Lever evolution 45-70 fTX cases with non ftx bullets?

[Falstaff]

Hornady load data for the LE cartridge requires a trimmed case length of 2.040" (well under the standard 45-70 length of 2.105") for the 325 gr. ftx bullet. The factory loaded 325 ftx cartridges I bought and subsequently shot all measure about 2.036 to 2.040 after their first firing and trim. My question is, do I HAVE to use only the ftx bullet with these short cases? I have some hornady 350 gr. FP's I'd like to use but am not sure if the bigger bullet would cause problems in the shorter than spec case.

[Bill Steele]

Hornady load data for the LE cartridge requires a trimmed case length of 2.040" (well under the standard 45-70 length of 2.105") for the 325 gr. ftx bullet. The factory loaded 325 ftx cartridges I bought and subsequently shot all measure about 2.036 to 2.040 after their first firing and trim. My question is, do I HAVE to use only the ftx bullet with these short cases? I have some hornady 350 gr. FP's I'd like to use but am not sure if the bigger bullet would cause problems in the shorter than spec case.

What kind of problems are you concerned about?

[CGT80]

The pressure might go up if you have less case volume for powder after seating the bullet. You might be able to load to the COAL that the other bullet needs, but the case wouldn't line up with the canelure. Another option may be to seat the bullet to the canelure and load on the lighter side. I am guessing you are loading full power loads. You are wise to look into this further.

I load for 460 mag which, as far as I know, is pretty similar to 45-70. I looked at buying some once fired 460 brass, but a lot of it is hornady and may be shorter than the full size Starline brass that I now use. I am in the same boat as you. I think the shorter brass with Hornady is a bunch of BS, personally. I decided to just buy more new starline brass when funds allow. I have never even put factory ammo through my 460 anyway.

Good luck, hopefully someone will have more info for you.

[Falstaff]

Yes, that's exactly what I'm worried about,the more I think about it i think the best course is to just use the ftx bullets with ftx brass. I'd just be guessing if I used the heavy bullets I already have with the shorter cases. I finally found some ftx bullets at midway ( 29 plus shipping for 50 ) I've never been able find them locally.

[CalTeacher]

Have you tried to load one of your non ftx bullets in a LE case? One problem you will run into is crimping. Since the case is short, I found it pretty much impossible to get even a small roll crimp. Try loading a dummy round to make sure you wont have this problem.

[CGT80]

For hot loads I would suggest using the correct bullet.

I use trail boss for light loads in 460. If I had shorter brass, I would use it with this powder, in order to use cheaper bullets. Trail boss is very forgiving as long as it is not compressed. I also use A 5744 for medium loads. It has a wide range of loads that it works for and might also work well in this case with less than a maximum load. You might then be able to run a shorter COAL, if using powders that are as versatile as I have found.

For full power loads I use win 296. This powder is not forgiving and I would not use anything other than the specified hornady bullet with the correct COAL and a good tight crimp.

Those are some expensive bullets, but they are better than damaging your gun or yourself, if you want factory equivalent loads.

Good luck.