45-70 325 gr. ftx

[carsonvogel]

Hello, I have a marlin 1895 gbl and would like to start reloading using Hornady 325 grain ftx bullets. I seen some people say that special crimping dies are need due to the shorter case length. Is this true? And where would I be able to find a set to buy? I would also be interested in a used set if anyone has for sale. Thank you in advance.

 

[rommelrommel]

You need to use the leverevolution brass (or trim,) and it's not that much shorter so I am not sure if you can crimp with a regular die or not, but I would think you can.

 

[nowarningshot]

To me the 325 ftx factory load is the 45-70 trying to be something it's not. Soft point, hard cast, or pistol powder gallery rounds. If I want a high speed expanding round, there are safes full of other choices.

 

[todbartell]

Redding makes a FTX seater/crimper

 

[carsonvogel]

It seems like everywhere is sold out of the redding ftx dies.

 

[yomomma]

I imagin a lee factory crimp die with the appropriate amount removed should work fine...do you know any machinists?

 

[Bulldog73]

I put my 45-70 Hornady FTX loads on top of my shell holder and guide it into the Lee factory crimp die. Lines up perfectly and works fine for me.

 

[6MT]

.....

 

[hatman1793]

Hello Carsonvogel! I like the idea of a faster, lighter bullet in 45-70 too. What’s your plan? What kind of FPS are you looking to achieve?
What’s your powder choice(s)?

 

[carsonvogel]

I'll most likely be using imr 4198 and I'd like to get get close to the 2000 fps like the hornady loads. I'll be trying out the lee factory crimping die if I can find one anywhere.

 

[carsonvogel]

I put my 45-70 Hornady FTX loads on top of my shell holder and guide it into the Lee factory crimp die. Lines up perfectly and works fine for me.

I'll definitely try this thanks. What kind of powder are you using in your loads?

 

[hatman1793]

Hey CV:
The 2019 Hodgon reloading manual shows a load for your Hornady FTX. IMR4198 starts at 50 grains for 2149 FPS to 54 grains @ 2292 fps.
Im using H4198 powder. The H4198 powder is a tad faster than IMR4198.

H4198 shows 52 grains @ 2242 fps up to 56 grains @ 2388 fps.

These faster velocities significantly improve 45-70 downrange ballistics.

 

[Bubba Yugga]

Putting the Hornady case on top of the shell holder might not be enough, so I put a dime or nickel on the shell holder to get the crimp down a bit lower.

 

[jonathonh]

I did quite a bit of research recently wanting to do the same thing. My situation was more because I already had Hornady brass I wanted to be able to reload with the FTX’s. From what I read, the Hornady reloading does work with the shorter brass, and since I didn’t have a set of dies yet I purchased The Hornady does. Haven’t had a chance to reload yet, but they are supposed to work.

 

[rpcw]

Putting the Hornady case on top of the shell holder might not be enough, so I put a dime or nickel on the shell holder to get the crimp down a bit lower.

That’s what I do!!

 

[rpcw]

Also took a cheap lee case length guid and filed it down to make the correct length for FTX.
Works like a charm.

 

[buck knife]

I only use the leverevolution brass for ftx bullets,I'm loading them up,with h322 powder in a Lee loader and crimping works great with lever brass no issues at all.i have to re set depth guage for seating bullets when I re load any other brass tho.