Lee Classic Loader for .45-70

[Tallinar]

Has anyone used a Lee Classic Loader kit for .45-70?

I've read a couple accounts that stated that the Lee Classic kit doesn't include a means to get a sufficient bell on the case mouth for loading cast bullets (which I intend to use exclusively).

And before you say it, yes, I know there are better methods of reloading than the Lee Classic Loader. I'm looking at the Lee kit as a way of reloading when I don't have access to the reloading bench for extended periods of time.

Should I skip it for .45-70, or can anyone report good success with it?

 

[loadedround]

I really can't answer your question about the Lee Loader die set expanding the case mouth on the 45-70, but I doubt it since none of the other rifle sets do, and I have used several over the years. I suggest you get the Lee set and if you need to expand your case mouths for lead bullets, look into a Lyman M Die. This die is made to slightly bell a case mouth to seat leat bullets. While the Lyman M Die is designed for use in a bench mounted press, you can use it as a hand die with your hammer or mallet. This die is only about 15.00 and solves the problem with rifle cases and lead bullets. I use one for my 375 H&H and cast GC lead bullets.

 

[jonnyc]

I use a Lee Classic to load lead bullets into .45 ACP. The bullets have a little taper at the base and usually load pretty easy. I sometimes get a little shaving, but nothing that effects the loading or accuracy.
Hope this helps a bit.
And for the small amount of .45-70 I'm guessing you'll need, the Classic is the perfect way to go.

 

[Asherdan]

I started with the classic loader and cast in 45-70. .459 cast bullets got shaved by the case mouth so I got the 45cal case plug to bell with that Lee has that they'll ship you for about $11 IIRC. Or you can get creative and make your own. It was slow, I found doing things in batches worked best and I only set off one primer in a couple thousand chances, you get a feel for when you've tapped the primer in fully and it's time to stop banging. It makes perfectly good ammo once you get honed in to the feel of seating a primer and the feel of getting a decent and consistent crimp, I would tap and then rotate the die body about a quarter turn until I'd tapped my way around the case and then repeat until I got the crimp I wanted. I would still suggest using a scale for powder unless you are willing to put the time into getting consistent with a dipper customized to your load.

If you take your time with it, it's fine. Priming, crimping and throwing powder via dipper force you to take your time and get it right. Once I found my load with 350g cast I could turn out a box of twenty hunting-accurate cartridges in under an hour.

 

[Tallinar]

Thanks for the replies all. Asherdan, can you please direct me to a link that shows more about the case plug from Lee that you're referring to?

 

[Asherdan]

Flaring Tool 45 is what I'm talking about. Give 'em a call and let customer service know you need one for 45-70. Mine works fine.

 

[Tallinar]

Awesome. Thank you, sir. With a flaring tool, I could see this working out!

 

[Duckdog]

Take a bottleneck cartridge like a 30-06 or 300 ag and put it in the 45/40 case, caemounth first, and lightly tap on it a bit and it will flare the mount however far you would like. I use it on the 30-06 and mosin lee loaders I have and it works good. I use 223 on those calibers. Just don't overdue it.

 

[Asherdan]

And there's a good example of what I meant by getting creative. Good info.

 

[Duckdog]

With all of the gear guy has, i still pull these out and reload with them now and again. There's just something about the genius behind them that seems to interest me. I can see why they've stood the test of time. I know this, if I was just a couple of hundred rounds a year reloader, they'd probably be all I would have. For expanding, the Lee universal ecpander would also work for you too, as you get a couple of different expander plugs. I use these for all of my cast bullet shooting when my dies do not have an expander in the set. Another downright smart idea by Lee. This guy must just lay awake dreaming this stuff up!

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I have made some outstanding reloads on the lee classic. Some will tell you they aren't very good. One sugguestion I will make is get a hand primer as you will get a better primer fit and consistent depth plus you don't have to worry about setting a primer off. With a hand primer you can feel the primer seat.