The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - loading for 45-70

**44 AMP** · March 31, 2010, 09:19 PM

Lots of times cases can be dented or have out of round case mouths, especially with long thin brass like the .45-70.

The cure is what you do anyway, all the same steps you do to fired brass. Measuring, trimming and chamfering (if needed), sizing, and on to loading.

New brass is great, and usually ready to load, BUT, things can happen in the shipping and handling, so check it all out first. Sizing the new brass makes sure its ready to go.

IF case mouths are bent, careful "straightening" should be done. One way to do this is to use the expander die. Running a case part way in usually does all thats needed. IF the mouth is too badly bent in, use a dowel or other tool to open it up enough to use the expander without snagging.

March 31, 2010, 09:19 PM	#6
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 30,476	check you new brass carefully Lots of times cases can be dented or have out of round case mouths, especially with long thin brass like the .45-70. The cure is what you do anyway, all the same steps you do to fired brass. Measuring, trimming and chamfering (if needed), sizing, and on to loading. New brass is great, and usually ready to load, BUT, things can happen in the shipping and handling, so check it all out first. Sizing the new brass makes sure its ready to go. IF case mouths are bent, careful "straightening" should be done. One way to do this is to use the expander die. Running a case part way in usually does all thats needed. IF the mouth is too badly bent in, use a dowel or other tool to open it up enough to use the expander without snagging. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.