Need reloading data

[Cocklebur]

I have a Remington Rolling Block in .43 Reformado (11.5x57r) and I'm trying to work up a low recoil load in smokeless powder. I've been using 14 grains of Trail Boss for my two .45-70's behind a 300 gr cast bullet and it's a hoot to shoot. Anybody have any suggestions?

[Buckshot]

.............You can use your 45-70 data for your RB in the Reformando chambering. I believe the Reformando actually is closer to 45 then 43 caliber, with a .454" groove?

...............Buckshot

[Cocklebur]

Thanks Buckshot! How much knowledge do you have regarding the .43 Reformado? Any past along would be appreciated. Also, what about an outlest for cast bullets. I do some casting, but don't want to buy a mold until I'm sure about what shoots best.

[smokemjoe]

I had one of those back in 1972 and got 1,000 rds. of ammo from the old hunter for like $12.00, brass bullet, None of it would go off, At work they ground me a 348 reamer and rechamber it out to that and used 348 brass fireformed out and the brass bullet. Gun and ammo cost me under $25.00. Good old days. Rifles cost $.92 a pound. Joe

[itsatdm]

I have one and it came with 200 cases of 348 reformed brass. Mine is in very good shape and is tight. You will get different stories on the bore size. Some say they have the same .439 bore as the 43 Spanish. Supposedly the Reformando was rechambered for a .454 bullet and the barrel just had to deal with the larger bullet. http://www.militaryrifles.com/Spain/Ovid-Rem.htm . My barrel measures .446 groove diameter. So you you should measure yours.

I buy lead 11mm bullets that are sized .446 and weigh 358gr. Buffalo Arms sells reformed 348 brass with 2 different rim thicknesses. Mine and probably yours will require the thicker rim for proper head space.

I have not measured the chamber, but a cartridge with .458 bullet will chamber. I have shot that bullet after resizing it down to 454/452 diameter before deciding on the 11mm bullet.


I could not find any loading data for it, but noticed loads for the 45-70 Trapdoor. Due to the larger capacity of the Donor brass I use 23 grains of IMR 4759. I have been told via the Internet that 24 grains is OK. I have not chrono'd the load, but sounds and feels fairly mild, just like my Trapdoor with 22gr of 4759.

I just partially resized the brass enough to hold the bullet. The chamber has no throat, I keep my cartridge length long enough to engage the rifling. Originally I got a lot of suet on the case, but that went away after the shell fireformed to the chamber.

No science to it so shoot it at your risk, but have shot it a few hundred times.