45-100 bullets

[Fogman01]

I bought a 45-100 Sharps for black powder silhouette shooting and I wondered what shape and weight of bullet is favored? I know round nose and heavy is good. But what weight and shape would be be best as a starting point? i.e. postell, money, creedmoor? 500 gr, 550gr? I have been mostly shooting other calibers for fun or working up loads for buffalo hunting - now I am ready to get busy with the silhouette and mid-range shooting. I don't have molds yet - I want to use store-bought until I see what my rifle likes then start casting. I know the rifle weighs 10# 8 oz with a 34" round barrel, but I do not know the twist.
Thanks for any help.

[Nuclearcricket]

I don't have a 100, but do have a Shiloh in 45-70 and after trying several different bullets I have settled in on a Postel. The other choice would be the standard 500 gr government bullet. There are suppliers out there where you should be able to get both of these to try.
Most likely your rifle has an 18 twist barrel on it. That seems to be pretty much the standard that everyone is using these days for factory barrels for shooting lead bullets and bp.
Sam

[Don McDowell]

For silhouette about any 500ish gr. bullet will work fine. But going heavier than 535 might prove to be a problem due to the recoil

[laowho]

We began with 4 moulds and only today added a fifth. Our 45-70 really likes the Saeco 645 (485 gr flat tipped "postell?") and the Lyman 132 (520 gr Postell). Just cast some Ly 125 (500 gr Gov't) but haven't shot them yet. Added the BACO 535 gr money today with reduced band (to work in both our 45-70 as well as in our arriving 45-90), but you might do better with the tapered band version since extra powder isn't an issue?

[Fogman01]

Thanks everybody - I'll try a box of Postel, gov't, and money bullets in the 500-535 gr range. The rifle was made by Axtell some years ago and has a badger barrel. It will probably shoot better than I can once I find the right bullet.

[Old Jim]

You might also consider the BACo 545 gr. Creedmore bullet @ 0.459. They offer them in a box of 50 for shooters to try before buying a mold.

Jim

[Fogman01]

OK thanks - I'll do that. Buffalo Arms gets their stuff in the mail real fast.

[laowho]

The BACO loads shoot great--we started w/ their 415 gr and 500 gr and have since left the rest for the kids if and when they're ready to try, as the loads are light enough for that. And you'll be glad for the brass.

[bobw]

Why would anyone run greasers in a 45-2.6" ? BOBW

[Lumpy Grits]

Why would anyone run greasers in a 45-2.6" ? BOBW

Baby steps-
Gary