Reloading 45-70 Government

[dsv424]

I am about to start reloading 45-70 with my Lee Classic Turret and was wondering if I should get the Factory Crimp Die or not. Nearly all my die sets have the FCD but is it more or less necessary for this caliber? I ordered the 3 die steel set #90561 that includes the seater/crimp die. I'm a bit concerned with set back since this is a lever-action gun.

 

[flashhole]

I did not get a FCD, a lot of people use them. I like to crimp in a separate step but I prefer the Redding Taper Crimp Die, it provides a very uniform crimp. Below is a picture of my current set up for loading the 45-70 on a Lee Classic Turret Press. I cut down the funnel and affixed it to the turret vis the large case nozzle. A virgin funnel is shown on the right. I like to use a Lee Dipper Cup when charging the case. This set up works really well.

Here's a link you may find helpful too.


http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/49

 

[dsv424]

Thx for the extensive info on this caliber. It was very informative. Could you tell me about how much that die set costs? Thanks again.

 

[flashhole]

I bought the Hornady Die set for about $33 and it came with a coupon for a box of free bullets. The Redding Taper crimp die sells for about $28.

 

[flashhole]

I should add that I don't use the FL sizer on the turret. I size the case separately on a single stage press. The dies shown on the turret are the expander, seater, and taper crimp die.

 

[Afy]

What kind of a press is that?
Would love recipies.. especially for 475 grain bullets, GC and non GC that do not kick like a mule.

 

[MCMXI]

I am about to start reloading 45-70 with my Lee Classic Turret and was wondering if I should get the Factory Crimp Die or not.

I use Redding dies for all of my rifle cartridges (mostly Competition series if available) but I do use the Lee FCD on .45-70 loads to ensure a nice roll crimp. I couldn't be happier with the ES and SD numbers that I get. I don't care for the Redding FL sizing die since it squeezes the neck down way too much even with the die backed out. I plan on putting it on the lathe and opening it up by at least 0.005". The FCD is well worth it ... to me anyway.

 

[flashhole]

It's a Lee Classic Turret press.

 

[cheygriz]

If you're loading heavy loads for a Winchester 86 or Marlin 95 lever, a tight roll crimp may be needed to prevent bullet movement during recoil.

 

[okotoks]

I use a lee & redding factory crimp die not sure if there is much if
any difference except price. Lever action 45-70's need a good firm roll crimp or the bullets slip when loaded into the magazine.

single shots don't need much or ANY crimp

if your going to shoot "lots", 300 grain (or 405g) cast bullets and medium charges of 5744 are inexpensive and delightful to shoot. about 1300FPS

Assuming your not too recoil sensitive and want to shoot hundred yard clover leafs at 1800+FPS use a quality jacketed 350grain with a sissy pad and 47 grains to a nearly full case of 3131 or some equally (nasty) slow burning powder like 4198, H322. (and I tried many others returning to 3031, 4198 for "elk loads")

But remember what you can safely load and shoot in a 45-70 can take all the FUN out of shooting it.

 

[Guncollector1982]

Ive played with marlin 95 45/70s quite abit, Rolling Block and Trapdoor versions. I found that the load that i settled on in the end was in fact a safe trapdoor load anyways by the time i got to shootiing trapdoors. I tried the high powered loads in Marlins and found them to painful to enjoy.

So in conclusion i agree with okotoks completely about recoil/fun. If i were in alaska armed for bear maybe id soup them up a bit. Frankly a 405 grain bullet dont need alot of speed to do the job on most things anyways.

 

[Robert]

I am going to be loading 405gr bullets to about 1950fps and have been instructed to use the Factory Crimp to keep the bullets from moving under recoil in my Guide Gun.

 

[MarkDozier]

45-70 plinking load
10 grains of Unigue, 1/4 inch of quilt batting to fill space. A 340 grain bullet, like shooting a 38 on a 357.

 

[Franco]

Two things. First, if you're loading with Hornady FTX bullets, keep in mind that the case will be much shorter than for other bullets. My RCBS crimp would not work on brass trimmed to Hornady length so I had to buy a Hornady crimping die. Second, for other loads (non Hornady bullets), I use the Lee FCD. I've found it to create a very solid crimp on high powered shells (I use them on my 45-70, 460 Mag and 44 Mag) and it's difficult to over crimp. I love my RCBS equipment but I do find that I can over crimp sometimes accidentally.

 

[flashhole]

Guncollector makes a good point - you really don't need a 405 grain bullet for 95% of anything that you will hunt. I settled on the 350 grain Hornady RN bullet. It's much friendlier in the recoil department and still plenty of bullet for anything I will hunt.