Reloading 45-70 Govt with Hornady Lock'N Load AP

Nevada Smith

Nevada Smith

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Hello guys

I'm used to reload my handgun ammo with the Hornady LNL AP (38 special, 45acp, 45Colt, 8mm Lebel 9mm Luger) but I never tried to reload 45-70 government.
As I shoot more and more with this caliber I start thinking to reload it.

Does anybody has experience with the Hornady and the 45-70 ? Bad or good experience, I'm open to get all information I can.
If the result is to take another reload kit, I'm open to it.

Thank you for your help.
 
Though not a Hornady LNL....but reasonably comparable....I load cartridges as long as .300 Win mag on a Dillon 550B on a fairly regular basis. Without issues. As long as there is sufficient clearance between the end of the case and the bullet seating die to insert a bullet (That includes inserting a bullet part way up into the seating die as far as it will go, then allowing it to drop down into the case), you should have no problems. Only way to find out, is to try it.

Though I also load 45-70, I prefer to load these on a single-stage Rockchucker. More out of habit, than anything else. May try it on the Dillon, next time.
 
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Janeau: I agree. I think it should be okay, too. Just haven`t bothered on the Dillon, yet. Should not be a problem on the OP`s Hornady, either.
 
Nevada Smith said:
Thank you for your comments.
Another question : is crimping mandatory ?
Click to expand...

I crimp every round of 45-70 that I load, two reasons to crimp 45-70 , the first is almost compulsory if you use tube magazine rifle with a strong spring in the mag... Loading 1 or 2 rounds in a tube mag probably won't cause a bullet to slide deeper into a case ( provided you have a firm case mouth grip, .002 0r more) but if you stuff the mag full, the spring tension increases and bullet push is often the result.
The second reason will depend on your powder charge in respect to that big case volume...crimping can improve powder consistency burn. Common theory on the issue is that the longer you hold the bullet in the case before it starts it's journey, the more consistent the pressure build up is in the case.
The short answer is "If used in a SS rifle no crimp is necessary but it may help accuracy even in those".

While I have never used a Hornady LNL to load with, cant give an educated guess at that, but I have loaded 45-70 quite a bunch with a Dillon 650. It works very well with a few "Dillon parts" required for the case feed mechanism but I will add that I never use the powder drop for rifle powder. I use the powder drop station to flare the case and the next station to funnel-pour into the case. There is no die in that station, the case just pokes up through the hole and I stop & pour on every stroke of the press.
 
Unless you're into cowboy action with Trail Boss loads, I can't see any reason for anything more than a single stage.
You don't want bruised shoulders and detached retinas that bad, do you?
 
The OP stated he already has & uses a Hornady progressive and didn't mention owning a SS so I think cost effectiveness would be reason #1...and for the life of me, cant fathom how the press model will influence bruised shoulders & detached retina's
 
fingers284 said:
The OP stated he already has & uses a Hornady progressive and didn't mention owning a SS so I think cost effectiveness would be reason #1...and for the life of me, cant fathom how the press model will influence bruised shoulders & detached retina's
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing but didnt bother asking. Im glad someone tried to figure it out.

Also its a 45-70 i know they can get a little stout but its nothing in the realm of causing retina damage or even close.
 
fingers284 said:
I crimp every round of 45-70 that I load, two reasons to crimp 45-70 , the first is almost compulsory if you use tube magazine rifle with a strong spring in the mag... Loading 1 or 2 rounds in a tube mag probably won't cause a bullet to slide deeper into a case ( provided you have a firm case mouth grip, .002 0r more) but if you stuff the mag full, the spring tension increases and bullet push is often the result.
The second reason will depend on your powder charge in respect to that big case volume...crimping can improve powder consistency burn. Common theory on the issue is that the longer you hold the bullet in the case before it starts it's journey, the more consistent the pressure build up is in the case.
The short answer is "If used in a SS rifle no crimp is necessary but it may help accuracy even in those".

While I have never used a Hornady LNL to load with, cant give an educated guess at that, but I have loaded 45-70 quite a bunch with a Dillon 650. It works very well with a few "Dillon parts" required for the case feed mechanism but I will add that I never use the powder drop for rifle powder. I use the powder drop station to flare the case and the next station to funnel-pour into the case. There is no die in that station, the case just pokes up through the hole and I stop & pour on every stroke of the press.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. For the moment I shoot only Sharps Bily Dixon and Springfield Trapdoor Cavalry, but I may try to shoot some lever action rifle. In this case crimping has its full use, regarding your explanation. Thanks again !
 
Is that an original Trapdoor Springfield with the 3 groove rifling or a modern reproduction with 5 groove. If it is the old 3-groove, a hollow base bullet will be your friend. Lee makes an inexpensive 405 gr hollowbase mold.
 
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