45-70?

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  • Mr.Culper

    Active Member
    Jan 16, 2021
    858
    Looking at a 45-70 now that they can be used in MD for deer.
    is it worth re-loading? money wise?
    or is it mostly done to cook up your own odd loads?
     

    Darkemp

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Aug 18, 2009
    7,808
    Marylandistan
    Looking at a 45-70 now that they can be used in MD for deer.
    is it worth re-loading? money wise?
    or is it mostly done to cook up your own odd loads?

    They’re pretty expensive rounds even pre-panic, over $1 each. I’m setup with for reloading but haven’t needed to due to low usage, but I’m set up.
     

    Uncle Duke

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 2, 2013
    11,667
    Not Far Enough from the City
    Cost savings can be significant in reloading this cartridge. Also, lots of ammo variations can be created, from black powder loads to reduced recoil loads to full tilt hammer loads. So yeah, the cartridge lends itself very well to reloading.....IF you intend to shoot any significant volume.
     

    Huckleberry

    No One of Consequence
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 19, 2007
    23,312
    Severn & Lewes
    You can reload with either a hand press, single stage or progressive

    Once you get over the initial acquisition costs, you’ll be ready to handle the North American Top 5 and any occasional T-Rex that comes around

    Another consideration is the Marlin 444 especially if you want to reload 44 Spl and Mag with the same bullet
     

    Blacksmith101

    Grumpy Old Man
    Jun 22, 2012
    22,156
    So is there a more "modern way" they reload 45-70? using scales, presses, etc.

    Yes. Similar to reloading any other cartridge. I have both Lee Loader and regular dies for .45-70.

    Tens of thousands of people have started reloading using the Lee Loader (wack-a-mole type hand loader) Lee precision makes them for a number of popular cartridges, they used to make them in many more calibers. It is an easy inexpensive way to learn reloading and see if you like the hobby. You can always upgrade later to faster more expensive equipment.

    Lee Loaders
    https://leeprecision.com/classic-lee-loader/

    Better pricing can be found at dealers.
    https://outdoors.natchezss.com/search?w=Lee Loader

    Unfortunately because of the run on anything shooting related almost everyone is Out Of Stock for everything.

    You will also need a reloading manual.
    https://www.natchezss.com/lee-modern-reloading-manual-2nd-edition.html

    Way to measure overall length.
    https://www.natchezss.com/frankford-arsenal-electronic-digital-calipers.html

    and most people recommend a scale.
    https://www.natchezss.com/lee-safety-powder-scale.html

    Plus your components (which are also hard to find in stock at this time) bullets, powder, primers, and cases save the ones you shoot.
     

    Harrys

    Short Round
    Jul 12, 2014
    3,362
    SOMD
    Finding anything for reloading is the new norm for any caliber. The 45/70 is a great load and for any game in north America. I have been reloading them for many, many years. Luckily, per-apocalyptic pandemic, I was well stocked.
     

    Mr.Culper

    Active Member
    Jan 16, 2021
    858
    Reloading 45-70 will have to wait until:
    1) Marlin re-starts production, so I can buy my "dream lever gun"
    2) Primers become available

    Unfortunately I think we are looking at a year or more.
     

    Brickman301

    Ultimate Member
    Mar 23, 2015
    2,531
    FREDERICK, MD
    Reloading Components are going to be the hardest thing to find, right now.

    Start casting your own bullets for 45-70. That way when primers, powder, and case become more plentiful, you won’t ever have to worry about looking for bullets ever again. The 45-70 is a perfect round for cast bullets.
     

    Wheaton Hills Sportsman

    Active Member
    Jan 27, 2012
    422
    Yes, getting components is hard today, but the 45-70 can be reloaded to factory specs so your reloads shoot where your factory ammunition shoots.
     

    Harrys

    Short Round
    Jul 12, 2014
    3,362
    SOMD
    Reloading 45-70 will have to wait until:
    1) Marlin re-starts production, so I can buy my "dream lever gun"
    2) Primers become available

    Unfortunately I think we are looking at a year or more.

    Ever check out the Henrys with their new side gate loading?
     

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