BajaBill;
As far as I can determine so far, all you mentioned are just variations on the same theme, extending the 45-70 case to increase the BP capacity to increase the velocity...in the old days.
My NEF BC is in route and should be here early next week. I have the necessary reloading components to start and will collect other bullets as I go.
I will make a cast of the chamber, mike it, then send it to PTG for a 45-120 reamer, ground so it follows the taper of the OEM chamber(as long as it isn't out of SAAMI specs) and maintains the original diameter of the base. That way the base doesn't enlarge as long as I do my part on the lathe.
My intentions are to work up loads for the 45-70 case, then ream to 45-90 and work up loads, then decide if I want to continue out to 45-120 or stop somewhere inbetween or stop at 45-90.
PMC has loaded 45-90 Cowboy load available to I can get cases and data quickly, just like using factory 45-70 loads. And, from many that have done this a lot more than I will, 45-90 may be the stopping point due to many reasons.
The price of 45 Basic is over 2 bucks a pop so I'm still thinking that one over. I start squeezing the buffalo very hard when case prices start going beyond a quarter apiece.
I also have might send my other frame in and have a 22" bbl fitted so I can determing the difference between and 22" and a 32" bbl.
People have handreamed to 45-90 with success, PTG reamers are $138 for wildcats and standard. I have determined to my satisfaction the frame, brass and all the rest of the components will handle the 45 KPSI I will use as the stopping point.
I've read, with high interest, all the post I could find, on this forum and others, concerning this venture and asked a bunch of questions, so I will be mindfull of all the good information and the caveats presented.
Cartridge BP, leverguns and the "Old Timey" cartidges are new to me, but
not metalic reloading or building rifles, but I continue to learn from others and hope the information I present at a later date will be of use.
The information will be applicable only to the two rifles I developed the data for. If used, it is to be used EXACTLY as presented, NO CHANGE in any of the components, no swapping bullets, powder, primers or increasing the charge over where I stopped, changing the COAL and so on, UNLESS YOU GOT YOU HEAD SCREWED ON RIGHT and know the risks. We all know the inherent risks and reloading is dangerous. I will establish a case head expansion point for the pressure and that will be the maximum expansion I use.
Changing ANY of the parametes I set for each load can increas or decrease the pressure. It may not cause a problem, but then again, it might. If you do change components, drop back on the powder charge at least 10% and work up to a safe load. For Dupont powders a 10% drop pressure only costs 5% in velocity, so that should be a no brainer.
This data may be different that your experience. I'm not looking for any protracted arguments. Basically, it is presented for information coming from two rifles, that's all. If you don't like it, don't use it, but don't beef me because you don't like it, someone else might find it worth while...or not. All the costs came out of my pocket, I did all the shooting and took all the pain. I'm not selling you a thing and you couldn't buy it anyhow. "YOU" is not in the pejorative sense, you understand.
I think the varmints around my place will cringe when they see me hauling out "Old Mr. Blue Peter Long" :roll: :twisted: :grin:
NFG
