preparing to reload for the 45-70.

[FishingFool]

I am preparing to load hard cast bullets for a Marlin 1895GBL in 45-70 but I need some help. I'm a spoiled Dillon user but will be using a Forster co-ax.

For .223 I full length size and bump back .003" for reliable feeding in my 3 gun rifle. I use an RCBS precision micrometer and take an average of 10 Lake City brass to set my dies. I check everything with a Dillon case gauge after trimming as an added Q/A measure.

But what to do with 45-70? How do you set your full length sizing die? What case gauge do you use 45/70?

[wcp4570]

I don't load the 45-70 but I would treat it like any other straight wall case. Make sure the case length is correct and keep the Overall length correct and you can't go wrong.

I'm sure some 45-70 shooters will offer suggestion before long.

Welcome to the forum. Oh I love the Dillon as well, load on a 650 myself.

wcp

[Duckiller]

Ful length resize like a pistol case. For case guage measure the cases with calipers, same with COL.
Are youloading to shoot mammals or paper? To shoot paper I use minimum loads of Trail Boss and WW boolits, 330 gr or 405 gr. Little recoil and lots of fun to shoot. Probably not suitable to shoot bison.

[mpmarty]

I load all my 45/70s on my Dillon 550B. 2.5 5 to 2.57 OAL on loaded cartridges depending on nose shape. 20 to 25 gr of 2400 does just fine for paper. For Bambi I use max charges of 3031. The Dillon cranks them out just fine and there is nothing "secret" about reloading a straight wall case. Treat it like a 45acp with a thyroid condition.

[baer19d]

I just full length size like any straight wall case.

[farmerjim]

If you load any of those Hornady FTX Jwords, you have to trim the cases shorter than for normal Boolits.

[FishingFool]

Treat it like a 45acp with a thyroid condition.

Lol! Sounds good.

[1Shirt]

More like a 44mag with a thyroid condition! A big overgrown straight walled pistol case. And yes Virginia, there are 45-70 handguns (revolvers), have had one in my hand!
1Shirt!

[EDG]

For your Marlin you will probably be ahead to treat it like a pistol round since your bullets with be short and light.
The 45-70 is at it's best as a single shot rifle round with long heavy bullets. Then you can use some special dies and tricks.