Author Topic: Well, did you talk your wife into the 45-70? (Read 2098 times)

TOMMYY01 · « **on:** July 07, 2004, 11:15:20 AM »

Hellacatcher,
Did your wife go for the 45-70 idea?

When I got home, I went back out to our bubba range, and have got the 45-70 dead on at 50 yds. If I had a half dollar I could cover up the holes. ( no kidding) I can't wait to see the reaction this fall when a whitetail gets hit with the 45-70. I'm not into long walks as far as tracking :evil: I'm glad I got the 45-70 when I did. Love that rifle. :-D
tommy

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2004, 11:26:28 AM »

What ammo are you shooting? I'm considering a .45-70 barrel, but don't handload, would only be shooting factory ammo. Any advise would be appreciated. Thx, Tim

Big Blue · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2004, 12:01:58 PM »

Tim,
Just my opinion, but the Remington factory 405 gr. JSP can't be beat for the money. It pushes the 405 gr. bullet at about 1350 FPS, has great penetration, and is more than enough for most N. American game. The Buffalo Bore, and Garrett loads are heavier hitters, but at close to $50.00 a box, they ought to be. The 45/70 would be a good reason to reload, there's just so many great cast bullets out there for this caliber. For me, reloading adds another level of enjoyment to shooting.
Don

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2004, 12:15:19 PM »

Thanks, Don....I'd probably love to handload but I just don't shoot enough to justify the cost of the equipment. I can talk my wife into a new gun and scope once in a while but to start reloading the initial cost of components and equipment just doesn't seem to have a good return for me. So, just picking the best factory stuff seems right. :-)

MSP Ret · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2004, 01:19:20 PM »

quickdtoo, look into a lee loader for less than $20.00. Thats all you need to start reloading, especially a reloading friendly (easy to reload) case like the 45/70. And you save that much quickly....<><.... :grin:

Major · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2004, 01:24:06 PM »

Go to Lee Precision Inc. and look at their Lee Loader in .45/70 Government for $26.95.

If you only load a few at a time, like under 50 or so, it will do just fine for a lot of years. I still use one of those for my .30-06 that I have had for about 30 years now. It loads up about 20 rounds a year, which is enough for sighting in, some practice and then hunting each year. The only other thing you might want is a powder scale instead of the scoop that Lee gives you.

On edit: it seems that MSP Ret beat me to it but said about the same thing. It is worth checking into for sure.

marv · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2004, 01:32:15 PM »

I have a Lee loader I got about 20 yrs ago still use it.
I also have Lee dies for 45-70, does Not work as good as
the old one. Those are the way to start out, I have a bunch
of the old lee's They all still work good if not loading a lot.
Marv.

JPH45 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2004, 02:04:31 PM »

quickdtoo, I agree with these fella's, the 45-70 and the Lee Loader were made for one another. While I personally don't use one, I have known and met many people over the years who do. the 45-70 ain't exactly a rifle you are going to go out and burn up 50 or more rounds at a time anyway.

Lee Loader, about $25.00
Primers, about $2.00
Bullets, $8.00 - $25.00
Powder, about $20.00 (loads per pound at 50 grains per load, 140)
A single box of factory ammo can cost $20.00!

Neat thing about the Lee loader is that for a nostalgic type is that such a loading method is not too far off what they guys using the 45-70 125 years ago were doing. Check it out!

Deadeye47 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2004, 02:32:16 PM »

I might as well jump on the lee bandwaggon too. The tong tool is what I started loading with in high school (yeah,yeah its been a couple of days ago! :x ) and used it for several years before saving up for a RCBS press. I still use the same press today....the tong tool was sold a while ago to help someone get started reloading...I kinda wish I hadn't sold it but it was worth it to get someone else interested in the [Hobby/addiction?! :roll: ] You will be glad you did purchase one...and is an inexpensive way to customize your loads to YOUR PERSONAL rifle...it is really inexpensive ...and FUN! IN OTHER WORDS...TRY IT YOU'LL LIKE IT!!! :grin:

MSP Ret · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2004, 02:42:52 PM »

Look at e-bay for a used Lee Loader. Make sure it is all there and it has the instructions (unless you have others at home and/or used them before) and the the specific load tables for that caliber. If not, chances someone here has the info you need. There is a old style (black and red cardboard box) 45/70 Lee Loader on e-bay right now. I personally have had as much luck with the new ones as the old ones....<><.... :grin:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2004, 02:58:10 PM »

Ok, ok, I give!!! Ya talked me into it.....I put a bid in on the ebay unit, dang you guys are persistent! :wink: You know what the next question is........what's yer favorite load recipe?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

MSP Ret · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:02:02 PM »

28.0 grains of 2400 behind a Hornady 350 Grain RN halfjacket. Sweet accurate easy shooting 45/70 load with little recoil....<><.... :grin:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #12 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:03:29 PM »

MSP, Any particular primer or brass that you favor?

Ed Hill · « **Reply #13 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:04:14 PM »

I have not ordered from Boses Guns yet, so can't vouch for them, but they list the Lee Loader at $11.99. Another $50 locally for powder, primers and bullets and you're set to load a lot of cartridges. My Lee Loader works very effectively on the 45-70.

E.D.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #14 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:08:11 PM »

I am reloading Remington (green box) brass right now and it is working well for me. I have wanted to try some starline brass but that will wait a while. I do like the looks of Nickled brass and I think Winchester makes it. I'll have to get back to you on what primers I have been using. Most Likely CCI or Remington. Standard non Magnum primers....<><.... :grin:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #15 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:11:31 PM »

E.D., yup they're just $11.99 and only $6.95 shipping! Thanks!! I'll hold tight on the $10 bid at ebay, they don't indicate how much shipping they're gonna charge, unless you all think the old style loader is worth more..... :?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:13:33 PM »

Thanks everyone, ya done great!! But, I'll probably be pickin at ya for quite some time now..... :wink:

marv · « **Reply #17 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:33:28 PM »

I just got my 45-70 barrel have not had time to shoot it much
Did read some on one these boards useing Unique, I tried 12 grs
of unique CCI LR primers, 405 cast ( Lee Mold ) Nice plinking
load. What I do is when I load the rifle I point barrel Up so that small amount powder will back close to primer. No problems Marv.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #18 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:36:30 PM »

Hey Marv, Hows the presidential campaign going? You got my vote....<><.... :grin:

marv · « **Reply #19 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:46:44 PM »

MSP Ret
Going great just no time to on the Trail looking for votes

Marv.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #20 on:** July 07, 2004, 03:59:12 PM »

Quick, you can still cut those costs some.

Lee Loader $12
Lee C459-405-HB Mould - $18
Liquid Alox- $3
Primers -$2c
Powder - $20 for enough to load nearly 600 shots (12 grains of Unique)

Costs me roughly 7 cents a shot, not counting brass.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #21 on:** July 07, 2004, 04:00:27 PM »

I was just lookin thru my old muzzleloading lead casting stuff and I have a lyman 457122(330grHP) and a 457124(385grRN)....I also have a lyman sizer with some .452 dies. What size lead bullets are you lead bullet fellas using in your .45-70?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #22 on:** July 07, 2004, 04:03:24 PM »

LODJ, do you use a filler with that little bit of of unique? Seems to me the powder could get to the front of the case and not work right or am I missing something here?

hellacatcher · « **Reply #23 on:** July 07, 2004, 05:12:52 PM »

Tommy I have bought that pop gun so many times in my dreams it an't funny was just out separating some brass and looking longly at those emptys you gave me. I did run across a 243 ultra I just could pass up barley had time to clean it this weather has us working full time day and night but at least she didn't say a word when I brought the ultra home. I'll run across a 45-70 one day it is a hoot to shoot.

Ed Hill · « **Reply #24 on:** July 07, 2004, 05:45:36 PM »

Quickdtoo, if you are going to load cast bullets with the Lee Loader, you need to get the 45-70 expander tool from Lee. This is a special tool for the Lee Loader, not the universal expander die they also sell. Call Lee and tell them you need the 45-70 expander for the Lee Classic Loader, I think it was $4.

I have been buying .458 and .459 cast bullets, and get good accuracy with XMP5744, although it leaves a lot of unburnt powder in the barrel.

E.D.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #25 on:** July 07, 2004, 06:16:28 PM »

Quick, no filler, no nothing. I can only guess that Unique lights easy and the rifle primer gets the whole inside of the case. I mostly shoot cast bullets as they are cast. I want them big.

If you do get a sizer so you can use the machine to lube your bullets, try to find a .460 or .461. That 385 grainer oughta work just fine with 405 grain data.

Here's a sample of how they work.

marv · « **Reply #26 on:** July 08, 2004, 02:06:01 AM »

I load 45-70 cast bullets as they come from Lee 405 grain mold,
I don't even flare the mouth of the case, never use a expander on
45-70. I am like DJ I want my bullets big, my 2 cents Marv,

dpastor · « **Reply #27 on:** July 08, 2004, 09:47:50 AM »

Just my two cents worth on the discussion of the Lee Loader:

1. Buy a hard plastic mallet for use with the unit. A standard hammer may spark or damage whatever it hits.
2. The Lee resizes the neck only. Brass used in other, older guns may not fit your chamber. Check before resizing.
3. I use 1/2 gr (about 1/2" square, 1/4" thick) dacron filler (fabric store) pushed into the case on some of my reloads. Be sure that your reloading manuals recommend doing this with the load you want, it does increase pressure somewhat.
4. My Lee came with a small neck expander standard.
5. Be sure that the primer seating tool "floats" freely - lightly lube as necessary. If not an occassional bang may be heard in the reloading shed.
6. Finally, buy some Pyrodex. It will fill the case and give you lots of smoke, fun and excitement upon firing (with cast bullets, of course)

TOMMYY01 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 08, 2004, 09:48:06 AM »

I'm using the 300 coreloks. If I get a chance, and go bear or boar hunting then I will sight it in with the 405 coreloks, but I think using the 300's will take care of the boars and the bear that they have in the smokies. anyone think 300 's will suffice? Tommy

JPH45 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 08, 2004, 12:04:15 PM »

That 457122 mold ought to make perfect deer killers, the round nose would make an easy casting plinking bullet, both should be right for the 45-70.