Read first then find the videos and watch them. Then read again and start to reload. As is always the case, the best teacher is experience - just get the basics right first.
45-70 reloading advice
- Thread starter Old_Joe
- Start date
Read first then find the videos and watch them. Then read again and start to reload. As is always the case, the best teacher is experience - just get the basics right first.
and I just have to add; reloading the 45-70 is probably the most fun of any of the reloading I do, and I do a lot of different calibers. With the 45-70 I tend to play around with different bullet weights, different bullet types (jacketed, soft cast creampuff, hard cast gas checked shoulder thumpers, etc), and different powder types. Everything is nice and big, no really fiddly little stuff like there is with .223 or smaller center fire ammo. The holes it makes in targets are unmistakable unless you have a 458 Lott or something similar, and even lightweight binoculars will show them at 200 metres. Shooting them can bring a huge smile sometimes and a tear to the eye others. Too much fun!
Reloading is like driving a car - it's not rocket science but you do need to keep your eyes on the road.
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Still new to reloading the 45-70 myself. But figured with the shooting i do, I'd get more bang for my dollar. You won't save money in reality, you'll just be able to shoot more, which is good, it's just not saving. I picked up the lee 150th anniversary kit about 10 years ago, and just recently got the 45-70 dies and crimping die. I use a hornady digital scale over the beam provided in the kit for convenience. I started off with 120 rounds of federal 300grain sp, and once i fired them, recycled the brass. I reload with hornady 350grain round nose sp, and run 50grains of hodgdon h4895. The dies come with good information from lee.
Now keep in mind i shoot a 12inch barrel, so throw moa out the window lol. But they hit where they're supposed to, if i do my part.
Now keep in mind i shoot a 12inch barrel, so throw moa out the window lol. But they hit where they're supposed to, if i do my part.
"Still new to reloading the 45-70 myself. But figured with the shooting i do, I'd get more bang for my dollar. You won't save money in reality, you'll just be able to shoot more, which is good, it's just not saving."
My thoughts well, I had so much fun shoot my 1895 that I definitely want to go out often. Having another hobby that looks fun is a bonus.
My thoughts well, I had so much fun shoot my 1895 that I definitely want to go out often. Having another hobby that looks fun is a bonus.
I will be learning to reload and starting with 45/70 using a Dillon 550, not an RL or B or C which are the newer ones and whatever the difference is I don't know. Need to acquire dies and the other press equipment and the components. I have not been able to find the Dillon dies and press equipment for the Dillon 550.
The projectiles I will buy are most likely 405 grain hard cast. Don't know whether to get the gas check or the plain base? Also the primers can be large rifle or magnum large rifle? I have Tite Group powder but have read differing opinions on using it to make accurate loads for the 45/70 since it is apparently a fast burning powder.
On YouTube I saw one reloader using wads and Hickock45 uses carboard wads in his 45/70 reloading video and you can see them flying off after he shoots his Browning 1886 and hits the bullseye of the gong at 240 yds on the first shot, truly outstanding marksmen. He states they lessen the bore leading.
The projectiles I will buy are most likely 405 grain hard cast. Don't know whether to get the gas check or the plain base? Also the primers can be large rifle or magnum large rifle? I have Tite Group powder but have read differing opinions on using it to make accurate loads for the 45/70 since it is apparently a fast burning powder.
On YouTube I saw one reloader using wads and Hickock45 uses carboard wads in his 45/70 reloading video and you can see them flying off after he shoots his Browning 1886 and hits the bullseye of the gong at 240 yds on the first shot, truly outstanding marksmen. He states they lessen the bore leading.
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I've been reloading 45-70 for about 2 years now, I shoot antique or antique replica single shot rifles - 1884 Springfield Trapdoor(antique), 1885 Winchester Highwall (Uberti replica) and 1873 Remington Rolling Block (Pedersoli replica). I shoot primarily 405g hollow base and 500g flat base lead bullets I cast myself. I use either Triple7 (60g) or black powder (70g) with a cardboard wad between the powder and bullet. In my case the wad is to protect the base of the bullet. This past weekend I shot a 3 round 6" group at 200 yards using the Buffington leaf peep sight on my Springfield.
Just my $0.02 cents worth.
Retreever
- Location
- castlegar B.C.
I wouldn't start with using titegroup powder. Get a powder which lots of tested load data is available. Get some good manuals and study reloading before jumping in.
Titegroup is rather fast for 45-70 and could get dangerous pressures in a hurry if you arnt careful
Titegroup is rather fast for 45-70 and could get dangerous pressures in a hurry if you arnt careful
