45-70 Government: A Comprehensive Guide to Reloading
The .45-70 Government cartridge, a venerable round with a rich history, continues to be a popular choice for hunting large game and target shooting. Reloading your own .45-70 ammunition offers significant advantages, allowing you to customize loads for specific needs and often saving money in the long run. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, covering everything from selecting components to safely loading your rounds.
Choosing Your Components: The Foundation of a Successful Reload
- Cases: Source high-quality brass cases. Look for reputable brands known for consistent dimensions and durability. Proper case preparation is crucial; this includes cleaning, resizing, and trimming to ensure consistent chambering.
- Primers: Select large rifle primers specifically designed for the .45-70 caliber. Primer type can impact performance and sensitivity; research different options to find what works best for your setup.
- Powders: A wide variety of powders are suitable for the .45-70. Popular choices include IMR 4198, IMR 3031, and Hodgdon 4895, but thorough research into load data is essential for safe and effective performance. Understand the burn rate and characteristics of each powder to tailor the load appropriately.
- Bullets: This is where you can truly customize your load. Choose bullets based on your intended purpose:
- Cast Bullets: Cost-effective and accurate for target practice, but may require specific lubrication and sizing techniques. Consider hardness based on your barrel's groove diameter and twist rate.
- Jacketed Bullets: Offer higher velocities and better accuracy, especially at longer ranges. Choose bullet weights and styles based on your intended use. Consider ballistic coefficients for optimal trajectory.
- Bullet Weight: Weight significantly impacts trajectory, velocity, and recoil. Experiment with different weights to find the optimal balance.
- Lubricant: For cast bullets, proper lubrication is critical to prevent leading and ensure smooth operation. Use a high-quality lubricant designed for cast bullets.
Reloading Equipment: Investing in Precision and Safety
- Reloading Press: Choose a press suitable for the .45-70 caliber's higher pressures. A single-stage press offers more control, while progressive presses are faster but require more experience.
- Dies: A full set of dies is necessary: sizing die, powder measure, seating die, and possibly a crimping die. Ensure they're specifically designed for .45-70.
- Powder Measure: Invest in an accurate powder measure to ensure consistent powder charges. A scale is essential for double-checking charges.
- Scale: A digital powder scale provides precise powder charge measurements, crucial for safety and consistency.
- Case Trimmer: Trimming cases to a uniform length is crucial for reliable feeding and consistent performance.
- Bullet Seating Die: Ensure the seating die is appropriately set to achieve the desired bullet depth and crimp.
- Case Lube: A case lubricant is essential to reduce friction during resizing and to protect the brass.
- Primer Pocket Cleaner: Use a primer pocket cleaner to remove any debris or residue from fired primer pockets.
- Safety Glasses and Hearing Protection: Safety is paramount during reloading. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Case Gauge: A case gauge checks if the cases are properly resized.
- Bullet Puller: A tool for removing bullets from cases if a mistake is made.
- Cleaning Supplies: Brass cases must be clean before reloading.
- Caliper: Precise measurement of cases and bullets is key.
- Case Neck Brush: A small brush for cleaning the inside of case necks.
- Deburring Tool: Removing burrs from case mouths prevents damage.
- Primer Seating Tool: A small tool to help seat primers uniformly and safely.
The Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Case Preparation: Clean, inspect, resize, trim, and deburr the cases.
- Prime Cases: Use a priming tool to carefully seat primers into the prepared cases.
- Powder Measurement: Carefully measure the correct powder charge using a scale and powder measure. Double-check each charge.
- Bullet Seating: Seat the bullets to the appropriate depth using the seating die. Crimp the case mouth if necessary.
- Inspection: Carefully inspect each round before loading into magazines or storage.
Load Data: The Key to Safe and Effective Reloading
- Consult Reliable Sources: Always refer to reloading manuals from reputable manufacturers (like Hodgdon, Alliant, IMR) for load data specific to your chosen components.
- Start Low, Work Up: Begin with the minimum recommended charge and gradually increase in small increments while carefully monitoring pressure signs.
- Pressure Signs: Learn to recognize signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers, excessive case bulging, or unusually hard recoil. Stop immediately if these signs are observed.
- Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of your loads, including components, charges, and results.
This detailed guide provides a strong foundation for safely and successfully reloading .45-70 Government ammunition. Remember, safety is paramount – always follow established procedures and consult reliable sources for load data. Enjoy the rewarding experience of crafting your own ammunition!
