.45-70 handloading

[Tallinar]

To date, the only cartridges I have handloaded for have been straight-wall cartridges such as .44 magnum and .45 Colt.

I was considering getting into the .45-70 business, and I figure it will be somewhat similar to loading straight-walled cartridges; but due to the fact that .45-70 is a tapered case, I was wondering if there's anything special or any tips I should be aware of.

I do notice that it seems carbide dies are not made for .45-70. Can someone elaborate on the reasons? I would imagine it's directly related to the case shape, but I'm not sure.

Thanks for any tips you can supply.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, the .024" case taper is the reason there are no carbide dies made for it.

It would make no differance anyway, as you would still have to use case lube on a case that big with carbide dies.

No real tricks to loading 45-70.

As you suspect, just treat it as a really big pistol case.

I loaded a gazillion of them with nothing more then a Lyman tong tool 45 years ago.

Finally got a real three-die set from Herters, but the quality of the ammo probably was no better.

rc

 

[Tallinar]

Thanks rc.

 

[calaverasslim]

Just remember, that HUGE case needs only a dab of powder and thats where you gotta be careful. I use dacron fiber from wall mart to put in there to keep the powder in place. Some buy and use wads

 

[esheato]

Trail Boss under a 405...all you need to know.

 

[rcmodel]

needs only a dab of powder and thats where you gotta be careful.

It depends on what you are loading.

Many Marlin level loads, and some trap-door loads use compressed charges of medium burn rate rifle powders like IMR-4895, 4064, Varget, etc.

Mouse fart Cowboy loads may require filler.
But a better powder for those would be Trail Boss, and no filler would be necessary.

rc

 

[oneounceload]

and then there are BP loads for BPCR..very versatile cartridge

 

[Tallinar]

Well let me pick your brains some more on this.

Now since I load .45 Colt with smokeless, I'm no stranger to the fact that blackpowder cartridges that have been "carried over" into smokeless cartridges definitely have the unique obstacle of powder volume. The fact that the powder to open space ratio inside a SAAMI standard .45 Colt loading leaves a lot of open space kind of opens up the possibility of problems when trying to achieve consistent burns. Trail Boss has served me well to overcome that obstacle in .45 Colt, of course.

Now, with .45-70, I will be trying to produce some moderate "modern" rounds, using an H&R Buffalo Classic, as opposed to limiting myself to BP-strength smokeless loads that are friendly to the period trap door rifle.

I have read some accounts of people using "fillers" in .45-70 to help alleviate some of the leftover open space in the cartridge. The thought of using fillers is very unattractive to me, and I want to avoid it altogether.

So aside from Trail Boss, what are some modern rifle powders that I should look at that will adequately fill the case, while at the same time not throwing me into the "Ruger No. 1-only" pressure threshold?

 

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49 has a chapter of Marlin 95/ Win 86 loads that are right up your alley.

It all depends on bullet weight (300 to 405?) and type (jacketed or lead) you plan to use.

However, IMR-4198, H332, Varget, IMR-3031, and RX7 show up a lot and should come close to filling the case if not a compressed load in some cases.

You really need to get a Lyman #49 and study up on it a little.

rc

 

[kragluver]

The .45-70 is a very easy cartridge to reload for. There are quite a few good powders that work well in it. My personal "heavy" loads use H322 or 3031. If you want a moderate load with velocities close to BP velocities, try SR4759 or 5744. I've not tried any of the reduced charges in it using pistol powder.

With 4759 or 5744 you do not need a filler.

If your rifle's action will handle it (all modern leverguns and the Ruger single shots), a moderate speed powder like 3031 or H322 will fill the case. DON'T shoot those sort of loads in older guns though. The Lyman reloading handbook has a lot of good 45-70 loads in it - segregated by action strenght. Its a good place to start.

 

[Tallinar]

It all depends on bullet weight (300 to 405?) and type (jacketed or lead) you plan to use.

I forgot to mention. I will be starting off using exclusively 405 gr lead with a BHN of 18.

I'll see if I can get my hands on a Lyman 49. I'm pretty sure my dad has one somewhere. Thanks guys.

 

[cheygriz]

I load for an 1895 Marlin, using 405 cast GC bullets, and my powders of choice are 3031 and 4895.

 

[GaryL]

I'll see if I can get my hands on a Lyman 49. I'm pretty sure my dad has one somewhere. Thanks guys.

They are quite reasonably priced, and it's well worth having handy. Mine was $22.

I've been looking into reloading the 45-70 to the level 2 specs, and 4895 looks ideal to me. Might be able to get slightly better velocity out of another selection, but Lyman shows the top load with 4895 as a compressed load for 300gr and 405gr jacketed bullets. Usually can't go wrong when it takes an effort to put too much powder into the case.

 

[john wall]

I have had great luck with Alliant's Reloder #7. One can go from Trapdoor loads to thumpers.

BTW, Thumpers are going to get very old very quick (recoil).

I load 32 gr Reloder 7 behind a 405. This can be fired in any 45/70, and will still stop anything outside of a Zoo!

The Remington 405 gr component bullet will give target accuracy at a moderate cost when bought in quantity. This round likes a little crimp, even in single shots.

When possible, use a Magnum primer.

On the can, Alliant modestly states this powder is "great in 45/70".

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use 4198 under a 405gr lead bullet and that powder mostly fills the case. It's accurate ammo too...