Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    Hi all, I have a few questions for anyone who is experienced with reloading Cast Bullets for the .45-70.
    While I have reloaded ammo before I have never used cast bulets. What do I need to know about them? Do I need to lube them, and how do i do that-spray, wax,etc?
    Do I need to buy copper gas checks and how do you attach them to the bottom of the bullet, do they just squeeze on?

    Any input would be more than welcome.
    Thanks

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    Need a little more info . For a modern rifle or antique , black powder or smokeless , home cast or store bought ?
    DAN

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    It is for a H&R buffalo Classic . I am intending to load to about 14-1500 fps to start. It can handle hotter loads but I don't like recoil. It weighs about 8lbs and has a fairly narrow steel but plate. I know people load these up to about 2100fps with 350 grain speer bullets. I bought the cast bullets From Rogers better bullets, 350 gr.
    Thanks

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    27.0 gr.s of alliant 2400 behind a 350 gr. lead bullet will give you 1503 fps
    31.0 gr.s imr 4227 1503

    commercial lead are usually pre lubed and sized
    DAN

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    Thanks, do you need gas checks?

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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    At that velocity you shouldn't need checks , besides , if the bullets aren't designed for gas checks there's no way to install them .
    DAN

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    Do the bullets have any form of lube on them? Sometimes they put a mica dust as a lube. I've got the H&R and mine likes a light load for a 350 gr bullet and a mid to heavy load for the 405 gr.

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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    Actually the motor mica is used over the lube to cut down on the stickiness .
    DAN

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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    Am new to the 45-70 and have not even fired my IAB 28 inch rifle yet. Have some factory rounds to start out. Am wondering if anyone out there knows if a new IAB falling block will be able to handle a 500 gr bullet with the longer overall length? Not meaning to load it up to level 1 or 2, but just to load a few up for fun.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Reloading Cast Bullets .45-70

    Quote Originally Posted by a1bigtuna View Post
    Am new to the 45-70 and have not even fired my IAB 28 inch rifle yet. Have some factory rounds to start out. Am wondering if anyone out there knows if a new IAB falling block will be able to handle a 500 gr bullet with the longer overall length? Not meaning to load it up to level 1 or 2, but just to load a few up for fun.
    That gun will only handle Trapdoor pressures, which is level 1, <28K PSI/CUP. With .45cal bores, CUP and PSI are nearly exactly the same pressure when cross-referencing the two pressure standards.

    It should handle the longer OAL. The typical standard for the 45-70 today is the 405gr slug's length. But the 500gr slug was also a 45-70 standard too back in the day for the infantry rifle, the 405gr was issued for the cavalry length guns. If the 500gr slug is contoured more like a spitzer than a flatnose like the 405gr, there shouldn't be any issues.

    The H&R/NEF's are the only 45-70's that are known for being "short throated" causing problems when using longer OAL cartridges.
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