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 cost savings and allows for precise customization to your specific needs. Lee Precision, a renowned manufacturer of reloading equipment, provides affordable and reliable tools for the task. This guide delves into the process of Lee reloading .45-70, providing a comprehensive overview for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
Getting Started with Lee Reloading Equipment for .45-70
Before you begin, gather the necessary Lee Precision equipment. This typically includes:
- Lee Classic Loader: A simple and effective single-stage press, perfect for beginners. Its affordability and ease of use make it a popular choice for .45-70 reloading.
- Lee .45-70 Carbide Sizing Die: Carbide dies are crucial for sizing .45-70 cases, as the harder material helps prevent die damage and ensures consistent case dimensions.
- Lee .45-70 Powder Measure: Accurate powder dispensing is critical for safety and consistency. Lee offers various powder measures, from simple drop measures to more sophisticated progressive systems.
- Lee .45-70 Bullet Seating Die: This die seats the bullet to the correct depth, ensuring proper cartridge overall length (OAL).
- Lee Case Trimmer and appropriate case length gauge: Trimming cases to the correct length is crucial for reliable feeding and function in your firearm.
- Lee Hand Priming Tool: While Lee also offers a priming system for their presses, the hand tool provides flexibility and control for priming cases individually.
Important Note: Always consult your firearm's manual for recommended load data and OAL specifications. Never exceed the maximum recommended loads provided by reputable manufacturers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lee Reloading .45-70
The reloading process can be broken down into several key steps:
1. Case Preparation
- Cleaning: Remove any residual powder and primer residue from spent .45-70 cases. A case tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner can make this process significantly easier.
- Sizing: Use the Lee .45-70 sizing die to resize the spent cases to the correct dimensions. This step ensures consistent chambering and prevents problems in your firearm.
- Trimming: Use the case trimmer and gauge to trim cases to the specified length. Inconsistently sized cases can lead to malfunctions.
2. Priming
- Priming: Use the Lee hand priming tool to carefully seat a small rifle primer in each resized case. Ensure primers are seated firmly but not excessively, avoiding damage.
3. Powder Charging
- Weighing: Using a scale, carefully weigh out the correct amount of powder for each case, according to your chosen load data. Precise powder charges are crucial for safe and consistent performance. Never guess or estimate powder charges.
4. Bullet Seating
- Seating: Use the Lee .45-70 bullet seating die to seat your chosen bullet to the correct depth and create a crimp on the case mouth. Consult your load data for recommended OAL and crimping methods.
5. Final Inspection
- Inspection: Carefully inspect each completed round to ensure proper bullet seating, adequate crimping and no obvious flaws before loading into your firearm. Reject any rounds with flaws.
Choosing the Right Components for Lee Reloading .45-70
Selecting the right components is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
Powder: Several powders are suitable for .45-70 reloading. Popular choices include IMR 4198, IMR 3031, and Unique. Always refer to published load data for your specific powder and components.
Bullets: The .45-70 offers a wide array of bullet choices, from round-nosed lead bullets ideal for plinking to heavier, jacketed bullets suitable for hunting.
Primers: Small rifle primers are required for .45-70 ammunition. Use primers from a reputable manufacturer.
Safety Precautions for Lee Reloading .45-70
Reloading is inherently dangerous; always prioritize safety:
- Always wear eye protection.
- Use a well-ventilated area.
- Never exceed maximum recommended loads.
- Double-check your powder charges.
- Keep your workspace clean and organized.
- Consult loading manuals and follow instructions carefully.
Case Studies and Examples
While providing specific load data is beyond the scope of this general guide (as load data is very specific to individual components and firearms), numerous online resources from reputable manufacturers like Hodgdon, Alliant, and Lee Precision provide comprehensive load data charts. Always use these charts to develop your loads rather than guesswork. These charts will list safe maximum loads for given powders, bullets, and primers.
By following these steps and adhering to safety precautions, you can successfully use Lee reloading equipment to create accurate and reliable .45-70 ammunition tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult reputable sources for load data.