Author Topic: .45-70 reloading (Read 812 times)

NE Hunter · « **on:** April 11, 2005, 04:12:42 AM »

I just added a .45-70 to my collection and am just getting the stuff to reload it. I was wondering are there any carbide dies for it as it's a straight wall case? Does the brass "flow" like a bottle neck case and need trimming or is it more like pistol ammo ( I've never had to trim a pistol case yet)? What is a good powder to start with (smokeless as I know there are a few "purists" that load black powder)

Thanks

tomaldridge · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2005, 04:53:01 AM »

Haven't found a carbide die yet. If you do, please post a supplier. Try IMR 3031 powder.

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2005, 04:56:33 AM »

for heavy loads its hard to go wrong with starline brass and H322 powder. I get 1900fps with 405gr JSP and H322 out of my guide gun.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2005, 05:33:33 AM »

Hodgdons 4198..Remington nickle cases..rem 9-1/2 primers..Nosler 300 grain partition...use a Lee factory crimp die...works great in every Marlin 1895 I've owned..

Mac

BruceP · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2005, 05:39:39 AM »

I have seen carbide dies listed for the 45/70 somewhere but it has been over ten years ago and the price then was a little over $100. I don't remember who had them but it seems like they were RCBS dies. I haven't seen any listed since. You could call RCBS and ask if they make them.
BruceP

jh45gun · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2005, 05:44:43 AM »

Before you guys start passing out loads it would be a good idea to find out what kind of 45/70 he has as there are 3 classes of rifles.

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2005, 06:50:28 AM »

The 45-70 is not a straight-walled cartridge, it is slightly tapered and has a neck. So even if you could find a carbide die for it you would still need to lube the cases.

wheelgun · « **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2005, 10:42:56 AM »

Quote from: EsoxLucius

The 45-70 is not a straight-walled cartridge, it is slightly tapered and has a neck. So even if you could find a carbide die for it you would still need to lube the cases.

Are you sure about the neck? I can't see one on any of my brass and I have been reloading for it about 7 years now.

Curtis · « **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2005, 12:48:43 PM »

Wheelgun, it is not something you can see because there is no shoulder. The cartridge drawing in my Lyman book shows a case diameter of .505 at the head and .480 at the mouth. Basically a full length gradual taper (except for the neck).

Curtis

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2005, 04:01:31 PM »

I really had great luck with Reloader 7 in my 1895GS.... If you are planning on hunting whitetails, you will be amazed on how well "hot" trapdoor loads work on deer and with the recoil a youngster can handle.

Jim

Mac11700 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 11, 2005, 08:27:03 PM »

Quote from: jh45gun

Before you guys start passing out loads it would be a good idea to find out what kind of 45/70 he has as there are 3 classes of rifles.

Your right jh45gun....NE Hunter....what kinda 45-70 you adding to your collection...:oops: You do have 3 different loading pressures...and you need to load for the correct one...

Really thoughI don't really see any load complete load data given so-far...just types of powder...brass...bullets...and primers...all of them starting points...and as always...start low...and work your way up...

Mac

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2005, 04:58:06 AM »

Quote

Are you sure about the neck? I can't see one on any of my brass and I have been reloading for it about 7 years now.

The 45-70 is .505" at the case head and .480" at the case mouth. It tapers down from the case head to a point about where the base of a 500 grain lead round nose bullet is seated to in its original loading for the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor where it achieves about the .480" dimension. Hence, it is slightly tapered up to a straight section that is effectively a neck. I have been reloading the 45-70 for 28 years and I know its dimensions and characteristics. If the 45-70 does not have a neck, why does Lyman make a neck sizing die for it?

, Source: Cartridges of the World

NE Hunter · « **Reply #12 on:** April 12, 2005, 06:06:30 AM »

Sorry it would have been good to mention it's a NEF Handi Rifle. Intended use is White tail deer and Maine Black Bear. I specify Maine bear as they are different sizes depending on what part of the country and what they have for a food source. I was thinking about mid range in the Marlin loads should get the job done. I hadn't even looked at a reloading manual yet ( for it) and was getting ready to order the dies and what not I'll add what I need fro trimming to my list That slight tapper explains why I couldn't find a carbide set ... Thought I must be missing something ... and yes I was the tapper. Thanks

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #13 on:** April 12, 2005, 06:24:12 AM »

For the game you are pursuing:
Marlin 1895 45-70
300 grain Speer UniCor #2482 seated to 2.53" and crimped with a Lee Factory Crimp Die
Winchester brass, 2.1" trim
CCI 200 primer
50 grains H4198 START
55 grains H4198 HUNTING LOAD
HUNTING LOAD yields 2180 fps from a 22" barrel and should be around 28,000 CUP
Work up carefully from START until you reach 55 grains or 2180 fps or see signs of excessive pressure.

jh45gun · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2005, 08:43:48 AM »

The NEF should handle the middle loads for the lever guns easy. Not sure if the gun is rated for the Ruger loads or not but any lever gun load is enough to take any bear or whitetail as the lower trapdoor loads will accomplish that and the recoil would not be as bad eiter so using any of the two classes would give you lots of loads to choose from the 45/70 does not have to be hot rodded to get results. jim

glock29 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 12, 2005, 10:00:43 AM »

My NEF has NO trouble handling the Level3/Ruger/Magnumized/+P+ 45/70 loads.

My load uses H4198 to push a 350gr Hornady Round Nose to considerably more than 2300fps safely without showing any visible signs of excessive pressure. See the level 3 loads in the Hodgdon manual for the exact amount of powder.

Recoil is quite BRUTAL, and the felt recoil is actually WORSE than my CZ550 Safari Magnum in 458 Lott ! :twisted: :?

This said, even this level of recoil is NO BIG DEAL unless one is sitting at a bench. :lol:

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2005, 06:21:01 PM »

NE Hunter,
I've had good luck with both Reloader-7 and IMR-3031 powder. I have used both in several different 45-70s and they worked well in all.
I have also used 350g and 405g bullets. I settled on Re-7 powder and Rem. 405g bullets for my standard loads.
Awhile back some shooters recommended a Lee factory crimp die to me...wouldn't do without it now. It makes great crimps and reduces the amount of trimming required.
Good luck with your new project. I think you'll find that the 45-70 is great to reload.
Best,
TnNuc