1884 trapdoor RN vs Spitzer

[Solidleadslug]

Having success in recreating an accirate load for my 1884 with Wolf's book, I was curious if there would be any benefit to trying out Lee's 500g 45 70 bullet that is a Spitzer style vs a round nose. Have any members here tried those bullets and seen a difference?

[wstrayer]

For the distances that I shoot, no. The heavy bullets are miserable to shoot due to recoil. Understand that I now only have a carbine, so my recoil will be more than anything in a rifle. I did try the 500 RN in carbine and rifle in the past but quickly decided that I got no better accuracy.

[wstrayer]

Curious to what your load is now. I relied on the Lee 405 HB with SR4759, but I am down to just a bit of that powder.

[Jim]

I don’t know about Lee Spitzers, but . . .
I have NO USE for the Lee 500 grain RN, because of the VERY SHALLOW lube grooves!
Much prefer my ancient Lyman 500 grain mould!
Mebbie’ the Lee Spitzer’s grooves are deeper???

[wstrayer]

Here is a link from the Lee catalogue.
https://leeprecision.com/mold-dc-459-500-3r

[Tony Beck]

If you look around on the BP Single Shot BBs, you will see something called the 'Money Bullet'. It's got a more elliptically shaped nose than the government 500 grain bullet. Supposedly it's The Ticket for long range shooting. Molds are more expensive than the Lee, but probably worth every penny. I too have one of the old Lyman 500 grainers with big grooves, but am considering getting a mold for the Money Bullet.