45-70 Dies

[tsoso]

Hey guys need some more help. So I recently started loading 45-70. I bought Hornady dies. I was using brand new starline brass. First time I loaded it up completely fine no problems. Second time after resizing I don't even need to expand the brass for the bullets to fit. I don't really know how to explain this but when I seat the bullet it will just fall right in (and yes I am using .458 projectiles). So basically the bullet will just be in the case. Im pretty sure the sizing die is not sizing the case all the way? Also these hornady dies don't have a crimp fuction so is my best bet to try new dies if so which brand works best thanks.

[Divernhunter]

Contact Hornady about the dies.
I have many sets of their dies and have never had that problem---but I do not have Hornady 45-70 dies.
I have RCBS 45-70 dies.
Are you sure you have them adjusted properly? I have found that to be the problem usually when people I know have die problems.

[fguffey]

I bought Hornady dies

I suggest you call Hornady first. After you read the instructions.

F. Guffey

[Steve45-70]

You say you are not expanding the brass but are you using the expanding die and not flaring the mouth or do the bullets just fall right in after sizing?. I have different size expanding plugs based on what bullets I am using.

Because you did not have a problem the first time you may have a problem with your dies. Also make sure you are full length resizing them. Screw the die down to the shell holder and then turn a little more.

[tsoso]

You say you are not expanding the brass but are you using the expanding die and not flaring the mouth or do the bullets just fall right in after sizing?. I have different size expanding plugs based on what bullets I am using.

Because you did not have a problem the first time you may have a problem with your dies. Also make sure you are full length resizing them. Screw the die down to the shell holder and then turn a little more.

the bullets fall right in after sizing which should not happen becasue I am sizing the case the whole way. I am also using .458 Hornady InterLock Bullets 45 Caliber 300 Grain Hollow Point.

[Steve45-70]

the bullets fall right in after sizing which should not happen becasue I am sizing the case the whole way. I am also using .458 Hornady InterLock Bullets 45 Caliber 300 Grain Hollow Point.

Sounds like you may have a die problem. I agree with others in calling to see if there is anything they suggest. I use both RCBS and Lee dies for my 45-70's. I don't really have a problem with either. In a way I like Lee better as they seem to be a little easier to swap plugs out. I reload both cast and factory as well as doing some black powder. Sometimes it is easier to have multiple dies.

[ar15barrels]

Hey guys need some more help. So I recently started loading 45-70. I bought Hornady dies. I was using brand new starline brass. First time I loaded it up completely fine no problems. Second time after resizing I don't even need to expand the brass for the bullets to fit. I don't really know how to explain this but when I seat the bullet it will just fall right in (and yes I am using .458 projectiles). So basically the bullet will just be in the case. Im pretty sure the sizing die is not sizing the case all the way? Also these hornady dies don't have a crimp fuction so is my best bet to try new dies if so which brand works best thanks.

Sizing die is too large for your brass thickness or your brass thickness is too thin for the sizing die.

The sizing die needs to squeeze the case down small enough so that a bullet will be a tight fit into the case.
Most dies size too much and then use an expander to open the case back up to the necessary diameter for the bullet to fit snugly.

[nstoolman1]

Take the guts out of the die and size it. Then check with the bullet. Just a thought.

[RNE228]

What does the case mouth mic out at before/after sizing? ID and OD?

What do the bullets OD mic out at?

How did you set up the sizer?
To adjust the full-length size die, follow these steps:
1. Raise the press ram to highest position without camming over.
2. Thread the full-length die into the press until the base touches the
shell holder head.
3. Tighten the lock ring against the press and tighten the set screw
with the allen wrench

And the seater/crimper?


Curious, because I have a new set of Hornady dies #546566 45/70 but have not used them yet.

[baih777]

Measure the bullets.

[pacrat]

Sizing die is too large for your brass thickness or your brass thickness is too thin for the sizing die.

The sizing die needs to squeeze the case down small enough so that a bullet will be a tight fit into the case.
Most dies size too much and then use an expander to open the case back up to the necessary diameter for the bullet to fit snugly.

^^^ THAT ^^^

Call Hornady CS.

If you didn't measure neck before you loaded first time. Likely the cases necks were tight enough before loading. But after firing, die is too large to properly squeeze neck.

[kcstott]

the bullets fall right in after sizing which should not happen becasue I am sizing the case the whole way. I am also using .458 Hornady InterLock Bullets 45 Caliber 300 Grain Hollow Point.

What rifle? and please don't tell me it's an Italian made Sharps copy?

What I'm getting at here is Pedersoli have known large chamber and bore issues. Pedersoli makes the Lyman sharps. these rifles have typical .460" groove diameter, and some have claimed egg shaped chambers. but that's hearsay

In any event I'd recommend a chamber cast to eliminate any chance of a out of spec chamber.

[chris]

Contact Hornady about the dies.
I have many sets of their dies and have never had that problem---but I do not have Hornady 45-70 dies.
I have RCBS 45-70 dies.
Are you sure you have them adjusted properly? I have found that to be the problem usually when people I know have die problems.

I use RCBS dies for my 45-70 and no issues at all.

[kcstott]

Take the guts out of the die and size it. Then check with the bullet. Just a thought.

it's a straight wall case. so the only thing in the sizer die is the decapping pin. There is no expander in the sizing die as there is on a bottle neck die.

[tsoso]

Ok guys I solved the problem heard back from Hornady they said they will just replace it and it’s for a Henry 45-70 and 1895 SBL. They said it might have slipped through quality control I guess I just got unlucky