Reloading 45-70- Critique Requested

[ksig1869]

Hello All,

I finally started reloading and have completed 4 rounds so far. Two 300 gr .459 Cast "Better Bullets" with IMR4198 and two 405 gr .459 Cast "Better Bullets" with IMR4198. I am using Winchester brass and CCI 200 primers.

I'm using lee dies and the lee factory crimp. I screwed up on the bullet seat and pushed one bullet all the down the case. I adjusted and seemed to get a consistent fit.

If you guys can take a look at this post and the subsequent post of my results. Any criticism you can provide so I don't blow myself up.

Below are the 405 grain. I think I may have over done it on the crimp for all of the rounds.

[ksig1869]

These are the 300 grain. Again too much crimp I think.

By the way I am shooting the 45-70 out of a Marlin 1895.

[knight0334]

How much 4198 did you use?

On those pictures you provided, the seating and crimp look ok. With the tubular magazine, a sturdy roll-crimp is desired. I would back it off just a hair if you're only shooting level#1 loads, or even light powderpuff loads.

Remember, the Marlin can handle level 2 loads - so if you seated too deeply, you might be ok to fire it off. ...depending on how deep and how much powder.

[ksig1869]

How much 4198 did you use?

On those pictures you provided, the seating and crimp look ok. With the tubular magazine, a sturdy roll-crimp is desired. I would back it off just a hair if you're only shooting level#1 loads, or even light powderpuff loads.

Remember, the Marlin can handle level 2 loads - so if you seated too deeply, you might be ok to fire it off. ...depending on how deep and how much powder.

I didn't know if it was kosher to post load data but I used 33.8 grains for the 300gr and 30 grains for the 405 gr.

I know that the Marlin can take the upper level loads but I'm not using gas checked cast bullets so I figured I'd start on the low end. I used the Hogdgon and Lee data loads as reference.

[Little Cloud]

First of all ... check the dimensions.





Pic is courtesy of www.leverguns.com.


I believe the top drawing is the 45-70 cartridge.



Check the crimp by 'loading' the firearm with empty cases; using just the bullet seated and crimped.

Just reduce the crimp on the press until the bullet begins to lose it's seat after being 'loaded' into the firearm with a few examples.

Increase the crimp slightly and there you have it.



Now that the crimp is set, keep an example as a gauge or comparison for future work and note any dimensions that differ from your reference drawing if possible.

I usually set a comfortable 'OAL' with this example as well.

This info does come in handy ... well, for me anyways.


As always, work up to a max load.



BTW, the crimps in the the pics basically look ok.

What matters is how they function in the firearm.


IME, too much crimp leaves a bulge on the case below the crimp.

Playing with the crimp usually translates to sacrificing a case or two.

[dk99358]

IME, too much crimp leaves a bulge on the case below the crimp.

Playing with the crimp usually translates to sacrificing a case or two.

Yep. And often they won't even chamber if you've overcrimped.

Dale

[Flash]

Yep. And often they won't even chamber if you've overcrimped.

Dale

He says he is using the LEE Facory Crimp Die. I don't think you can wreck a case with THAT.

Flash

[dk99358]

He says he is using the LEE Facory Crimp Die. I don't think you can wreck a case with THAT.

Flash

Missed the Lee part, you're probably right.

Dale

[cephas]

Just curious, are you applying a crimp with the seating die and then also with the factory crimp die? Or just with the factory crimp die? Have worked up a 45/70 handi rifle that I dedicated to cast loads. My final and only crimp is with the factory crimp die. If mainly using lead I follow the recommendation of cleaning all the copper out of the bore from any jacketed bullets first. All my loads for this particular rifle are trapdoor, stage 1?, loads.
Your dose of IMR4198 appears to be on the upper end of the trapdoor loads.

[ksig1869]

Yes I am using the Factory Lee Crimp and it is my only crimp. I seat the bullet then crimp. The above rounds turned out to be duds because I reloaded used cases, it was pretty embarassing when I heard the click and then noticed the dimple on the primers. Terrible first experience.

However, I loaded up a few more rounds when I got back with newly primed cases. They look good when I get back Ill try to post some pictures. It was a learning experience which I hope I never make again.

Thanks for the suggestions and pointers.