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John Boy,

Thanks for this link... very interesting info for a new BP shooter like me.

Edmehlig,

One of the commenters mentioned using hemostats instead of long nose piers. I had forgotten I had a pair; they are handier than pliers and don't mark the bullet. I made the tool myself...

Like BENG, I'm new at BP reloading. I made my drop tube and was surprised how it settled the powder into the case compared to just pouring in the same quantity. Does it make a difference? Probably...

Good advice and recommendations... I appreciate your education of this old "newbie." A custom mould would be wonderful but at my stage in BP shooting, I have to "learn to walk before I can run." I...

Thank you for your advice. I'll scrap the the RCBS 405 GC bullet idea. How does the Lyman 405 (457193) shoot for targets? Who makes the nose-pour molds?

This question reveal's my inexperience in BP. I'm about to order a 405 grain bullet mold for my 45/70. Since I already have a number of RCBS molds and handle, I'm considering their mold which is a...

Thanks for that information, Lead pot. As of now, that weekend is open for me and I may drive down to watch. I've not attended one of these and would find it interesting and informative. I Googled...

Lead pot,

You are not too far away; I'm in Rockford. I drove north to the Beloit Rifle Club today to look around and watch them shoot BP cartridge. Nice facilities and real friendly guys (like...

Thanks for all the good information. I appreciate your replies, comments and suggestions for a newbie like me.

CountryGent - the black powder shoot I'm attending is at the Beloit Rifle Club in Beloit, WI, about an hour's drive north of my home. I am not a member (yet) and I think this is just a monthly shoot....

I shot 17 rounds yesterday - my first BP loads in my 1874 Pedersoli Quigley 45/70. These rounds had 57 grains compressed about .10 inch and with a grease cookie. I used a blow tube between shots and...

Here are a series of photos showing my technique for lubing bullets by dipping them into liquid lube (SPG used here).

116954

Modified 47/70 case with push-out dowel.

116955

Dipping...

I tried "dipping" some 45/70 500 grain bullets in liquid (warmed) SPG today and like this technique better than cutting them out of a cake of lube. I used a pair of long-nose pliers and dipped them...

I used the above information and loaded up some 45/70 without the grease cookie but used the .030 inch wad under the bullet base. I found I had a little more COL when testing loaded cartridges (2.880...

Thanks! This is great information that will really help me get started. As a smokeless powder shooter for most of my life, powder compression seems strange, maybe a bit dangerous but this is the...

Thank you for the information. I placed a wax paper wad between the BP and grease cookie. I used a compression die after loading the case with a drop tube. I took careful measurements with my dial...

I'm new to BP cartridge loading for a 45/70 using RCBS 500 grain BPS bullets in Starline cases. Using .10 to .15 inch compression, I can get 57 grains of FFg in the case with a .125 inch grease...

The S&W Model 27 is high on my list for next purchase for the same reasons. I'm already set up for reloading .38 Special/.357 Magnum for indoor target shooting at my pistol club.

I presently shoot...

Just one so far after getting back into reloading after 40 years. It's a RCBS turret that I've just started using. I consider myself a newbie at reloading and enjoy it, and bullet casting, almost as...

My last casting before this afternoon was 40 years ago. So I guess you could consider me a newbie. I originally used a bottom pour electric pot (still have it and it still works) but today used a...

Beautiful rifle! Pretty cool to shoot BP in it too.

Exal,

You are welcome. I recently purchased my first 45/70 (a used Pedersoli Sharps Quigley) along with a hundred reloads from the previous owner. I'm looking forward to shooting it if Spring ever...

I got an email notification from MidwayUSA last night they'd just received Starling 45/70 brass. I got 200 hundred coming my way now. I'm still waiting for 45 Colt (estimated August delivery). Good...

I understand what you mean and I agree with trying to improve each time, experimenting, keeping good records, etc. I don't want this quest to become more frustration than fun. Getting good advice and...

Thank you for all the comments and suggestions. I don't want to make too big a deal of this since I won't be shooting competitively (I am too old to begin that).