RCBS .520 Adjustable Weight Minie Bullet
Gents,
Have any of you tried this bullet in the Maynard?
I like the bullet shape as compared to an original and if it could be adjusted down to 350 gr. or so I'd like to try it myself.
However I can't find any info on how it adjusts.
I've heard it can make flat bottom and hollow backed bullets, I can't confirm this either.
I read somewhere that original bullets were 343 grains so I'd like to get as close to this as possible.
Any info or guidance would be sincerely appreciated.
The base plug moves up and down by a threaded pin. See photo.
Mike Santarelli 03635V, Adjutant
Member since 1979
Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, #229
National Inspector General
Small Arms Committee
[QUOTE=ms3635v;51869]The base plug moves up and down by a threaded pin. See p
Thanks Mike,
I can see clearly now how it works.
What do you personally think of using this bullet, with the flat base in the Maynard if I shorten it to about 350 grains?
Last edited by ead; 12-28-2015 at 09:32 PM.
That's what I used in my Model 1 for the past couple of years before I switched to the Lyman. Grease grooves could have been bigger and I got tired of sizing from the .520+ down to .517 and wanted to try something closer to bore size.
Capable of medal winning accuracy.
Bob Anderson
Ordnance Sergeant
Company C, 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry
Small Arms Committee
"I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."
- John Wayne in "The Shootist", 1976
EAD,
I tried it in both my original Smith and my 2nd Model Maynard. I was not thrilled with the results in either carbine, and Bob is correct about the grease grooves. For years, I used a Rapine mould, but switched to a Moose mould about three years ago.
Mike Santarelli 03635V, Adjutant
Member since 1979
Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, #229
National Inspector General
Small Arms Committee
Thanks Bob for the info!Originally Posted by bobanderson
Which Lyman mould do you use?
Mike, If you don't mind my asking, Do you use the Moose Maynard or the Moose Smith Maynard and what weight?
EAD,
I am using the Moose Smith/Maynard bullet (400 grains, .520" sized to .518" for both Maynard and Smith) in both my Smith and Maynard. The Rapine bullet I used for years weighed 395 grains (sized from .520" to .518"). After doing load development for both carbines, I found that 35 grains of 3F worked best in the Maynard and 28 grains of 3F gave me the best results for the Smith. I would say, however, that you should experiment and find the load that you find works the best for you. There are many shooters who have loads that work best for them, and that would include bullets ranging in diameter from .515" through .518" and different weights.
Mike Santarelli 03635V, Adjutant
Member since 1979
Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, #229
National Inspector General
Small Arms Committee
Mike,
Great info!
Much appreciated!
The 515 with the flat base, either 515139 or 515141. One has a bevel base that works in the Smith. The flat base fits my full capacity brass. This past fall I bought the 6 cavity Lee .518 mould from Lodgewood. Going to try pure lead vs. the hard alloy I use normally.Thanks Bob for the info!
Which Lyman mould do you use?
Teaser alert here - I'm also considering selling the Maynard. Stay tuned.
Bob Anderson
Ordnance Sergeant
Company C, 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry
Small Arms Committee
"I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."
- John Wayne in "The Shootist", 1976
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