Reloading for 43 Spanish in a RRB

Mean Steak

Mean Steak

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Central Alberta
Hello everyone!
I just purchased a Remington Rolling Block off of the EE. It’s chambered in 43 Spanish. The seller had some die’s as well so I’m good to go there. My problem is I can’t find any brass. I’ve asked at Rustywood and Mystic precision with no luck. Does anybody know of a site sponsor that has stock? I’d be in the market for 40-60 cases.
Also, what bullet to use? I do cast for my trapdoor so I’d just like to know what bullet mould you are using or a source for ready made projectiles.
Lastly what load are you all using? I plan on using black powder as I have lots, but I’m willing to see other options in smokeless powders.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to the sharing of knowledge you all have!
Cheers
 
I had one as well. I made brass from 45-70 cases. Bullet diameter is .439" My rifle had a sewer pipe bore and split most reformed cases. The rifle will be the basis for a new 40-70 Sharps Straight.
Best of luck with yours.
 
I'm going from memory, but can't 44-77 and 43 Mauser brass be easily converted to 43 Spanish?

Not gaining much as all three are scarce, but gives more options.
 
Excellent thanks guys!
I have some 45-70 brass I could use. If I load it up with black powder and projectile, will it fire form to the right size? Would 60-70 grains of black be sufficient? Also do I anneal the whole case cause of the stretching during the fire forming process?
I also messaged the guy with the bullet mould, thanks for the tip on that one!
 
The 45-70 cases will need to be at least neck sized. It's possible that 444 or 44mag dies might suffice but really don't know for sure.
Might need to anneal but you don't want to go to the base. Just the top third to half.

For a black powder load you want a full case of powder. Probably around 70gr or Fg or FFg. More can be fit in with a drop tube, vibration or a compressed load.
A quick search for 43 Spanish on castboolits.
h ttps://castboolits.gunloads.com/search.php?searchid=7650314
 
I am going to try the same thing. From what I have read, it can be tough to do, and if not done right you can split cases (using "short" 45-70s), or possibly hurt the rifle (using 348 with an O ring to fatten the rim thickness).
Nearly everyone suggests you need a lathe to reduce the case thickness of 348 along the bottom half of the cart, quite significantly near the base.
Nearly everyone recommends casting the chamber to do what fits your particular rifle.
If I lived in the states a simple call to TOTW or buffalo arms would do the trick...
Good luck! Now for the 50 Rem CF and 43 Egyptian...
 
I just dug out some of my attempts at making .43 Spanish cases from 45-70 & .348 brass.
The first photo is of 3 cases, from left to right:
Original .43 Sp. case, next a reformed 45-70 case & last, a case from BACO made from reforming .348 case. far right is an attempt at forming.348 cases in .43 Sp sizing die. Illustrates the need for a lathe.

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This shot is of 2 loaded rds from 45-70 cases, 2 survivor, fired cases and 3 slit cases after 2 firings.
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Photo of the headstamps of original .43 Sp. reformed 45-70 & BACO reformed .348 case. Note how the rim was enlarged by "moving" the excess brass from the base to the rim.
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An original .43 Sp, a reformed 45-70 & BACO reformed 348 case.
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Understood. I have used 50-70, but rim thickness after cutting is a problem I am yet to solve. THEN I read about 56-50 being a better start point. The 32 idea is new to me. Thanks
 
Hey guys! I found some 45-90 cases. 50 of them to be exact. I’ve annealed them and are ready to be resized when the rifle and dies get here. My understanding is they will need to be trimmed to 2.255”. Then after sizing should I anneal again?
 
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