Loading block for .45-70?

May 9, 2001, 12:04 AM

I've just discovered that the holes in my plastic MTM loading blocks are too small to take .45-70s mouth up. Are there any alternatives? A shotshell block, maybe?

**Art Eatman** · May 9, 2001, 12:37 AM

Well, a shotgun block for, what, 28-gauge? Dunno.

If you know somebody who does woodworking, or of a custom furniture builder, they might have a Forstner bit of appropriate diameter--cuts a flat-bottomed hole. Most any 1" or 2" board will do. Just a few minutes with a drill press...

, Art

C.R.Sam · May 9, 2001, 01:59 AM

If a bottoming bit is not available.....drill 5/8" holes all the way through and then attach a thin piece for bottom plate.

Sam

labgrade · May 10, 2001, 02:02 PM

Your basic paddle bit works pretty well too. Only difference is you'll have that li'l "extra" hole at the bottom = no biggie. Use the next size larger than your brass.

**Mal H** · May 10, 2001, 06:22 PM

I've made loading blocks using "regular" drill bits by drilling all the way through a 3/4" pine board and then gluing a piece of thin plywood to the bottom. [added later - oops, I see Sam has already suggested that. RODP (Read Once, Don't Post)]

If you want a ready made block, Midway's wooden loading block #8 is made for the 45-70.

May 9, 2001, 12:37 AM	#2
Art Eatman Staff Lead Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX, USA Posts: 20,935	Well, a shotgun block for, what, 28-gauge? Dunno. If you know somebody who does woodworking, or of a custom furniture builder, they might have a Forstner bit of appropriate diameter--cuts a flat-bottomed hole. Most any 1" or 2" board will do. Just a few minutes with a drill press... , Art __________________ You're from BATFE? Come right in! I use all your fine products!

May 9, 2001, 12:04 AM	#1
Jeff, CA Guest Posts: n/a	I've just discovered that the holes in my plastic MTM loading blocks are too small to take .45-70s mouth up. Are there any alternatives? A shotshell block, maybe?

May 9, 2001, 01:59 AM	#3
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,864	If a bottoming bit is not available.....drill 5/8" holes all the way through and then attach a thin piece for bottom plate. Sam

May 10, 2001, 02:02 PM	#4
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	Your basic paddle bit works pretty well too. Only difference is you'll have that li'l "extra" hole at the bottom = no biggie. Use the next size larger than your brass.

May 10, 2001, 06:22 PM	#5
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern VA Posts: 14,072	I've made loading blocks using "regular" drill bits by drilling all the way through a 3/4" pine board and then gluing a piece of thin plywood to the bottom. [added later - oops, I see Sam has already suggested that. RODP (Read Once, Don't Post)] If you want a ready made block, Midway's wooden loading block #8 is made for the 45-70.