdon's alox that I got in a box of stuff I traded for. I pan lubed and used a Lee push through sizer that I opened up a little, but they are still coming out around 457 after sitting for a couple of weeks. I'll just have to see how they shoot first. I only lubed 10 for now, the rest are going to be lubed with Carnuba red now that my order has arrived. I only lubed and sized 10 right now to try out before I turn out a bunch of them. I will try to keep posted with my results. Thanks, Billy