325 hornady FTX reloads for 45-70 handi?

[Mad Dog]

Have any of you boys that have a 45-70 handi, tried reloading the 45-70 FTX[leverevolution] bullet in standard length cases?  Are the throats too short for such an undertaking, without reaming?  How fast can you push these bullets?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Mad Dog

[petemi]

The LE cases are shorter than a standard .45-70 case, therefore you can load longer bullets in a short throat.  I loaded 405s in standard cases, and they are longer than the 325s and chambered fine.  Dropped right in.  If you want to load the flex tip bullet, call your die manufacturer and if you send them a bullet, they should send you a part to change in your bullet loading die to fit the bullet so you don't crush the tip.  I know Lee does this for about 13 dollars including shipping.  

I haven't loaded the FTXs yet, but I would think you could get close to or over 2000 fps with safe pressures.

Pete

[Mad Dog]

petemi,  thanks for the reply.  I hadn't even thought about having to change the seater plug on the die.....


Mad Dog

[Dinny]

petemi,  thanks for the reply.  I hadn't even thought about having to change the seater plug on the die.....
Mad Dog

Not that it's a bad idea, but I would try it first to see of the tips are deformed from seating. I have deformed standard b-tipped bullets but those tips are soft and pliable, they may just bounce back.  Might save you $13. I have 100 of those bullets and plan to load them someday after I retire in 12 years (busy year for me). IIRC, I think they can be pushed up to 2300 fps with minimal issues as long as you keep them in a Handi rifle. Factory loads are listed at 2050fps, but I could almost swear they had two different loadings for them at one time or another. Not exactly the same but, The .450 Marlin pushes them to 2225fps.

Thanks, Dinny