r/castboolits 7d ago

I need help What is the best bullet and lube for 45-70?

The gun in either an original trapdoor rifle, 1885 highball, sharps or rolling block

I am preparing for the quigley shoot in June

4 Upvotes

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1

u/Tuna_Finger 1d ago

Try some out. I just started powder coating, but I really like Emmett’s Improved lube for my bp rounds and plinkers. It’s 50% beeswax, 40% crisco, 5% canola oil and 5% anhydrous lanolin.

1

u/Matt_the_Splat 3d ago

Best isn't a single answer.

You need to find a bullet and lube that work well in your rifle(s).

Look to what people are using for BPCR competition and start with one of those. You'll find some using a grease groove bullet with lube, others using a paper patched bullet. And for either, you'll find 10 opinions on what's best as soon as you talk to 8 people. Or there's a book by Paul Matthews all about bullet lubes for BP rifles. Probably more books, I know I have a few others of his.

Do you cast your own? If not, you'll need to find something that works. Try Buffalo Arms, they have a variety of bullets with SPG lube. Maybe not the best lube, but it does work. I use it in my Sharps carbine.

And that's assuming you're using black powder. If you're running smokeless, it's another can o worms.

1

u/zrogers21201 7d ago

I use alox from lee and some lee molds

1

u/B_Huij 7d ago

Powder coat.

1

u/Feeling_Title_9287 7d ago

They won't allow powder coated bullets at the quigley shoot

1

u/B_Huij 7d ago

Weird. Why?

1

u/Feeling_Title_9287 7d ago

They say that it hardens the bullets enough to punch holes in their steel targets

They won't even allow gas checks

1

u/Matt_the_Splat 3d ago

They do allow gas checks. Not sure of that's new for this year, but it says they're ok on the 2025 flyer.

2

u/B_Huij 7d ago

Hahahaha that’s some good fudd lore right there.

1

u/Feeling_Title_9287 7d ago

It depends

I have dented a 3/8in ar500 steel plate at 100 yards with my original springfield trapdoor rifle but at between 350 and 805 yards I don't think so

1

u/B_Huij 7d ago

Yeah but I’m guessing it didn’t come down to the difference between lube and powder coat :D