I'm a CBA new guy -- with nothing but questions... (And I posted this to the wrong forum...)
I started reloading when I was competing with handguns. It was only natural that I load for rifles, too. Like many others, I thought jacketed bullets were the only thing to use on game.
I'm shooting much less and don't have to buy bullets. I've been casting 38, 44, and 45 caliber handgun bullets for use in “comfortable” loads -- I don't think I push anything close to 1200 fps. (At the same time, the ~800 fps loads seems too slow. Heck, I can re-holster before a round gets to the 100 yard berm. At least, I think so...)
Now I want to work-up something for a rifle. Looking over what I've got, I'm thinking, “That 45-70 is probably a good candidate.” I've fitted it with a fixed aperture sight and don't see myself using it for shots on game beyond 100 yards.
My goal? Perhaps a 400 to 475 grain plain base, as-cast with wheel weights, Alox-lubed bullet at ~1500 fps zeroed at 75 or 80 yards is the way to go.
Now: the questions....
From what I've read, cast bullets work in microgroove barrels. Any hardness concerns? Do I need anything more than slugged barrel diameter to select my minimum bullet diameter?
Any mould suggestions?
From what I can tell, cast bullets seem to prefer faster powders. Since I'm not looking for great velocity and I've got lots of case to fill, I'm wondering, “Wouldn't 5744 be worth considering?" Heck, for that matter, Triple Seven might be just the ticket.
Any thoughts on powders or load suggestions?
Thanks.