loading marlin .450 shotshells

[trapperchuck]

Anyone ever try using 45 long colt speer shot capsules to make shotshells for a .450 marlin? The only load I currently have calls for a wad on top of the shot and crimping the end of the case with the bullet seater. Just wondering if anyone has used speer shot capsules.

 

[rcmodel]

Not tried it, but you might be able to do it with some work.

The problem stems from the 450 Marlin rifle & reloading dies using .458" bullets and the .45 Colt using .452" bullets.

The Speer shot capsules are fairly loose fit in .45 Colt cases, and you can't crimp them much without breaking them.

I think you would have to neck size .450 Marlin cases in a .45 Colt sizing die to get a grip on them.

Even then, I doubt they would feed through the action.
And you would have a real mess if one broke open in the magazine and dumped a load if shot in the tube.

rc