Handgun bullets in a 470 NE?

[Ray B]

I see that cast bullets designed for the 480 Ruger handgun are .475". could these bullets be used for reloading 470 Nitro Express with reduced "plinking" loads in the same manner than .357" bullets designed for the 357 magnum may be used in 35 Whelen and similar 35 caliber rifles?

 

[Serbian Hunter]

I think that's a great idea how to get cheap rounds and have more practice from basically expensive gun/ammo combination!
.480 Ruger have .476" diameter and .470 NE .475" so difference is just 0.05mm. It will be no problem especially if you are looking for plinking loads but I would rather consider hard cast bullets - those are cheaper and you can use Lube A Matic to calibrate it as per your need
I used smaller diameter bullets from similar but lager calibers with no problem. I used 180grs .308 bullets from my YUGO AK47 (.311) subsonic and they worked like a charm. Same for .452" 325grs WFN GC (mold made by Veral Smith) fired from my Marlin .45-70 (reduced loads).

 

[bruce moulds]

you are lucky you don't get leading with that 452 bullet, assuming the groove diameter of the 45/70 is 458.
bruce.

 

[The Engineer]

In my 470 double I loaded jacketed 480 Ruger bullets over 5744 powder and had a load that was 6" low at 50 yards. Good practice load and a lot of fun for stalking feral pigs. With the RMR sight it was easy to readjust for the light load. If I remember correctly I was using 42gr of 5744 and a 350gr bullet that is no longer available.

 

[1r4rc]

Works great! I shoot a lot of practice w/ them. No leading. Regulate beautifully and shoot just a bit low of full pwr loads in my 470. I use Montana Bullets (Linebaugh) LBT 420 gr WFN-GC sized .475 over Trail Boss powder. Was in touch w/ ADI, Hodgdon and Graeme Wright (who's written on reduced loads) a few yrs ago when working up loads. Consensus was it worked well. Attached are open sights, off sticks, at 50 & 100 yds (small holes are not mine). Great fun for practice and plinking.

 

[Brent in Az]

What is the length of the bullet, compared to a .470 nitro rifle projectile?

 

[1r4rc]

The flat nose lead is a bit shorter OAL but bearing surface isn't much less and it launches at about half the speed w/ TB.

 

[1r4rc]

Basically it's just 420 gr vs 500 gr at less speed and recoil. Length not really an issie. Bore is .474, but it was (is) recommended to size lead .001 over bore. Montana Bullets will size to .475. Worked well for me. TB easy to use...instructions avail from ADI and Hodgdon (basically measure to bottom of bullet, back off to (not by) 70% and work up from there to find load that works best for you). Flip up 100 or 150 yd sights to compensate for drop.

 

[Philip Glass]

This is what Safari Arms did for me on the reduced recoil loads. I can’t remember which pistol bullet.

 

[petander]

I cast my own, I use 480 Ruger molds from Lee,Mihec and Accurate ranging from 325 to 400 grains.

I consulted Vihtavuori for powder / loads and based on their advise I have used N135 with 400 grain gas checked bullets with great results. "Do not go below 65% fill" is one rule. My Quick Load shows that with that load I'm around halfway the pressure so the brass will last forever.

Mihec 400 GC is shooting great! Not only the individual barrels group 1" / 75 m but the 400 grn @ 2000 fps regulates perfectly up to 50 meters, I just had fun breaking claybirds from 35 to 50 m yesterday,fast fire.

I powder coat my .476" bullets up to .477 and the barrels stay clean. 470 NE is a great low pressure cast bullet caliber. I also neck size only and use a NOE expander before seating the bullets.

500 grain molds are available from Accurate and an australian company,at least. I like practising with "Marlin level" loads for now but might get a 500 too.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Ray,
Contact the Bullshop in dell, MT. He makes some great 505 cast bullets for plinking prices.