I started out shooting 45-70 in 1981 using a M1884 trapdoor. But I soon got hot and heavy into other more exotic black powder cartridges and left the venerable old soldier in the closet. I dug into my loading notebook to see when I last loaded 45-70. It was July 2nd, 1988. Wow - where did the years go?
Fast forward to this week. I realized I have another M1884 trapdoor that I've never shot. Well it's time to give it some exercise. I dug through my brass stash and found about 50 rounds of ancient brass marked "UMC" with an "S" and an "H" for solid head. This stuff probably dates to the 1890s. I may have used it back in the 1980s when new brass was hard to come by. But being originally primed with mecuric primers, I consider it fully retired. I found a small stash of newer Winchester brass, but not enough.
So this brings me to the question - what new 45-70 brass do you prefer and why? I want to buy 100 rounds of new brass and would like to hear your thoughts.