Guys I am considering a .45-70 Gov’t single-shot Sharp’s rifle and want to take up reloading and casting bullets for that cartridge.

Now I don’t reload anything else or have plans to, so want to keep the setup as low-cost and simple as possible. I don’t want to have to invest in a multi-stage max-capacity reloading stand to make only a few dozen rounds per week. Buying factory ammo is out of the question, it is prodigiously expensive for that caliber.

I have never reloaded a round of ammo in my life but have read about reloading for years and understand most things about it.

So guys, I am looking for the most basic, simple, and low startup cost to reloading .45-70. High output is not needed, I’d only be shooting maybe 50 rounds per month. Are there lee-loaders or other simple hand presses for this rounds?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated from the reloaders here. Thanks in advance, guys!

Watch ebay and you will find most of the reloading equipment you will ever need comes up for sale often. I have a couple of old RCBS Rock Chucker presses and use them for 45-90. They are built like a tank and will handle larger calibers with ease. New, they are $175 if you can find the older model and near $200 for the new RC Supreme replacement. The only additions for the press will be a large primer arm and a primer catcher tray. That will keep your primers from falling all over the floor and will set the new primer in each case in a most cost effective manner.

You will need the brass, powder, Large Rifle Primers, bullets, powder scale, and of course a die set. You need a loading block with large enough holes in it to fit the large based 45-70, but you can make one with a wood block and drill bit. You will need case lube since rifle dies are steel not carbide. I think this is everything you need to start out loading one caliber. I would highly recommended that you have a micrometer to measure the OAL, but you may already own one. Get your shopping list together and compare items on ebay to MidwayUSA, etc. to find the best prices.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thank you! Can the rock checker be clamped to an ordinary table? I rent, so having a dedicated work bench is not easy.

Cost wise, I'd pick up a Lee single-stage prese and dies. Attach the press to a thick piece of plywood and then clamp it to a counter. That's what I do for all my reloading.

Are you going with black powder or smokeless?

If your goal is only 50 rounds a month, it might be a lot easier just to order cast bullets for a while until you're sure you want to invest in the cost of casting equipment. Sometimes folks find out they don't like reloading or casting. A box of 500 would last you a long time and can be had for $50-$60 if you shop around.

You can mount it to a board with the bolts countersunk, then clamp that to the table or any number of tricks.

If you want you can make a small but heavy table with a thick top, at least 3/4", 1" is better.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I have a small folding work bench from Sears (Work Mate?)
I use it for small jobs that require 10-20 minutes with a single stage press.
Just pre-drill holes. Keep nuts and bolts on press frame when not in use.
If you set your cases up in batches, you can get a lot done in 10-20 minutes. Next time you can work, you'll get more done.
While the small hand press will work, you have to be Charles Atlas to use it on that large a case.

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and what his trumpet saith

Actually , the most basic reloading kit for the 45-70 is the Lee Loader Kit , for about $40 . There is a video with a guy using one loading that exact cartridge . I would have no qualms using one as I started years ago using their kits for 38 special , 44 special and then 45 Colt . They do a fine job , take practically no space . It fits in a drawer when you're through . I have always thought about getting into 45-70 and I have already bought the LEE loader kit when I do . Just go to youtube . It's a great way to learn the basics of reloading . Whatever you choose , good luck , Regards, Paul

I use a lee loader for lots of different calibers. I would suggest you get a scale and a pair of calipers. If you go the casting route, Lee alox is more than sufficient lube for 45-70. And lee molds drop almost perfect as cast. .I've only had one that was oversized. You will want a plastic or rubber headed hammer for the lee loader. If this is the route you go, all your supplies will fit in a 50 cal ammo can.
Hope this helps.

A scale is a nice addition , but then you need a powder measure . The LEE scale is what I used for years , but it has a few quirks that you need to understand .
The LEE loader kit comes with a scoop and load data for different bullet weights and the powders that work with the scoop that comes with the kit .I would suggest keeping it real simple and budget minded till you see if you even like to reload . I would suggest a tin of Imperial Sizing Wax to resize the case . Whether you go with the LEE kit or a more expensive option . You will get lots of opinions , good luck . Regards, Paul

Lots of good advice above. If you choose to go with a Lee Loader be sure to thoroughly lube the cases. (Good practice with any system, doubly so with the hand tools) If you are in a rental situation all that pounding could make you an unpopular neighbor. I've loaded .45-70 with black powder, smokeless and the BP substitutes for over 30 years. It is a fun and easy cartridge to learn on.

But first, if you haven't already, pick up a reloading manual. Good reading. The Lyman is a gem, especially for old cartridges like the .45-70.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

You wont be shooting it a ton, so a cheap lee hand press will do. If you want to cast on the cheap, a lee dbl cav mold, dipper & cheap lee 10# pot.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Thanks so much, all!

Yes either a Lee Loader or Hand Press are more what I am lookimg for. Something cheap and small and simple.

Between those two, which one do you guys think would be better?

I started with the Lee loader.The ''whack a mole''motion might suggest that it is kids stuff but I can vouch for the fact that it will get you very good quality ammo for the smallest investment.While the Lee handpress is also very good,with the loader,you don't have to buy dies.I think I got it that at 50rds/month,you'd keep the investment down.
For casting,again Mr Lee comes to the rescue.A 10#bottom pour pot along with one of his alu mould will get you in business.Add a bottle of Lee(again)liquid alox to lubricate the little pebbles that'll come out of the mould and you are in business;no need to size.
May I suggest his 350gr rfn bullet.Along with 12.0gr of Unique(Ed Harris suggestion...and it works)you should get under 2'' at 100 yds.That's what I get from my Pedersoli Billy Dixon Sharps.
Have fun!

Although I love my Dillon 650, I use a Rock Chucker to reload the 45-70. Not that my Dillon can't do it, but there is so much powder in the 45-70 I like to hand-make each load. since I only shoot a hundred or so rounds of 45-70 a year, the slower process doesn't matter to me.

At the time I purchased the RCBS R/C my main press was a Dillon Square Deal B and it was not capable in reloading the 45-70. Had I owned the 650 at that time, I would have just purchased the Die set for the 45-70 and used the 650, but since I already own the R/C I use it. I actually prefer going very slow and deliberate with the 45-70 anyway.

See if you can find an old Lyman 310 tong tool with .45-70 dies. It is the type of tool used to reload the old BP big bores in the 19th century. I still have one, and that is what I used to load my first .45-70 rounds many years ago. And still do occasionally. Check eBay.

YouTube

I wouldn't mess with Lee Loader, get cheap single stage press, dies and a scale. You can do without a powder measure. You might look into one of
the starter kits.

That sounds super! Can the Lee loader be used with black powder? I want to try both smokeless and black powder loads since I have other black powder guns and plenty of BP.

I started out loading 9 mm with a Lee Loader in 1973. The hammering noise is a problem in most multiple unit apartment buildings. Also, compared to a bench mounted single stage press Lee Loaders are a PITA. I quickly moved on to a Rock Chucker. In hind sight the smartest route is to start with a used single stage press. I often see used single stage presses that are not well known models for around $35. Just be sure you buy one that takes standard shell holders. Some very old ones did not have separate shell holders. You had to buy a ram that fit each case head size. Hand held priming tools like Lee's are nicer to use than the priming systems attached to most presses so it's not important if those parts are missing from a used press. However, you do need a spent primer catcher. Initially I mounted my press with C clamps. I never got around to bolting the press to a board and C clamping the board. I used pieces of wood between the C clamp and the press and bottom of my desk until I found a very sturdy old used desk that I could drill through.

Spend the additional money a new press would have cost on a powder scale. With practice home made dippers or Lee's dippers are as accurate as a powder measure so a measure does not have to be a high priority. The weight a measure or dipper is throwing has to be learned with a scale.

I loved Imperial resizing wax until I learned that Chapstick lip balm works just as well without getting a finger tip sticky. Either wipe off easily with a rag. RCBS's old resizing goo was a PIA to wipe off. Lee's water soluble resizing lube is great for large batches of brass but Chapstick is preferable for reloading smaller numbers of cases.

Good calipers will measure both cartridge over all length and your bullets' diameter. Fortunately when I started I already had dial calipers for work.

I cast bullets for decades before buying an electric melting pot. I used cast iron pots from garage sales on white gas camping stoves outside and kitchen electric and gas stoves. Sometimes I set up the white gas stove inside a widow with a square box fan sucking air out across the pot. My favorite iron pot held 40 pounds so it was faster than a 10 pound Lee bottom pour electric pot. Commercially made lead dippers that have a pouring spout sticking out of the side are well worth their price. A lead thermometer and a lubricator sizer press are higher priority than an electric pot but you can cast your first bullets without either.

I can not imagine starting without Lyman's reloading and casting manual but when I started not only did I not have the internet, I did not know anyone who reloaded.

I hope that you find something in this long reply helpful. Have fun.

Yes, black powder, smokeless, duplex...no problem!
The Lee Loaders are lots of fun. If you are organized, and do each step on all your brass, it goes pretty quickly. I have a Dillon 650, and RCBS single stage. But, if you're doing things like checking your brass OAL every loading, cleaning primer pockets and washing black powder residue out of your empties, the Lee Loader won't slow you down appreciably. Plus, you can take it to the range and load there as you go, working out loads on the spot.

I would also recommend the Lee Powder Dipper kit. For black powder they are GREAT!! A handheld Lee autoprime tool will speed up priming and improve accuracy by giving you better control of primer depth.

One special note on the Lee Loader: The sizer die is designed to minimally resize brass, with the intent that you use the same brass in only one gun. This is a big aid to accuracy, especially with cast bullets.

Regards,
Jim

I second the notion of the Lyman 310. I use them to reload most of my rifle cartridges. The only rifle cartridge I reload on a press is the Hornet. The 45-70 is easily handled with the 310.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

When I got my first sharps rifle about 15 years ago I jumped into the BPCR game! I initially loaded 1000 45/70 rounds with 65-75 grains of BP and a 550 Hoch Creedmoor cast bullet. All loaded with a Lee hand held press! Now, 15 years and 4 sharps rifles later I no longer use the hand held press but I still use the same bullet and load! I don't mess around with smokeless powders in the 45/70!

Thank you guys SO much!! I will have to research the Lyman 310, are those still being made?

Also, out of curiosity, does anyone know the cost of a cast and reloaded .45-70 round? Hopefully it’s cheaper than the dollar per round factory stuff!!

This is about "What" to load in your 45-70 cartridges: 45 - 70 Frustration

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S&WHF 366

The above suggestion to use 12 grs of Unique is a great load , from all that I have read . Much cheaper than bp . . I would also suggest a LEE mold and use their lubricant , Alox . You can add some Johnsons paste wax to make it stretch further . I use my LEE dipper set , constantly . If you go that route , then I suggest a powder scale to verify their loading data . The LEE scale works fine "IF " you make sure it is setting on a level platform and you use that same base everytime you use it . You can also purchase a set of check weights . I have made many dippers using spent cases . I JB weld a paper clip to the bottom , JB weld a pop sicle stick to the paper clip for a handle . I file the case down till I get the amount of powder I want . The scale will tell you that . Keep it simple , Regards, Paul

Everything from Lee Loaders to single stage presses to 310 dies on E-Bay. Whole set-up for under $100, maybe $50 if you shop right. If you buy 310 dies, I know where large handles could be had.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

Guys thanks!! Now to pick between the Lee loader, hand press, or the Lyman 310... oh, but how to pick??

I have the 1885 High Wall .45-70 and also a Marlin 1895 GS and reloading for that cartridge will really open the doors to enjoying shooting the single shot rifles.
I load for other calibers too so my loader is the Dillon 550B.
When sizing the .45-70 case use plenty of lube so case doesn't get stuck in die.
My plinking loads are the 405 gr. hard cast bullet loaded over 13-14 gr. of Unique. IMR 3031 is a good powder too for hotter loads.
When you really want to ring the steel targets try one of the 500 gr. bullets!

Very good Topic, Advise, and discussion.

About 8 month's ago I started to Reload for
the 45-70 Govt.

I am an Established Reloader and started in 1979.

All I have ever used is the Single Stage, 1 at a
time, Bolt to the wood top Press. Lee Dies are
most of my Die Sets, I just like Lee, they do what
I need, accurate, and reasonable priced.

My other Press is an Old Used Big RCBS JR.
It resides in the Garage. All Cartridges are prepped in
Summer and reloaded in Winter as needed.

I see Powder's have not been really discussed.
Through my research, IMR 4198 or RL-7, are
the go to Powders. I have been using IMR 4198,
because I lucked out in having 8 pounds of it.

I didn't want to use the big 405gr bullet, so I
started with what I thought was reasonable, the
300gr Hornady .458dia XTP bullets. Currently
I am using Oregon Trail 300gr .459dia Lead
Round Nose Flat Point.

The Lee 45-70 dies I lucked out and found them
New in the Box on Amazon, at a very reasonable
price. They work very nicely with the Lead and
Hornady bullets.

I just picked a middle of the Road Powder Load
running approx. 1300fps. From what I've read
this will kill anything from Gophers to Grizzly's.
That Lead Bullet, 300gr to 405gr Penetrates and
Destroys everything in it's path.

Any way the best to you and your Endeavors.

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The hand press. The lee whack-a-mole is just way too much work for even 10rds. Plus, advance in your reloading & the Hand press can be used to deprime or seat, so not a total waste. The whack-a-mole, total waste. The Lyman, not even close imo. Break it, no one is fixing it for you. Break the hand press, Lee will replace it. & it takes any dies, the Lyman, uh no.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I presume that Fred's criticism is about Lyman's long discontinued 310 tong tool. While the almost antique 310 tool uses long discontinued small diameter dies Lyman's aluminum framed hand press is not significantly different than Lee's. I owned both at the same time. During the 1990s both manufacturers included one for free when you bought something else. That's how I wound up with three hand presses. One of the things Lee included a free hand press with was their reloading manual. To get new reloaders started that was marketing genius. If one of their orange hand presses failed I'm sure Lyman would replace it the same as Lee would.

Here's the deal.. Only caliber you plan on reloading.

It all depends on how much you "really" will shoot the gun.

By the time you buy everything you need, it will take many rounds to catch up to the cost and become economical.

When I lived in an apartment, I got a cheap nightstand, reinforced the top with a section of 2 x 12 board, and mounted an RCBS Jr press on it. There was room for the press, a reloading block and a scale. I used it as my reloading bench for years.

-Mark

The Lee Loader would be the cheapest way to go and is perfect for what you are doing, but the loading process doesn't quite teach the way things are done in a conventional press.

The hand press is EXACTLY like a bench press, only not on a bench. You will need dies and a shell holder and a way to prime the case. (I use a Lee Hand Loader. Careful, some hand primers are so safe that they don't work.)

I recommend the Imperial sizing wax also. A very little goes a long way, but if you slick 'em up good, the hand press may be much easier.

There is also neck or full length sizing to consider. PARTIAL sizing with a full length die may work in some guns, but you'll have to experiment. If you use the same gun, you can get by with just as much case sizing as will work for you.

Once I've shot the cartridges, SOME of the ones I shoot, like .44 magnum are very easy to resize. Not sure why. But my Mosin cases size pretty easily, too. Full sizing 30-06 for me can take a lot of pressure. Whatever works for you.

Even if you use the Lee Loader with scoops, READ up in a good how-to section of a reloading manual. It's very useful and needed knowledge, especially being that there are many types of cartridges and some have special requirements. Most straight wall cartridges are 'straight' forward. Some, like 9mm are very touchy when it comes to Over All Length.

There are also rules of reloading, like start low and work up the charge. It's like the basic rules of shooting. Things you really need to know like seating primers and headspace.

Make sure that the powder you choose is suited for the caliber and the bullet you are using. You may want something versatile enough to use in other cartridges.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Yes pick up a Lyman loading manual,the 49th or new 50th is good and read up on loading the 45-70. If you are near a Cabela's they have those small manuals for loads on specific calibers with info from many powder and bullet companies.
There are 3 levels of load rankings Springfield,Marlin and Ruger and from what rifle you have I would stay in the Springfield level.

To start off I would purchase 405 gr. cast bullets and work yourself into the loading process.
But first get some off the shelf ammo and see how the gun shoots and you will also have some used brass to start with.

For cleaning used brass I found that a case tumbler using crushed walnut you find at Pet Smart works really well.

1.) home made powder scoop
2.) hand priming tool (This is the only store bought tool on the list.)
3.) pointy implement to tap out spent primers and a hole to work over (The tip of a nail can be filed so that it will pass through the flash holes and a nut will suffice for the hole.)
4.) over powder wads, preferably felt
5.) container that you can scoop black powder out of (It has to have a a lid to keep out sparks. A cottage cheese container will do.)

Shorten one case to where the bottom of a seated bullet would be. Seat a primer. Scoop black powder to fill the case level full. Do not use the same case that you are using to fire the gun because the risk of a smoldering ember left from the prior shot is unacceptable. Put the lid back on over the bulk powder to keep out sparks. Press your over powder wad in with your thumb. Black powder should be compressed a little. Slide your bullet into the chamber with your little finger. Unlike the USS Missouri's 16" guns you do not need a proper rammer but if it makes you happy whittle a piece of wood. The case rams the bullet into the lead. Ideally you want the over powder wad to press the bullet against the lead.

While I had plenty of reloading tools so I did not have to improvise, for a while this was my favorite way to fire trap door Springfields because at the end of the day I only had to wash out one case with hot soapy water. Maybe I could have detected a difference in accuracy if I'd had a scope mounted on the carbine.

Still manufactures the 310 tong tool.
Not cheap by any means, but will last forever.

Welcome to The 310 Shop Website!

Bought Kake Kutter some years back. Very satisfactory.

__________________
and what his trumpet saith

I must have weak hands, because I never had any enjoyment using a 310. My father had one for 8mm and I found it to be slow, awkward and my hands got tired after loading about 50 rounds. Wouldn't it be even harder to load large rifle calibers like 45-70?

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Gary
SWCA 2515

The business nickey4968 linked above is selling both newly made and old 310 tong tools and dies. They want $240 for a .45-70 310 tong tool set. That is a poor place to direct some one who wants to start reloading inexpensively. Tong tools use small diameter dies. It's been a long time since Ideal also made bench presses that fit those small diameter dies. It would be a lot smarter to stick with tools that use standard 7/8" die threads so the dies can be used in all the presses that you buy in the future.

My two cents worth: I think for any amount of reloading, you'll do yourself a disservice buying anything less than a single-stage press. I use a Lee Hand Press for prepping all my pistol cases, and it would be a chore to try to load .45-70 cases with it. Nothing will turn one off from reloading than to make it difficult or tedious to do.

The Lee Loader and Lyman 310 tools were okay when that's all one had back in the 1800s, but reloading has progressed far ahead of those tools.

With the Lee Breech Lock press costing $55 direct from Lee, it is just as affordable and more practical than the others. It surely can be found for less through other sources.

If you know casting is in your future go ahead and buy press cause you’ll need it for lubing and sizing after casting. But I’m like these other guys buy bullets from others as long as you can . After you cast and shoot your homemade just to prove you can you’ll go back to buying and realize what a bargain they are. But idea of reloading is only way to go .

Jay, if you lived closer to me or along my path to work around Midland, TX I would give you a Pacific 007 single stage press. I've had it since the early 80's and the only reason I'm not using it nowadays is that I replaced it on my bench with a Redding T-7 turret press. It's basically the same as the present Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic they sell nowadays.

What IGGY said and you’ll be fine. I have a turret press but still use the rock chucker for 45-70 which is my favorite rifle round.

Many Lyman 310 sets are listed on eBay right now at prices much cheaper than that. For a long time when I was shooting .45-70s mine did yeoman service for me in loading thousands of rounds and it was the perfect loader to use while watching TV. All I needed in addition to it was a loading block and a powder dipper. Then there is the historical aspect. Back when .45-70 rifles were high tech in the world of shooting, so were reloading tools similar to the Lyman 310. Presses which are so common today were far, far in the future.

That is exactly what I did back when I was in college (40+ years ago). I still have my RCBS Rock Chucker, they’re built hell-for-stout and I have no doubt it will outlive me. In fact, it’s about the only thing I have left from back then (after two divorces)...

Elmer's load for Marlin 1895's and the 1886 Winchester was 53 grains of IMR 3031and a 405 grain jacketed bullet!

I load for my Sharps 1874 Creedmoor repro on either my Lyman 310 or my CoAx. The 310 basically neck sizes only, whereas I use the RCBS Cowboy dies in the press due to their being very cast bullet friendly. The Sharps loves a 535gr Postell boolit over 37gr of Varget. I tried coatings (Hi-Tek & powder) on the boolits, and the gun prefers lube (which is way easier/faster via Star lubrisizer). I started out some decades ago with the original Lee Loader and a hammer, and there is no way I will ever do that again. YMMV.

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The triple smoker

I listed the tong tool company because the OP had inquired about them. I pointed out they were pricey. I did not mean to direct him there to begin loading.
I agree, a single stage press would be best to start. I can’t offer advice on the cartridge, as I have never loaded it.

__________________
and what his trumpet saith

I believe that they only neck size shouldered cartridges, which is fine for shooting from the same rifle. I'm not sure how a 45-70 is sized being a straight wall cartridge.

With a press and individual dies you can vary the amount of sizing with the die set up and also get full length or base sizing dies if you want. Of course that's money, but it's the best control over how you want to reload.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"