The .45-70 Government cartridge, a legendary round with a rich history, continues to captivate shooters. Whether you're hunting large game, participating in cowboy action shooting, or simply appreciate the power and accuracy of this classic caliber, reloading your own ammunition offers significant advantages. This guide will delve into the process of Lee reloading .45-70, covering everything from choosing the right equipment to achieving consistent, safe, and accurate results. We'll focus on Lee Precision equipment, known for its affordability and suitability for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
Choosing Your Lee Reloading Equipment for .45-70
Lee Precision offers a variety of products tailored to .45-70 reloading. While a full-blown progressive press offers speed and efficiency, many find Lee's single-stage presses perfectly adequate, especially when starting out. The simplicity and control offered by a single-stage press allows for meticulous attention to detail, crucial for mastering the reloading process.
Here's a breakdown of essential Lee equipment for .45-70 reloading:
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Lee Single Stage Press: A robust and reliable press forming the cornerstone of your reloading setup. Its simplicity makes it ideal for learning the fundamentals.
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Lee .45-70 Sizing Die Set: This set includes the necessary dies for resizing and preparing your brass for reloading. Accurate sizing is paramount for consistent performance and safe operation.
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Lee .45-70 Bullet Seating Die: This die accurately seats your bullets to the desired depth, ensuring proper alignment and optimum accuracy.
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Lee Powder Measure: Accurate powder dispensing is critical for safety and consistency. Lee offers various powder measures, ranging from simple to more advanced options. Choose one that suits your needs and comfort level.
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Lee Case Trimming Tool: Trimming your cases to uniform length prevents feeding problems and ensures consistent performance.
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Lee Primer Seating Tool: A dedicated primer seating tool ensures safe and accurate primer installation. Never use a hammer or other makeshift tools for this critical step.
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Lee Case Lube: Lubricating cases before sizing is essential to prevent case damage and ensure smooth operation.
Step-by-Step Lee Reloading Process for .45-70
This guide outlines the basic steps. Always consult your specific Lee reloading manual and follow all safety precautions diligently.
1. Case Preparation:
- Clean Cases: Thoroughly clean your spent .45-70 brass to remove any residue or debris.
- Inspect Cases: Check for cracks, dents, or other damage that might compromise structural integrity. Discard any damaged cases.
- Resize Cases: Use the Lee sizing die to resize your cases, restoring their proper dimensions.
- Trim Cases: Trim your cases to the specified length using the Lee case trimming tool.
- Deburr Cases: Remove any burrs or sharp edges from the case mouths.
2. Primer Seating:
- Prime Cases: Using the Lee primer seating tool, carefully seat a primer in each resized case. Ensure the primer is seated firmly and correctly.
3. Powder Charging:
- Charge Cases: Accurately dispense the correct amount of powder into each primed case using your Lee powder measure. Always double-check your powder charge before loading a bullet. Using a scale is highly recommended for precision.
4. Bullet Seating:
- Seat Bullets: Carefully seat your chosen bullets to the correct depth using the Lee bullet seating die. Ensure the bullet is seated firmly and correctly aligned.
5. Crimping:
- Crimp Cases: A final crimp ensures the bullet remains securely seated. Use the appropriate Lee crimp die to accomplish this.
Safety First: Essential Considerations
Reloading is inherently dangerous. Always follow these safety precautions:
- Read your manuals carefully: Understand every aspect of your reloading equipment and the process before you begin.
- Wear safety glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Some powders can be hazardous.
- Never overload cases: Overloading can lead to catastrophic failure.
- Always double-check your powder charges: Accurately measuring your powder is crucial for safety.
- Store your ammunition properly: Keep your reloaded ammunition in a safe and dry place.
Conclusion: Mastering Lee Reloading .45-70
Reloading your own .45-70 ammunition offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, the ability to customize your loads to your specific needs, and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition. By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, you'll be well on your way to mastering Lee reloading for this iconic cartridge. Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to success. Happy reloading!
