I have a Marlin 1895GS 45-70 and I am wanting to shoot some 405g Hard Cast that I have in it.
I have slugged the bore and it is between 0.457 and 0.458. By the reading I am getting would say it is close to 0.4573
The commercial bought 405g LFN BB that I have mic between 0.458 and 0.459 and I would say they seem to be at very close to 0.4586
I have not used cast for anything other the light low cost plinking loads for revolvers, and accuracy was not at the top of the list. These I hope to work up for a deer load in the 1500 to 1600 fps range. Accuracy and consistency is important. I have read for most having the cast bullet oversized one to two thousands works well. What I am not sure about is that I have also read that sizing for the throat is important. Please advise.
I took two of these hard cast today and 'bumped' them in a press and got them just shy of 0.460. I do not have a sizing press or punch so once I 'bump' one of these I have to live with it for now.
My question is ... should I shoot as I have now or should I bump some up and try them.
Also I am planing on using Hodgdon's Benchmark ... anyone with experience with this powder would be a great help.
Thanks in advance.
...pick...