LEE 454-298-M Single Cavity for .45 Colt loads

[Luke Duke]

Recently acquired a beautiful Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt. As usual with these the cylinder throats are a bit on the large side. .455 is what my gun smith measured them. I would assume .454 bullets would be fine. I have a LEE 454-298-M mold for a muzzle loader. Do you guys think this would be a good bullet. It is hollow based so maybe a touch longer that a 300gr bullet.

 

[mtgianni]

If it were me I would go to cast boolits and google "beagling a mold" .In essence you take aluminum foil tape and place a couple of small strips on the side of the mold that doesn't interfere with the alignment pins. This increases your bullets diameter by a couple of thousandths. It is easy and lasts a long time.

I have never seen over size throats in a Blackhawk 45 unless they were reamed over size. The three I have measured averages 0.448" to 0.450".
The HB mold might work but there will be little data due to the difference in bearing length.

 

[Luke Duke]

This is 1981 vintage. Accurate Molds makes a tumble lube design 260gr. You can send them the specs you want. I have this Lee mold on hand though. Solid lead is 298gr. Probably a bit lighter with my casting ingots. The HB should in theory seal up.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

If you have a copy of Lyman's "Cast Bullet Handbook" (my copy is 3rd edition), they go into the diameter of bullets after they cool by different alloys. Some alloys actually get bigger.

I find it hard to believe your Rugar has such large throats! Yu can check with sized bullets and a micrometer.

Another trick is to use cast 45-70 bullets that are sized .457/.458 and use a Lee push through sizer.

Ivan

 

[Luke Duke]

I was watching my gunsmith measure them. Otherwise this is a beautiful revolver. Every thing else is perfect. I would imagine about any . .454 diameter bullet would be fine. Dont think .001 is going to be a big deal. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet because we have a 3 day waiting period in CO. now.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I size all my 45 colt cast bullets .454 for my Smith and Ruger . Regards Paul

 

[Luke Duke]

I size all my 45 colt cast bullets .454 for my Smith and Ruger . Regards Paul

What do you think about this LEE mold for a .45 Colt? any info is great. I've been reloading for years. But this is the first .45 Colt I've ever had. If

 

[cowboy4evr]

It greatly reminds me of my 280 WFN design from LBT molds , which has done well for me . You mention it is HB so keep the velocity down , as you already know so you don't blow the skirts off .
I'd say , give it a try and let us know how it worked out . Regards Paul

 

[Luke Duke]

It greatly reminds me of my 280 WFN design from LBT molds , which has done well for me . You mention it is HB so keep the velocity down , as you already know so you don't blow the skirts off .
I'd say , give it a try and let us know how it worked out . Regards Paul

Yeah its a Black Powder Mini Ball design. If they cast true .454 I can't see a problem. They should slug up just fine.