I have been casting with LEE blocks for a number of years with good results. I am a little disappointed with the 0.457" size. I have been in contact with LEE PRECISION, and they don't seem real interested in a 0.459" or 0.460" mold in 405 gr.

Does anyone have any suggestions for mold block manufacturers that would cast at 0.459" or 0.460" using a gas check ------preferably in a double configuration???

I am ashamed to show the picture with my MARLIN results.

I worked at it and followed some suggestions with my SHARPS and I included those results in a picture also----200 yd. I am very pleased with the SHARPS performance, but the MARLIN is giving me fits!!

Thanks much!

To make use of your .457" diameter 405g bullets in the Marlin, try shoving them through a .451" sizing die (such as the Lee Push Through sizer kit for the 45ACP), then paper patching them, or taking the lazy man's way out and patching them with Avery style mailing labels. (cut them to length for a double wrap around the bullet, then cook them for about four hours in a 150 degree oven to set the label adhesive, then lube with Lee Liquid Alox and dust with motor mica before loading. Should cure your Marlin accuracy problem with those bullets!

God bless,

Does anyone have any suggestions for mold block manufacturers that would cast at 0.459" or 0.460" using a gas check ------preferably in a double configuration???


Ranch Dog lists his LEE double-cavity molds at .460" in 350 and 425 grain weights. Both are Tumble-lube type for gas checks.

http://ranchdogmolds.com/

The Old Guy

To make use of your .457" diameter 405g bullets in the Marlin, try shoving them through a .451" sizing die (such as the Lee Push Through sizer kit for the 45ACP), then paper patching them, or taking the lazy man's way out and patching them with Avery style mailing labels. (cut them to length for a double wrap around the bullet, then cook them for about four hours in a 150 degree oven to set the label adhesive, then lube with Lee Liquid Alox and dust with motor mica before loading. Should cure your Marlin accuracy problem with those bullets!

God bless,
Hi, Mr Stanton!
Thanks for the tip. It sounds like a good idea and I will give it a try! I just got back from the range. If I didn't know better, one would believe that I was badly flinching-----but that's not the case.
The first picture looks like I took a shotgun to it and the 2nd was the best that the MARLIN ever performed. I used 510 gr gas checked bullets (LEE #C457-500F). I wonder if they just stabilize better than the shorter 405 gr? Anyway, I will follow your suggestion with the paper patching technique. Many thanks!

Ranch Dog lists his LEE double-cavity molds at .460" in 350 and 425 grain weights. Both are Tumble-lube type for gas checks.

http://ranchdogmolds.com/

The Old Guy
Hi, TOG!

I sure appreciate your interest in my plight with my MARLIN. Thanks for the tip and I will try the gas check 425's. I like the heavier bullet and definitely with the gas check design. That probably is NOT a popular thought from a "purist" standpoint, but I don't really care------I just want accuracy performance!!

Thanks again for your help.

To make use of your .457" diameter 405g bullets in the Marlin, try shoving them through a .451" sizing die (such as the Lee Push Through sizer kit for the 45ACP), then paper patching them, or taking the lazy man's way out and patching them with Avery style mailing labels. (cut them to length for a double wrap around the bullet, then cook them for about four hours in a 150 degree oven to set the label adhesive, then lube with Lee Liquid Alox and dust with motor mica before loading. Should cure your Marlin accuracy problem with those bullets!

God bless,

Hi, Mr Stanton !

I should have asked earlier---------IS 0.463" too large diameter for a paper patched bullet? I would like to stay around a 0.460", but given that paper is somewhat resilient and may it cause excessive chamber pressure?

Thanks much!!

Stalker, the Lee # 90268 (459-405HB) is a .459 bullet. In 20:1, that's what I measure 'em at.

Hi, Mr Stanton !

I should have asked earlier---------IS 0.463" too large diameter for a paper patched bullet? I would like to stay around a 0.460", but given that paper is somewhat resilient and may it cause excessive chamber pressure?

Thanks much!!

The .463 paper-patch probably won't cause any excessive pressures, but if you're leary of that proposition, simply run the paper-patched and lubed bullets through a .460" sizing die, then hit them with motor mica before loading and you'll have peace of mind, and excellent shooting potential as well.

Let us know how your project turns out!

God bless,

I shoot the paper patched Lee 405 in my Marlin at .464. If it chambers easily you shouldn't have any problems. My groups started coming in at .462 and I could feel definite resistance at .465. If in doubt do a throat casting, you will need at least some room to release the bullet.
I patch with Meade tracing paper from Wal Mart.

Hi, TOG!

I sure appreciate your interest in my plight with my MARLIN. Thanks for the tip and I will try the gas check 425's. I like the heavier bullet and definitely with the gas check design. That probably is NOT a popular thought from a "purist" standpoint, but I don't really care------I just want accuracy performance!!

Thanks again for your help.

In yesterday's mail, I received my TLC 460-425-RF mold from ranchdogmolds.com. By 1700 hr, I had cast up approx 230 bullets from wheelweights (my standard). At the range this morning, I shot the best group that I ever had with my MARLIN M-1895. I don't have more time between now and Sat opening deer season (WI - 9 days only), so my hunch will have to do. I started out at 40.0 gr of Re7 under the bullet which weighed at 445 gr------I'm "gestimating" the mv at approx 1567 fps.

While NOT GREAT, this group is by far the best that I have ever shot in my MARLIN M-1895 rifle! I wish that I would have had more time to devote to shrinking this group before the deer season.

Thanks again for your help.

I know that this is an old thread, but (as many know) I have been toying with the idea of paper patching some 250gr SWC .451 bullets for my 45/70 and pushing them hard, but have been leary about spending all of that time. The "meade" or "avery" patch method sound good to me, but is acid paper a concern with these (have heard that it can effect powder)? Also, how tall do these patches need to be in relation to the bullet base to crimp groove (i.e., do they need to extend past the base or crimp)?

How fast does one theorize that I could push this bullet with RL-7 (preferably) or H4198, H322, and what would be the best load development method? I'm hoping to come close to .444 balistics with 240gr bullets for deer and varmints. Flatter trajectory and lower recoil.

Thanks and God Bless, Ryan

I have been casting with LEE blocks for a number of years with good results. I am a little disappointed with the 0.457" size. I have been in contact with LEE PRECISION, and they don't seem real interested in a 0.459" or 0.460" mold in 405 gr.

Does anyone have any suggestions for mold block manufacturers that would cast at 0.459" or 0.460" using a gas check ------preferably in a double configuration???

I am ashamed to show the picture with my MARLIN results.

I worked at it and followed some suggestions with my SHARPS and I included those results in a picture also----200 yd. I am very pleased with the SHARPS performance, but the MARLIN is giving me fits!!

Thanks much!
had a half dozen 45/70

I had six 45/70 molds from Lyman or Ideal.All of them threw a bullet over .457 diameter.
Frank

I have been casting with LEE blocks for a number of years with good results. I am a little disappointed with the 0.457" size. I have been in contact with LEE PRECISION, and they don't seem real interested in a 0.459" or 0.460" mold in 405 gr.

Does anyone have any suggestions for mold block manufacturers that would cast at 0.459" or 0.460" using a gas check ------preferably in a double configuration???

I am ashamed to show the picture with my MARLIN results.

I worked at it and followed some suggestions with my SHARPS and I included those results in a picture also----200 yd. I am very pleased with the SHARPS performance, but the MARLIN is giving me fits!!

Thanks much!

Create your own custom molds. http://www.mountainmolds.com/

An older post, but now that it has been resurrected, how high up does the patch go? When I paper patch for single shots it is easier, as I do them so that they touch the rifling. But with a Marlin, if I want to magazine feed them, they need to be crimped.
Does anyone have experience with the Lee 405 FN? I have the Lee 405 HB, but I am challenged as it doesn't have a crimp groove that is suitable for the Marlin. Suggestions?
Thanks.

I have been casting with LEE blocks for a number of years with good results. I am a little disappointed with the 0.457" size. I have been in contact with LEE PRECISION, and they don't seem real interested in a 0.459" or 0.460" mold in 405 gr.

Does anyone have any suggestions for mold block manufacturers that would cast at 0.459" or 0.460" using a gas check ------preferably in a double configuration???

I am ashamed to show the picture with my MARLIN results.

I worked at it and followed some suggestions with my SHARPS and I included those results in a picture also----200 yd. I am very pleased with the SHARPS performance, but the MARLIN is giving me fits!!

Thanks much!


I am using the Lee 405 grain Hollow Base mold and the Lee .457" sizer honed to .460" .

The Marlins like big bullets . Give that mold a try . If you were local , I would be happy to give you a few to try .

God bless
Wyr

An older post, but now that it has been resurrected, how high up does the patch go? When I paper patch for single shots it is easier, as I do them so that they touch the rifling. But with a Marlin, if I want to magazine feed them, they need to be crimped.
Does anyone have experience with the Lee 405 FN? I have the Lee 405 HB, but I am challenged as it doesn't have a crimp groove that is suitable for the Marlin. Suggestions?
Thanks.



The crimp groove for the 405 HB works for me . Especially if you use the Lee Factory Crimp die .

God bless
Wyr

I build bullit molds. Try this: Insert an old drillbit into the mold cavity ( hold it straight up with a drillpress) pour some lead into the mold. you can now lap your aluminum mold to a larger diameter, But USE A DRILLPRESS or you'll wobble all over the place! I use toothpaste!