Understanding the .45-70 Cartridge
Historical Context
The .45-70 Government. Just the name itself evokes images of the American West, courageous pioneers, and the iconic lever-action rifle. A cartridge steeped in history, the .45-70 continues to captivate shooters and hunters with its power and versatility. Reloading this timeless round allows for a tailored shooting experience, opening up a world of customization and performance optimization. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of 45-70 bullets for reloading, providing you with the knowledge necessary to select the perfect projectiles for your specific needs. Whether you’re pursuing big game, participating in Cowboy Action Shooting, or simply enjoying a day at the range, understanding bullet selection is paramount to achieving accuracy, maximizing performance, and ensuring safe reloading practices.
Key Characteristics of the .45-70 Cartridge
Few cartridges boast the rich heritage and enduring popularity of the .45-70. Born out of the American military’s need for a powerful and accurate long-range cartridge, the .45-70 “Government” quickly gained favor, earning its name from the fact that it was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873. The “45” in the name refers to the approximate diameter of the bullet, in hundredths of an inch, and the “70” signifies the original black powder charge in grains. This robust round, initially loaded with black powder, propelled a large-diameter, heavy bullet, making it exceptionally effective at both short and long ranges.
Variations and Modern Uses
The .45-70 cartridge truly shines in the realm of history. It became synonymous with the legendary Sharps rifles and lever-action rifles, such as the iconic Winchester models. It was the cartridge of choice for buffalo hunters, and frontier soldiers. Its adoption marked a significant advancement in firearm technology, transitioning from slower-loading muzzleloaders to breech-loading rifles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing .45-70 Bullets
Rifle Type and Action
Today, the .45-70 lives on, a testament to its effective design. With modern propellants, the .45-70 can be loaded to levels far exceeding the original black powder performance. The cartridge’s inherent design allows for a great deal of flexibility for reloaders, making it possible to tune loads for specific firearms and desired performance characteristics.
Intended Use
Key attributes are central to understanding the .45-70. Its nominal bullet diameter measures .458 inches, and its cases are generally around 2.105 inches long. The .45-70 can accommodate a wide range of bullet weights, from lighter projectiles to extremely heavy ones. Careful consideration of pressure is critical when reloading the .45-70. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) sets standards for this cartridge, and exceeding these pressure limits can lead to unsafe and potentially dangerous conditions. It is essential to consult reputable reloading manuals and adhere to the recommended load data.
Bullet Weight and Ballistics
The .45-70 continues to evolve in its use. From its origins, it has transformed into a versatile option. It’s still sought after by hunters pursuing large game. Its reputation has earned it a place in competitions, like Cowboy Action Shooting. It is not uncommon to find people use it for recreational target shooting. The .45-70 provides a powerful and enjoyable shooting experience.
Barrel Twist Rate
Selecting the appropriate 45-70 bullets for reloading is a multifaceted process, demanding careful consideration of your specific firearm, intended purpose, and desired outcomes. A few key factors will guide you in making an informed decision.
Bullet Types for Reloading .45-70
Lead Bullets
The kind of rifle you use is very important. For those who shoot lever-action rifles, overall cartridge length is a key consideration. The tubular magazines of these rifles, such as those found on Marlin and Henry models, often limit the length of the loaded cartridge. Bullet profiles that have rounded or flat noses tend to work best in these applications, minimizing the risk of recoil igniting a primer in the magazine. It’s critical to choose bullets that will function reliably and safely within the confines of a lever-action magazine.
Jacketed Bullets
Single-shot rifles, such as the venerable Sharps and Ruger No. 1 models, offer more flexibility. These rifles usually have a single loading port that can accommodate longer cartridges. Single-shot rifles allow for loading bullets with a greater overall length. They can handle heavier bullets, offering advantages in long-range shooting.
Specialty Bullets
Bolt-action rifles present another set of considerations. These rifles often benefit from stronger actions and can typically handle higher pressure loads.
Bullet Manufacturers and Recommendations
The purpose of your shooting activities greatly influences bullet selection. If you plan to hunt, the choice of bullet is crucial to effectively taking down your target while complying with the ethics of hunting. For hunting big game, like elk or bear, a bullet with sufficient weight and expansion characteristics is key for reliable penetration and tissue damage. Jacketed bullets are often the preferred choice for hunting, providing a balance of expansion and controlled weight retention.
For target shooting, bullet weight and ballistic coefficient become essential. When shooting long-range, the bullet’s ability to resist wind drift and maintain its trajectory is of utmost importance.
If your goal is simply casual target practice, you have more options. Lead bullets can be an economical choice for plinking, while providing a satisfying shooting experience.
The weight and ballistic properties of a bullet greatly impact its performance. Heavier bullets tend to retain more energy at longer ranges, exhibiting greater penetration and downrange power. But heavier bullets, especially when combined with black powder, will experience a dramatic trajectory arc. Lighter bullets, on the other hand, have a flatter trajectory, but may not retain the same level of energy at the point of impact.
Matching bullet weight to your rifle’s barrel twist rate is critical. Barrel twist rate refers to the rate at which the rifling in your barrel causes the bullet to spin. A faster twist rate (e.g., 1:18”) stabilizes heavier bullets, while a slower twist rate (e.g., 1:20”) is better suited for lighter bullets. If you try to stabilize a bullet that is too heavy for your barrel, it may become unstable in flight, compromising accuracy.
Reloading Safety and Best Practices
The landscape of 45-70 bullets is diverse, offering a wide selection of options. Each bullet type provides unique characteristics, catering to a variety of needs and preferences.
Lead Bullets: Advantages, Types, and Considerations
Lead bullets are a classic choice, particularly well-suited for lower-pressure loads. Lead bullets are often preferred by cowboy action shooters because they can be loaded at relatively low velocities. Lead bullets are known for being cost-effective. They also allow for ease in bullet seating during the reloading process. Lead bullets generally exhibit a moderate expansion on impact, which is adequate for target shooting or hunting smaller game species.
Lead bullets come in numerous forms. Round Nose (RN) bullets offer a traditional profile, while Flat Nose (FN) bullets provide a flat meplat, which can result in a more pronounced impact and create a bigger wound cavity. Semi-Wadcutter (SWC) bullets have a flat front portion and a sharp shoulder. The Wadcutter (WC) is a bullet designed for punching clean holes in paper targets.
Several factors must be considered. One must focus on properly lubricating the lead bullets to minimize leading in the barrel. Bullet hardness is a crucial parameter. Softer bullets are prone to deform at higher velocities, while harder bullets will resist deformation but might not expand as well.
Jacketed Bullets: Advantages, Types, and Considerations
Jacketed bullets are a workhorse for many reloaders, especially those interested in hunting. The jacket, usually made of copper, surrounds the lead core of the bullet, providing enhanced structural integrity, higher velocities, and improved ballistic performance. Jacket bullets are the preferred option for anyone shooting big game. They are designed to expand on impact, while still retaining a good portion of their original weight, ensuring deep penetration.
Soft Point (SP) bullets are constructed to deliver controlled expansion upon impact. The exposed lead core allows for rapid expansion. Hollow Point (HP) bullets feature a cavity in the nose, which encourages rapid expansion on impact.
For hunters who want the most reliable expansion, Barnes Triple-Shock (TSX) or GMX bullets are excellent choices. These bullets are made entirely of copper. They expand reliably, creating deep wound channels.
Specialty Bullets: Segmenting, Gas Checks, and More
Beyond the common offerings, there are specialized bullet types. Segmenting bullets break into multiple fragments upon impact. This transfers energy quickly, which provides a massive wound channel. Cast bullets with gas checks allow for faster velocities, providing more downrange performance.
Bullet Manufacturers and Recommendations
A multitude of manufacturers produce high-quality 45-70 bullets. Some of the most respected include Hornady, Barnes, Nosler, Sierra, and Speer. Each manufacturer offers a variety of bullet types, weights, and designs.
Your hunting needs will help determine your choices. For big game hunting, the use of jacketed bullets, such as Hornady’s 350-grain round nose or the Barnes TSX bullets, offers deep penetration. For target shooting, lead bullets are a great choice.
Importance of Following Manuals
Safe reloading practices are essential when reloading for any cartridge. Always follow the guidelines set forth in reputable reloading manuals.
Safety Precautions
Handle reloading supplies with care. Always keep powders and primers away from sources of ignition. Be mindful of the proper function of all reloading equipment, and be certain of the powder weight.
Starting Loads and Working Up Loads
Double-check every step in the reloading process. Be sure to compare the final product with the recommendations found in your reloading manual.
Case Preparation
When starting to reload for any new cartridge, start with the recommended minimum powder charge and gradually increase the charge. Never exceed the maximum loads listed in your reloading manual. Working up loads allows you to safely find the most accurate and appropriate load for your rifle and your needs.
Crimp Techniques
Case Preparation
Conclusion
The world of .45-70 reloading offers a wealth of opportunity. Reloading your own ammunition provides a means of customization, giving you more control. This control includes bullet selection. Choosing the right 45-70 bullets is a vital step for safety, accuracy, and the intended use of your reloads. By considering rifle type, intended application, bullet weight, barrel twist rate, and bullet construction, you can make informed choices. This guide has equipped you with the necessary knowledge to begin your .45-70 reloading journey.
Resources
Always engage in responsible reloading practices, prioritizing safety and accurate load development. Thoroughly research and experiment within established guidelines.
For additional information, consult reloading manuals. The Lyman Reloading Handbook, the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, and manuals from other reputable manufacturers are indispensable resources.
Also, visit manufacturer websites. Websites provide detailed information on their products, including ballistic data, recommended loads, and other helpful resources.
Finally, engage with the online community. Participate in forums and discussions to get the opinions of other experienced reloaders.
