Finding the right brass is crucial for successful reloading, and the 45-70 Government cartridge presents unique considerations. This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of sourcing, preparing, and utilizing 45-70 brass for reloading, ensuring you achieve optimal performance and safety.
Sourcing 45-70 Brass: Where to Find Quality Cases
Securing quality 45-70 brass is the first step in successful reloading. Unlike more common calibers, finding sufficient quantities can sometimes be challenging. Here's where to look:
Online Retailers: The Convenience Factor
Online retailers are often the easiest source for large quantities of 45-70 brass. Sites specializing in reloading supplies frequently offer both new and once-fired brass. Be sure to carefully check reviews and seller ratings before purchasing, as brass quality can vary significantly.
- Pros: Large selection, convenient ordering, often competitive pricing.
- Cons: Shipping costs can be substantial, potential for receiving damaged or inconsistent brass.
Gun Shows and Local Dealers: The Personal Touch
Gun shows and local sporting goods stores can be great places to find 45-70 brass, especially if you are looking for specific headstamps or manufacturers. This allows for direct inspection of the brass before purchasing, helping you assess its condition.
- Pros: Ability to inspect brass before purchasing, potential to negotiate prices, opportunity to network with other reloaders.
- Cons: Limited availability, potentially higher prices than online retailers, can require more travel time.
Recycling Spent Cases: A Cost-Effective Approach
If you regularly shoot 45-70, collecting and recycling your spent brass is a highly economical approach. Proper cleaning and inspection are essential to ensure the brass is reusable. This approach significantly reduces the long-term cost of reloading.
- Pros: Significant cost savings, environmentally responsible.
- Cons: Requires careful cleaning and inspection, time-consuming process.
Preparing 45-70 Brass for Reloading: A Detailed Process
Before you can load your 45-70 brass, thorough preparation is crucial. This process involves several key steps:
1. Cleaning the Brass: Removing Impurities
Cleaning removes fouling and residue from the spent cases. A variety of methods exist, from simple ultrasonic cleaners to more manual processes. Ensure the brass is thoroughly cleaned inside and out to prevent contaminants from affecting the reloading process.
2. Inspecting for Defects: Ensuring Safety
Carefully inspect each case for cracks, dents, or other damage. Any damaged cases should be discarded to prevent potential catastrophic failure during firing. Pay close attention to the case mouth, neck, and shoulder areas.
3. Sizing the Brass: Ensuring Uniformity
Sizing ensures the brass fits snugly into your reloading dies. This process requires the use of a 45-70 sizing die, typically a full-length resizing die for new brass and a neck sizing die for already fired cases.
4. Trimming the Brass: Maintaining Case Length
Consistent case length is essential for accurate and safe reloading. A case trimmer is used to ensure all cases are the same length. Refer to your reloading manual or the manufacturer's specifications for the ideal length.
Reloading 45-70: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once the brass is prepared, the reloading process can begin. Remember to always consult your reloading manual for specific instructions and load data. Improper reloading techniques can lead to dangerous situations.
1. Case Preparation
- Deburr: Remove any sharp edges from the case mouth.
- Prime: Insert a large rifle primer.
- Charge: Add the appropriate amount of powder based on your chosen load data.
2. Bullet Seating
- Insert Bullet: Carefully seat the chosen bullet to the correct depth.
- Crimp: Use the appropriate crimp die to ensure the bullet is firmly seated and the case mouth is properly crimped.
3. Final Inspection
- Double Check: Visually inspect the loaded rounds for any irregularities before loading them into your firearm.
Choosing the Right Components: Powder, Primers, and Bullets
Selecting the appropriate components for reloading 45-70 is vital for safety and accuracy.
- Powder: Several different powders work well with 45-70, but always refer to your manual for recommended powder choices and load data. Improper powder selection can lead to unsafe pressures.
- Primers: Large rifle primers are required for 45-70. Use only primers intended for the caliber.
- Bullets: A wide variety of bullet weights and designs are available for 45-70. Choose a bullet that is appropriate for your intended purpose, whether it's hunting or target shooting.
Safety First: Essential Precautions for Reloading 45-70
Reloading is inherently dangerous if not approached with care. Always follow these safety guidelines:
- Consult manuals: Always consult your reloading manual for specific instructions and load data.
- Proper techniques: Use proper reloading techniques. Improper technique can lead to dangerous pressures.
- Inspect ammunition: Carefully inspect each loaded round before firing.
- Wear safety glasses: Always wear safety glasses while reloading.
- Keep a clean workspace: Maintain a clean and organized workspace to prevent accidents.
By following this guide and practicing meticulous attention to detail, you can safely and successfully reload 45-70 brass, ensuring you enjoy years of accurate and reliable performance from your firearm. Remember that safety should always be your top priority.