I bought some of these for reloading my .45-70, but the cannelures seem to be too far toward the base of the bullets for a short enough C.O.L. to work through the action, as compared to the 400gr. Speer bullet I've been using. If anyone else loads this bullet, where are you crimping? A crimp is necessary, because I use the cartridges in a lever action rifle.
Youper, There should be two cannelures on this bullet. I haven't loaded it for a 45-70 but the second cannelure is very close to the business end of the bullet. FYI, I used these in my 458 Win Mag.
Yes there are two crimping grooves, one near the base, and a second a little farther up, but still too close to the base and too far from the shoulder.
Who might you be? I lived in Negaunee for a while, a long time ago (20+ years). Those were the days; now, I have to drive almost 2 hours just to go rabbit hunting...
Best, Todd
Posts: 1248 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 14 April 2001
Anyone hunted big stuff - elk or moose or brown bear or big African critters - with this bullet??
Some expansion testing I saw written up in a Handloader's Digest was very impressive - this bullet expanded well but maintained 97% of original weight at 2000 fps muzzle velocity. Unlike Speer's 400 flatnose, which seems quite soft, the Remington bullet looks like it might hold up on big critters.
Todd Getzen: I moved to Negaunee only six years ago. Two hours is a long time, but worth the trip. Are there convenient and public shooting ranges, especially for rifle in the metro Detroit area?
Buy a Lee factory crimp die and crimp it wherever you need it, and securely to boot. Won't fold you case nouth like the regular crimp die. It is a must have item.
Posts: 813 | Location: Left Coast | Registered: 02 November 2000
My limited experience with that Remy bullet makes me think they are way too soft for the heavy duty critters. I think it's more of a deer, blackbear, small elk or moose (only ribs/lungs or in from behind shoulder shots), kind of bullet. I think they tend to expand a little too fast and easy for my taste.
I assume from your post that you're loading for a Marlin, they do have a shorter length limit. You may be able to trim your brass short enough to be able to crimp on the forward canelure and keep your length to 2.55, which, if I remember is the length limit for the Marlin? Just remember to reduce your charge accourdingly. I load for a Win '86, so I have some room to play with. I also had it throated so I can play with the 500grs hardcasts. (I digress, sorry) You might also try Nosler's new 300gr, which I believe has a canelure on it specifically for the Marlin. I haven't used it, but I hear good things from those that have on deer, elk, and blackbear. Happy shooting.
Bigbores, The Remington 405 gr bullet may be cheap, but it is definitely NOT just for small stuff. The bullet holds together incredibly well when driven at high velocity (2000 fps) into elk, moose, grizzly, or Eland. It's probably the best value in all of the standard bullets for any caliber.
Joel
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Posts: 643 | Location: DeRidder, Louisiana USA | Registered: 12 August 2001
The only bullet suitable in the 45-70 and 45-90 for the really big animals is the 350 gr. Hornady, it will work every time...The rest are designed for deer, IMHO.
