Author Topic: 45/70 Question  (Read 480 times)

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Offline upstech76

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45/70 Question
« on: October 24, 2011, 03:49:04 AM »
Does anyone reload the "short" LE Hornady brass with non-hornady bullets?  I have some once fired LE Hornady brass and would like to load up some 300 gr Sierra bullets but wasn't sure how the shorter brass would affect accuracy.  This would strictly be shot in a handi rifle.

Offline Swampman

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Re: 45/70 Question
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2011, 04:51:17 AM »
It can be done.  It's not unlike shooting .38 Specials in a .357.  Crimping can be an issue unless you use the new Hornaday dies or shorten your existing seater/crimping die.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline Grumulkin

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Re: 45/70 Question
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2011, 05:24:19 AM »
It shouldn't affect accuracy and you don't need to crimp anyway.

Offline Swampman

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Re: 45/70 Question
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2011, 05:35:03 AM »
With some powders a crimp is needed to get good accuracy.  I roll crimp everything.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline tacklebury

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Re: 45/70 Question
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2011, 01:17:11 PM »
+1 on crimp here.  I have loaded Hornady brass once...  Wasn't very happy with the results and as Swampy said, crimp dies don't work and sizing die doesn't get down all the way.  8(
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

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Offline GH1

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Re: 45/70 Question
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2011, 10:38:38 PM »
 I have the same rifle as you and loaded the shorter LE brass. To do it you'll need either the Hornady seat die, or you can modify the dies you have. I use RCBS dies that belong to a friend so I couldn't modify them. Instead I purchased a lee factory crimp die and shortened by .100" or so.  I'm not real convinced the crimp is exacty right though, I'll have to load some standard length rounds to be sure.
 Anyway, you can certainly load the LE brass, but it's a little bit more of a hassle the standard length, unless you have one of the new Hornady dies. Bear in mind though, with the shorter brass you have less case volume and if you're using full power loads you may have an over pressure situation. I shoot Trapdoor loads in mine so it isn't an issue for me.
 As far as accuracy goes I haven't noticed anything, but I tend to shoot everything off-hand at ranges of no more than 50 yards so I may not notice. All of my hunting is done in thick woods where a 20 yard shot is the norm, so I really have no need to develop a MOA round.  Your needs may be different so I really can't coment too much on that.
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Offline Swampman

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Re: 45/70 Question
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2011, 11:49:53 PM »
The sizing dies should get down all the way but it doesn't need to.  I don't fully resize my .45-70 brass anyway.  I resize just enough to hold the bullet.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~