Questions about 45-70

[maximus]

I have a few questions about 45-70 lever action rifle 

if I decide to reload what kind of shells do I get?

for bullets what caliber?

i have been looking on the internet and couldn’t find what caliber or shells, powder i did find some info and last question is is it worth to reload or buy off the counter bullets?

thank you for the help

[Couzer]

Any new brass will work, it seems like Starline always has something available. To me it is worth reloading just because I found 350 grn projectiles for next to nothing. One thing you need to know is if you have a lever action is to make sure you have a proper crimp. This task can be daunting if you never done it. I loaded a couple hundred rounds a few months back with awesome results, 4" group at 100 yards with iron sights with 3 shoots almost touching out of 4. If your in the East Valley I can help if needed. 

[maximus]

Thank you, what is the brass for the 45-70?

and bullet caliber?

[Couzer]

22 minutes ago, maximus said:

Thank you, what is the brass for the 45-70?

and bullet caliber?

.458

[Couzer]

My supplier accidentally sent me 45-90, I needed them so I cut them to 45-70.

 

[wildwoody]

Does that thin the cartridge ?

[maximus]

1 hour ago, Couzer said:

.458

Thank you so much that’s very helpful 

[Couzer]

I know the red tip polymer one looks cool but to my knowledge hornady is the only one I know that makes one "FTX" that's safe for the magazine tube if you go that route. Due to the tip resting on the primer stacked in the tube. I have loaded them for my 357 lever, but if I remember I had to trim the brass more than a standard 357 measurement. Not sure if that's the case on the 45-70.

[wildwoody]

1 hour ago, Couzer said:

I know the red tip polymer one looks cool but to my knowledge hornady is the only one I know that makes one "FTX" that's safe for the magazine tube if you go that route. Due to the tip resting on the primer stacked in the tube. I have loaded them for my 357 lever, but if I remember I had to trim the brass more than a standard 357 measurement. Not sure if that's the case on the 45-70.

If there is a early ignition problem while in feed tube, why do they make them. Just a question, just bought a 45-70 govm Henrys with red tipped ballets. Don't want one of these bad boys going off prematurely.

[Couzer]

43 minutes ago, wildwoody said:

If there is a early ignition problem while in feed tube, why do they make them. Just a question, just bought a 45-70 govm Henrys with red tipped ballets. Don't want one of these bad boys going off prematurely.

It would most likely be in the recoil when shooting rather than feeding them. Hornady said the FTX red polymer tips are ok, i just wouldn't use other brands unless they say they are good to go.

[wildwoody]

Cool, thanks.

[maximus]

also why 3 dies in the set?

[Couzer]

Expander Die for the straight wall cartridge. Just be careful not to open/bell it out to much.

"Expander Die expands the case to the proper diameter to accept the bullet, and it imparts case mouth flare/bell for bullet feeding."

[Couzer]

16 hours ago, wildwoody said:

Does that thin the cartridge ?

I'm no expert, but I don't think so. I'll just know if they are my shell casings if a crime is committed.

[maximus]

1 hour ago, Couzer said:

Expander Die for the straight wall cartridge. Just be careful not to open/bell it out to much.

"Expander Die expands the case to the proper diameter to accept the bullet, and it imparts case mouth flare/bell for bullet feeding."

Hey Man

thank you so much, you are world of knowledge