Need help finding .461 bullets..

[glockshot]

I'm looking for a supplier of .461 bullets for my trapdoor.I checked several pages of bullet makers and the biggest I have found is .459. I shot 15 rds of .457/.458's and it was like patterning a shotgun.I used some .461 the 1st time I shot it and it shot real well.They guy I get these from does not have any more and doesnt remember where they came from. thanks...

[Stephan]

Use a hollow-base .458/.459 bullet

[BudT]

If you can find them try to find a bullet like Stephan recommend and on the soft side.

[musketshooter]

Message sent.

[Stephan]

I use a LEE 405gr hollowbase .458 mold and cast my own. These work perfect in a 1881 vintage '1879' style rifle..and a modern(like 1990's)Browning SRC

[glockshot]

Thanks for the above info,I did'nt mention that I was useing smokeless powder,one reason they may not be expanding much. I found a supplier that makes a .460 in a 405 and 500 grain using a 80/20 mix.He said that should work well with my barrel.I ordered 50 of each.Will be interesting to see how they work....

[Dick Hosmer]

Will be interesting to see how they shoot, with smokeless, in your slightly OS barrel.

"80-20" is 4-1, while black powder calls for 16-1 and softer. You will likely not be getting any expansion at all.

[jon_norstog]

Glockshot,

Smokeless loads in black powder guns do "pattern" rather than group, unless the bullet is a tight fit in the grooves. Best bet IMHO is shoot the old guns with the ammo they were designed for, a case full of BP and a 16-20/1 lead bullet.

Good luck!

jn

[BudT]

http://www.rotometals.com/product-p/1_tin_to_20_lead_alloy.htm

This is the mix you need for your project.

[older than dirt]

Glockshot,

Smokeless loads in black powder guns do "pattern" rather than group, unless the bullet is a tight fit in the grooves. Best bet IMHO is shoot the old guns with the ammo they were designed for, a case full of BP and a 16-20/1 lead bullet.

Good luck!

jn

I have an original 1873 TD that I shoot smokeless & a 458 dia, 405g jacketed bullet & it will group in a 6" dia bull at 100 yds. all day long.

[Dick Hosmer]

I'd think you could probably halve those groups with BP/proper fitting lead.

[older than dirt]

I'd think you could probably halve those groups with BP/proper fitting lead.

Come on Dick. Give me some credit, I`m 75 years young & sitting at a bench resting on my elbows. I`m not using a scope or a mechanical rest of any kind. By the way, I`ve shot different lead bullet out of this rifle & no groups. I`ve even done it with BP & it was still a no go. Smokeless & jacketed bullets all the way with this one.

[Dick Hosmer]

Not taking anything away from you, OTD - I'm nearly 77 myself, and did not intend to demean your skills - I only meant to point out that the rifle was probably capable of better.

And, while I had assumed you'd used a bench, I never suspected that you were shooting without a rest. My hat is off to you - very few people shoot "from position" any more. Prone (very similar to unsupported on a bench) is very uncomfortable for me nowadays - 10s are no longer (almost) a given!

And, at our age, the relatively crude sights don't help, either. I still plan to shoot my Long-range .45-80 with the tang sight someday.

[glockshot]

I will pick my bullets up on Saturday,may be a week or so till I get to shoot them but wil update with my results...