Favorite powder and bullet/case crimp die for 45-70?

FTG-05 · March 30, 2011, 05:37 PM

I'm just starting to get into reloading for my Marlin 1895G Guide Gun in 45-70 Gov't. I have the Lee dies already set into my Dillon RL-550 tool head and deprimed and re-sized a number of cases.

The Lee dies did not come with a bullet/case crimp die, so I *assume* I need one. I'll be reloading Remington 300 JHP to start off with. I may later reload hard cast lead bullets, but that's a way off yet.

I have a number of rifle powders (IMR 4227, 4198 etc.), but what's your favorite powder for the 45-70 with a 300 grain JHP bullet? I'm looking for medium power loads, I'm not going after elephants, just your normal everyday Alabama-sized wild hogs and deer.

Thanks,

Hog Buster · March 30, 2011, 06:51 PM

300 grain Remington JHP, 55 grains of Reloader 7, accurate and devastating. And yeah, crimp them.

crowbeaner · March 30, 2011, 06:55 PM

I use RL 7 myself. IMR 3031 is very good also, but the Reloder 7 seems to have less felt recoil with the same velocity levels. I just loaded 100 rounds for a good friend to take on a buffler hunt; 405 RP softpoint and RL7.

Jerry45 · March 30, 2011, 07:01 PM

Not sure which Lee die set you have but mine came with a decap/size die, flair/powder die and a bullet seat/crimp die. I set the seat/crimp die to only seat the bullet (no crimp) and I uses a Lee factory crimp die in the last stage of my Dillon 550 B.

Haven’t done much loading for my Marlin 45/70 yet but I used the same bullet as you over H 4198

dsv424 · March 30, 2011, 07:27 PM

I do the same as Jerry stated and use the Lee FCD for crimping on my Lee Classic Turret. My favorite powders for 45/70 are RL-7, H322, and IMR 3031.

FTG-05 · March 30, 2011, 07:35 PM

Jerry, this is what I got: http://leeprecision.com/xcart/3-DIE-STEEL-45-70.html

The directions very clearly stated that I had the bullet seating die and that I needed to get a crimp die, not included. It seems the last time I bought Lee dies, they came with a crimp die, but it's been a long time, hence, I got caught a little flat-footed by this. No biggie, since it's a while until deer or hog season.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions!

Jerry45 · March 30, 2011, 09:20 PM

FTG, Lee makes/supplies dies is several different configurations. Sounds like you need to purchase another die. I love the Lee Factory Crimp dies. I use them for anything that needs crimping. Since our Marlins are tube fed we need to crimp.

totaldla · March 30, 2011, 10:19 PM

Remington 405gr jsp, H4198, WLR, Nickel-plated Remington, Lee FCD and I load for right at 1800fps out of my guide gun.

hk33ka1 · March 30, 2011, 11:05 PM

The Lee Seating die will crimp. That said, I would get a sperate die to crimp in a seperate stage after seating, like a Lee FCD.

FTG-05 · March 31, 2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

I love the Lee Factory Crimp dies. I use them for anything that needs crimping. Since our Marlins are tube fed we need to crimp.

Ok, this is what I needed to know.

Gander is supposed to have a 20% off sale going on right now, so I think I'll mosey on down there this weekend and see if I can pick one up. If not, I'll Midwayusa it.

Second question: How much to crimp and how do I measure it?

RL-7 seems to be pretty popular, I'll see if they have any of that also.

Thanks,

Jerry45 · March 31, 2011, 03:14 PM

The instructions will come with the FCD but here’s the important part.

Quote:

"Screw the Lee Factory Crimp Die in to touch the shell holder plus ½ turn more. Adjusts in for a heavier crimp. It’s usually best to start with too little crimp as you can readjust and crimp again to suit your needs. When the four splits in the collet are closed, maximum crimp has been achieved. Do not try for more as the die will be damaged and the crimp excessive."

It very easy to set up and once you see the die it will all make sense. It’s been a while since I set my die up but I think I screwed mine in an additional ½ turn. That’s touch the shell plate than one complete revolution of the die. Our rifles have a lot of recoil and there is a lot of bullet face being pressed against by the shell in front of it so I prefer a little extra crimp. Start off light and play with it, you will feel and see how much crimp you are getting.

Little heads up. Don’t overly flair the mouth for bullet seating. Too much flair will interfere with the case going into the FCD.

If you want to measure the crimp you can measure, with a micrometer, at the mouth of an empty sized case then measure the same spot after you crimp.

On .45 ACP I use .002” crimp. .45 ACP indexes on the case mouth so too much crimp is a bad thing. So is too little. Since the 45/70 indexes on the rim and not the case mouth I didn’t bother to measure the crimp, I just added more crimp until I was satisfied it was good and tight.

FTG-05 · March 31, 2011, 06:03 PM

Aaaahaaa! The memory is slowly coming back to life! I recall those directions now on some other rifle or pistol but it's been years.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it! I feel a lot more comfortable with this now.

Thanks,

Jerry45 · April 1, 2011, 01:07 PM

Don’t even get me started about memory problems. I started typing how to adjust the die then decided to go out to the garage and get the instructions just to make sure I was giving you good information. Good thing I did because I was telling you how to adjust a .45 ACP die which is different from the 45/70. What I typed came straight off the 45/70 instructions and IS correct. Be glad to give you any help I can.

crowbeaner · April 1, 2011, 01:14 PM

Relax guys; it's called a Senior Moment, and we ALL get them!

FTG-05 · April 1, 2011, 04:34 PM

Wait, there's a difference between .45 ACP and 45-70. Oh crap! I thought they were close enough for Gov't work.

How bad?

Jerry45 · April 1, 2011, 07:39 PM

For the .45 ACP you set the amount of crimp by adjusting a nob/threaded insert on top of/in the die. 45/70 you adjust the amount of crimp by how far down you screw the die body itself. Two completely different die designs. Neither will work on the other. Also 45 ACP and 45/70 take different size bullets. I’m not just talking weight the diameter of the 45/70 is larger. 45 ACP 452 diameter … 45/70 458 diameter.

bbqncigars · April 3, 2011, 11:06 AM

The nice thing about the FCD is that it isn't sensitive about case length. My 1895CB loves 405SWC over some 2400.

FTG-05 · April 4, 2011, 06:39 AM

That was just a joke, I don't reload .45 ACP. Prolly should have put a smiley icon down at the bottom of the post.

Thanks for the info on the 45-70 crimp die. I ordered it from Midway Saturday AM, should be here by the end of the week. Plenty of time to get it down before next deer season.

Thanks,

jeepster11 · April 4, 2011, 07:46 AM

do you have to lube your cases?

FTG-05 · April 4, 2011, 12:35 PM

Yes, whether carbide or not, you have to lube all rifle cases prior to resizing. I don't know of anyone that makes a carbide die for the 45-70, although I'm sure someone does.

I have carbide dies for 9mm and .40 S&W and .223. I don't have to lube for the 9 and .40 (I do anyway, makes it easier) and I have to on the .223.

March 30, 2011, 05:37 PM	#1
FTG-05 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 301	Favorite powder and bullet/case crimp die for 45-70? I'm just starting to get into reloading for my Marlin 1895G Guide Gun in 45-70 Gov't. I have the Lee dies already set into my Dillon RL-550 tool head and deprimed and re-sized a number of cases. The Lee dies did not come with a bullet/case crimp die, so I assume I need one. I'll be reloading Remington 300 JHP to start off with. I may later reload hard cast lead bullets, but that's a way off yet. I have a number of rifle powders (IMR 4227, 4198 etc.), but what's your favorite powder for the 45-70 with a 300 grain JHP bullet? I'm looking for medium power loads, I'm not going after elephants, just your normal everyday Alabama-sized wild hogs and deer. Thanks,

March 30, 2011, 06:51 PM	#2
Hog Buster Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2009 Location: Pointe Coupee, Louisana Posts: 772	300 grain Remington JHP, 55 grains of Reloader 7, accurate and devastating. And yeah, crimp them. __________________ Those who beat their guns into plows, will plow for those who don't.-Thomas Jefferson

March 30, 2011, 06:55 PM	#3
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	I use RL 7 myself. IMR 3031 is very good also, but the Reloder 7 seems to have less felt recoil with the same velocity levels. I just loaded 100 rounds for a good friend to take on a buffler hunt; 405 RP softpoint and RL7. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

March 30, 2011, 07:01 PM	#4
Jerry45 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2000 Location: Metairie, Louisiana Posts: 890	Not sure which Lee die set you have but mine came with a decap/size die, flair/powder die and a bullet seat/crimp die. I set the seat/crimp die to only seat the bullet (no crimp) and I uses a Lee factory crimp die in the last stage of my Dillon 550 B. Haven’t done much loading for my Marlin 45/70 yet but I used the same bullet as you over H 4198 __________________ Guns are not dangerous! People are! RKBA!

March 30, 2011, 09:20 PM	#7
Jerry45 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2000 Location: Metairie, Louisiana Posts: 890	FTG, Lee makes/supplies dies is several different configurations. Sounds like you need to purchase another die. I love the Lee Factory Crimp dies. I use them for anything that needs crimping. Since our Marlins are tube fed we need to crimp. __________________ Guns are not dangerous! People are! RKBA!

March 30, 2011, 07:27 PM	#5
dsv424 Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2008 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 266	I do the same as Jerry stated and use the Lee FCD for crimping on my Lee Classic Turret. My favorite powders for 45/70 are RL-7, H322, and IMR 3031.

March 30, 2011, 07:35 PM	#6
FTG-05 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 301	Jerry, this is what I got: http://leeprecision.com/xcart/3-DIE-STEEL-45-70.html The directions very clearly stated that I had the bullet seating die and that I needed to get a crimp die, not included. It seems the last time I bought Lee dies, they came with a crimp die, but it's been a long time, hence, I got caught a little flat-footed by this. No biggie, since it's a while until deer or hog season. Thanks for the comments and suggestions!

March 30, 2011, 10:19 PM	#8
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,294	Remington 405gr jsp, H4198, WLR, Nickel-plated Remington, Lee FCD and I load for right at 1800fps out of my guide gun. __________________ Lee Auto Bench Prime Castor Oil Case Lube

March 30, 2011, 11:05 PM	#9
hk33ka1 Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2010 Posts: 275	The Lee Seating die will crimp. That said, I would get a sperate die to crimp in a seperate stage after seating, like a Lee FCD.

March 31, 2011, 06:03 PM	#12
FTG-05 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 301	Aaaahaaa! The memory is slowly coming back to life! I recall those directions now on some other rifle or pistol but it's been years. Thanks for the info, I appreciate it! I feel a lot more comfortable with this now. Thanks,

April 1, 2011, 01:07 PM	#13
Jerry45 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2000 Location: Metairie, Louisiana Posts: 890	Don’t even get me started about memory problems. I started typing how to adjust the die then decided to go out to the garage and get the instructions just to make sure I was giving you good information. Good thing I did because I was telling you how to adjust a .45 ACP die which is different from the 45/70. What I typed came straight off the 45/70 instructions and IS correct. Be glad to give you any help I can. __________________ Guns are not dangerous! People are! RKBA!

April 1, 2011, 01:14 PM	#14
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	Relax guys; it's called a Senior Moment, and we ALL get them! __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

April 1, 2011, 04:34 PM	#15
FTG-05 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 301	Wait, there's a difference between .45 ACP and 45-70. Oh crap! I thought they were close enough for Gov't work. How bad?

April 1, 2011, 07:39 PM	#16
Jerry45 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2000 Location: Metairie, Louisiana Posts: 890	For the .45 ACP you set the amount of crimp by adjusting a nob/threaded insert on top of/in the die. 45/70 you adjust the amount of crimp by how far down you screw the die body itself. Two completely different die designs. Neither will work on the other. Also 45 ACP and 45/70 take different size bullets. I’m not just talking weight the diameter of the 45/70 is larger. 45 ACP 452 diameter … 45/70 458 diameter. __________________ Guns are not dangerous! People are! RKBA! Last edited by Jerry45; April 1, 2011 at 07:54 PM.

April 3, 2011, 11:06 AM	#17
bbqncigars Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 525	The nice thing about the FCD is that it isn't sensitive about case length. My 1895CB loves 405SWC over some 2400. __________________ "Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most." A. Brilliant

April 4, 2011, 06:39 AM	#18
FTG-05 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 301	That was just a joke, I don't reload .45 ACP. Prolly should have put a smiley icon down at the bottom of the post. Thanks for the info on the 45-70 crimp die. I ordered it from Midway Saturday AM, should be here by the end of the week. Plenty of time to get it down before next deer season. Thanks,

April 4, 2011, 07:46 AM	#19
jeepster11 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2008 Location: fairborn ohio Posts: 175	i also have a question on 45-70 do you have to lube your cases?

April 4, 2011, 12:35 PM	#20
FTG-05 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 301	Yes, whether carbide or not, you have to lube all rifle cases prior to resizing. I don't know of anyone that makes a carbide die for the 45-70, although I'm sure someone does. I have carbide dies for 9mm and .40 S&W and .223. I don't have to lube for the 9 and .40 (I do anyway, makes it easier) and I have to on the .223.