Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only 45/70 Minimum OAL?

I've looked in all the wrong places I guess!
<br>Therefore I ask.
<br>What's the Minimum OAL I can seat the bullet?
<br>I'm reloading a Cast Bullet/GC that's crimping in the top lube grove! Just on the edge of going into the lube grove.
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<br>The maximum OAL is clear. This is published everywhere!
<br>Thanks for any assistance.
<br>Perry
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You probably should have asked Dr. Ken Howell this question, he is our resident ballistics expert. However, I will take a stab at it. There is no minimum length, BUT(this is an IMPORTANT BUT) when you seat the bullet deeper you are reducing the effective volume of the case and thus raising pressures, assuming your are using some kind of longer bullet. Depending on the gun you are using (as you are probably aware, there are 3 levels of loading data for .45-70s, old and weaker actions, moderately strong, and very strong) I would reduce the load considerably and be careful with your pressures if you are going to seat the bullet deep and try to push it very fast. A chronograph would help, if you don't have published data for this specific bullet. The other factor involving length is functioning, and if it feeds in your gun then that will not be a problem.

Thanks for the reply.
<br>I should have mentioned that I use the Marlin 1895. A nice firearm!
<br>At 2.54 OAL there is room for more powder, ( not a compressed load).
<br>H4198 49 GR, Bonus Bullet 350 GR FN GS.
<br>I shot 2 rounds this morning and my ear is almost ringing. Ear plugs are in order next time I shoot.
<br>I don't have a Chrony yet. Compared to Remington 300GR Factory HP's this load was very fast and had a brisk kick to it! The muzzel didn't jump anything like the Factory load mentioned.
<br>Perry
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My rifle is just like yours.I chronographed Federal and Win. 300 gr loads last fall.Both were under 1700 fps I recall.My 350 gr.handloads are over 1800.Felt recoil is not a reliable indicator of safe loads,but I'm sure you know that.I've never loaded any cast bullets,but I'm sure CAT is telling you right.

yeah, I agree, just be really careful about compressed loads. The only advantage to making 45/70 shorts, would be to increase magazine capacity?? For what, CASS???