Help needed! B&M marked 45-70 die

[obssd1958]

This die is marked B&M on one side and 45-70 on the other. Normally, I am pretty good at figuring out how stuff works, and I'm sure I will feel foolish when someone points out how simple this really is, but I have been messing with this set up all afternoon and can't figure out how it all works. Some parts are pretty easy, or so I think now, but I would appreciate any help you guys can send my way!!!
Although I'm not a very good photographer, hopefully you can tell from the pictures what each piece is supposed to do - and then let me know!

Thanks guys! Don

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m9/obssd1958/shooting/cast%20boolits%20related/100_6335.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m9/obssd1958/shooting/cast%20boolits%20related/100_6334.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m9/obssd1958/shooting/cast%20boolits%20related/100_6332.jpg

[floodgate]

obssd:

It is a "Model (19)26" Belding & Mull straight-line bullet seater. The main body sits in the round base, with a sized, primed and powder-charged case inserted up into it, with the notched end set into the well on one side or the other (according to whether you want to crimp or not); the knob carries the threaded, adjustable bullet seating stem (looks like it is cut for the standard Government RN 405- and 500-gr. bullets), with the knurled nut to lock it at the seating depth you want. You drop the bullet into the die body from above, insert the seating stem, and tap it home with a few taps of a mallet. If you want a crimp, you use the side of the base with the flat bottom, remove the seating stem, and another tap on the die itself will crimp the case; if no crimp, use the side of the base with the deeper "well" so the case mouth doesn't reach the crimping shoulder. The notch is to pry the loaded round loose if it sticks. These were made - or at least marketed - up to about 1980. Bench rest seating dies are still made and used the same way for the same purpose. That is a NICE example; PM me if you're considering parting with it.

floodgate

PS: Good photos, too!

[Char-Gar]

I have one of those in 38 Special. It also came with a little gizmo you insert into the fired case and tap the top. It will decap and bell the case at one time.

[MtGun44]

Looks a lot like a Lee Loader, which is a wonderful straight line
seater.

Bill

[obssd1958]

Floodgate,
As we have come to expect, your reply was informative and succinct. Your directions were very easy for me to follow.
I ordered a Buffalo Classic 32" barrel for my handi-rifle in 45-70 a couple months ago, and bought the seater and a Herter's sizing die at a local gun show in preparation for getting the gun back. It arrived about a week ago. Now, thanks to your help, I have 50 rounds ready to use for barrel break-in!!:drinks:

Here is a thousand words for you:
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m9/obssd1958/shooting/100_6339.jpg
(I know, the gas checks go up quite a ways on these projectiles, but they were store bought!)

and 2 more words for you:
Thank you

Don

[floodgate]

obssd:

Yer welcome!

floodgate