I am just getting ready to resize cases for a Marlin Cowboy in 45/70.
It would appear the only thing needing resizing is the upper 1/2" or so of the case so it holds the bullet, is this correct?
Or should the whole case get resized for some reason?
Emptys feed fine in the Marlin.
I'd be happy with resizing just the first 1/2" or so, but you still need to run it up far enough to decap.
I suppose you could decap as a separate operation with a Lee tool or something if you really wanted to.
I went ahead and sized some fired and some new. It did about 1/2 " or so plus decapped the fired ones.
Just wasn't sure about how it left the case looking almost necked. So then I belled them and they looked normal. Loaded some and they look as good as the factory stuff.
Now if it ever warms up I'll shoot some and see how they do.
Thanks for the input.
For my 45-70s, I full-length size and trim all new cases. I have a decapping die I use for removing the primers at the range (I shoot mostly BP and it's a habit I picked up to soak the cases immediately after shooting them).
The cases for my 1895 CB get neck sized just enough to get rid of the remains of the crimp and I crimp as lightly as I can and still not loosen the bullet upon loading - 1/2" or so sounds about right for what I do, too.
The cases I use for my BPCR single shots are always loaded with black powder and I finger seat the bullets. I have 200 rounds for each rifle and the only time any of them ever get touched by a die is when I fumble one to the ground/floor and the neck gets bent a little.
All my 45-70 cases are dedicated to a specific rifle and I have been very, very careful not to get them mixed up.
Shane, go to Buffalo arms cat for primer handling equip. and take a look-see at the Pope tool. Decap and primes. Neck size is ok for a 45-70 but my personal druthers is to FL size levergun cases.
For hunting ammo, I prefer to full-length resize. No big game animal I have ever shot seems to be able to tell the difference, though.
the_shootist - That's been my experience too! FL resize for me..
Just full length resize. In my experience, The 45-70 rarely needs to be trimmed, and full length resizing does not hinder reloading. I do not load to the firewall, so with modest reloads you should have no problem.
I fl resize and use a Lyman "M" die to expand, gives even neck tension and little runout. Lee factory crimp for safety in lever gun tube magazines.
I always FL resize for my guide gun, plus I use a lee factory crimp die.
maddog