The venerable .45-70 Government cartridge holds a special place in American history and in the hearts of shooters worldwide. Born from the need for a more powerful cartridge to replace the .50-70 in the late nineteenth century, it served as the backbone of the U.S. Army’s infantry for a significant period. While its initial purpose was for military use, the .45-70 quickly became a favorite among hunters and frontiersmen, earning a reputation for its stopping power on big game. Today, it remains a popular choice for a variety of shooting activities, including hunting, target shooting, and recreational plinking.
If you’re a shooter who enjoys the thrill of crafting your own ammunition, you’ll want to explore **Hornady 45-70 load data**. This article will delve into the intricacies of reloading this classic cartridge, focusing on the data and insights provided by Hornady, a leading manufacturer of bullets and reloading components. We’ll navigate through bullet choices, powder selections, and essential safety protocols to help you create accurate and effective loads.
Understanding the Reloading Process
Before you begin reloading any cartridge, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental steps involved. Reloading is essentially the process of taking spent cartridge cases and transforming them into new ammunition. This includes:
First, there’s the process of **sizing and de-priming**. This involves using a die to resize the fired case to its original dimensions, ensuring it will fit correctly in your rifle’s chamber. This also removes the spent primer.
Then comes the **priming** stage, where a new primer is seated into the primer pocket. The primer provides the initial spark that ignites the propellant.
Next is the **powder charging** phase. It’s vital to measure the correct amount of propellant (powder) and carefully pour it into the case. The amount of powder used directly affects the cartridge’s velocity and pressure.
Following that, you **seat the bullet**. A bullet seater die is used to seat the new bullet into the case at the correct depth. Bullet seating depth is crucial for both accuracy and safety.
Finally, you **crimp the cartridge**. Crimp helps secure the bullet in place and ensures consistent ignition and pressure upon firing.
Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Rule
Reloading, when done correctly, can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy your shooting passion. However, it also carries inherent risks. Safety must always be your top priority.
Always wear appropriate safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential hazards like flying brass or primer fragments. Also, consider other PPE such as gloves and a dust mask. Reloading should always be done in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the primers or propellants.
Never overload a cartridge. Exceeding the recommended powder charges can result in catastrophic firearm failure, causing serious injury or even death. Double-check every measurement and follow recommended load data meticulously.
Avoid mixing components from different manufacturers unless explicitly stated in reloading data. Powder burn rates and primer sensitivities can vary, and combining components unpredictably can be dangerous.
Always inspect your reloaded ammunition before loading it into your rifle. Ensure the bullets are properly seated, and the case mouths are crimped correctly. Look for any signs of damage to the case or bullet.
Hornady .45-70 Bullet Choices
Hornady is well known for its broad selection of bullets, and the .45-70 is no exception. Choosing the right bullet is essential for achieving the best performance for your intended purpose. Here’s a look at some popular Hornady options:
FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding): These bullets are designed with a flexible polymer tip that initiates expansion upon impact. They are often favored for hunting, especially at shorter ranges, due to their rapid expansion and transfer of energy.
InterLock: Featuring a mechanical locking design, the InterLock bullets provide reliable expansion and deep penetration. They are versatile enough for various hunting applications.
XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance): The XTP bullets are known for their accuracy and controlled expansion. They’re an excellent option for target shooting.
When selecting bullets for your .45-70 loads, you should match the weight of the bullet to the twist rate of your rifle’s barrel. A faster twist rate is generally needed for heavier bullets to stabilize them in flight. For example, a rifle with a slow twist rate might not stabilize heavier bullets like the 405-grain. Always consult your rifle’s manual for the recommended bullet weight ranges.
Loading the .45-70: Powders, Primers, and Load Data
The .45-70 cartridge is quite versatile and can be loaded with a variety of powders. Here’s some information, keeping in mind the importance of using Hornady load data and starting low:
Important Note: Always begin with the minimum recommended powder charge and gradually increase it while monitoring for any signs of excessive pressure. Never exceed the maximum powder charge listed. The information below is provided for reference and should be cross-referenced with current Hornady reloading manuals for precise measurements. Always prioritize using the most up-to-date and comprehensive data.
Bullet: 300 Grain Hornady XTP
- Powder: IMR 4198
- Starting Load: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Maximum Load: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Primer: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Velocity: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
Bullet: 325 Grain Hornady FTX
- Powder: H322
- Starting Load: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Maximum Load: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Primer: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Velocity: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
Bullet: 350 Grain Hornady InterLock
- Powder: RL-7
- Starting Load: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Maximum Load: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Primer: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
- Velocity: (To be verified with Hornady manuals)
This data is just a small sample, and it’s crucial to consult a current Hornady reloading manual or other reliable sources, such as their website, for the most up-to-date and comprehensive load data. The manuals will specify the recommended powders, primers, and cartridge overall lengths (COL) to ensure safe and accurate loads.
Working Up the Load:
- Start with the minimum powder charge listed in the manual.
- Load a small number of rounds at this starting charge.
- Shoot these rounds, carefully observing for any signs of excessive pressure (e.g., flattened primers, difficulty extracting the spent case, or blown primers).
- If no pressure signs are observed, incrementally increase the powder charge in small increments (e.g., half a grain) and repeat the process.
- Continue this process until you reach the maximum recommended load or until you find a load that provides good accuracy and the desired velocity without any signs of excessive pressure.
Understanding Powder Charges
When measuring powder charges, accuracy is paramount. Always use a calibrated digital scale to weigh the powder accurately. Double-check your scale readings to ensure you are dispensing the correct amount.
Safety always comes first, when working with powder charges.
Best Practices and Safety First
Even with the best load data, certain practices are necessary to reloading safely:
The signs of excessive pressure include flattened primers, cratering around the firing pin indentation, hard bolt lift, and expanded cartridge cases. If you observe any of these signs, immediately stop reloading with that load and reduce the powder charge.
Before firing, thoroughly inspect each round you reload. Look for any damage to the case or bullet, ensuring the bullet is seated correctly, and the case mouth is properly crimped.
Once you’ve reloaded your ammunition, be careful with the storage. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from children and other unauthorized persons.
Optimizing Your .45-70 Loads
Beyond load data, there are some steps to take to find the optimal loads for your rifle.
Consider using a chronograph to measure the muzzle velocity of your reloaded ammunition. This will allow you to verify that you’re achieving the expected velocity. A chronograph can help you refine your loads to match your rifle’s characteristics.
Seating depth can significantly impact accuracy. Experimenting with slightly adjusting bullet seating depth (the distance from the bullet’s ogive to the lands of your rifle’s barrel) can dramatically improve accuracy.
The cartridge overall length (COL) is another critical measurement. Always refer to your reloading manual for the recommended COL for your specific bullet and powder combination.
The .45-70 cartridge and the wide array of available powders allows shooters to refine their loads.
Conclusion
The Hornady .45-70 load data provides a foundation for a safe and enjoyable reloading experience. By using this guide, you can reload this classic cartridge with confidence, allowing you to tailor your loads to the specific needs of your rifle and shooting applications.
Always start with a solid base, follow safe reloading practices, and prioritize safety at every step.
Finally, consult Hornady’s reloading manual and other reputable sources for the most current and detailed load data. Remember, reloading is a journey of continuous learning, practice, and dedication to safety. Embrace the knowledge, enjoy the process, and create ammunition that performs reliably every time.
