[see pic earlier linked of the 45-70 standing next to the 44 Colt-410]
The core ideas are discussed earlier in this thread. Basically, this is the Magtech 410 2.5 inch brass which is actually 2.375 inch long. In order to deal with the narrow chambering of the 45/410 weapons, I used a 44 Colt bullet (the old obsolete two diameter heeled bullet with a base of .429 and a nose of .452).
The brass is first altered in two ways. The case length is shortened to 2.34 inch. Using a spacer, a 44 mag brass sizing die is used to produce a small shoulder/neck to bring the neck down to appropriately fit the .429 bullet base. The spacer is slipped over the cartridge in a #5 Lee shell holder.
A 45-70 sizer die is used to deprime if needed
The heeled bullet is seated in a 45-70 seater die.
To crimp, a Lee factory crimp die has been modified to this particular case.
Now, the company "Old West Bullet Moulds" makes a mould for the old 44 Colt bullet. They will also sell the bullets already moulded and resized.
OWBM (company name above abbreviated) also modified the Lee factory crimp die for me. Actually, I spoke with someone there about the whole project and the basic idea and the company figured out how to do it for me.
I, myself, am a novice who just spent about 6 months of daydreaming and studying trying to figure out how to take advantage of the potential of the 45/410 chambered weapons. I inherited 20K worth of weapons and reloading equipment to add to my already large collection of weapons (but no previous reloading equipment).
So, I really can only claim a role in the concept and idea. And, the 450 Mongo idea was a precursor idea that helped me along the way.
Now, this is as far as I have gotten. The above picture is of a cartridge containing no primer and no powder. I have just, to this point, handled the logistics of the brass, bullet, chamber, etc.
Now, comes the dangerous part.
I intend, for safety, to start with true Cowboy loads with black powder substitute (triple seven).
Magtech makes the 410 brass with either small or large pistol primers. I have the small primers.
I would appreciate any advice on the triple seven loads as to whether to go with regular small pistol primers or the magnum small pistol primers.
I suspect that if I use the whole powder capacity with triple seven that:
1)even out of the 20 inch barrel of the H&R/NEF "survivor" (altered by tapping/die scoping), that I won't burn all the powder before the bullet leaves the barrel
2)that the ballistics will be much like what I get using my muzzleloader
3)I will have a very effective deer hunting weapon that is safe
After that, then I intend to trial smokeless powders. I do have a father in law and two local men (all are very experienced reloaders) to help me out with this. But, again, I would welcome ideas.
I figure that I will start with 444 Marlin recipes to load. I will place a wad and cream of wheat to hold the empty space. That, theoretically, should give me pressures much reduced from the 444 Marlin.
I will have to be careful. Another man told me he was worried that the 410 brass from Magtech may be too thin to dance with higher pressures. He may be right.
I should say, by the way, that at some point, I will also use this core idea to load 44 Colt bullets in 444 Marlin brass in the first place. Then, I have pressure tables and published data to work from. Using the 44 Colt bullet should not change pressure and load data as compared to a 44 bullet with the same mass. This idea should significantly improve the original 450 Mongo idea.
