Understanding .45-70 Brass
The .45-70 Government: A cartridge steeped in history, born from the need for improved firepower on the American frontier. It earned its stripes in the hands of soldiers, frontiersmen, and hunters alike. The .45-70’s appeal is undeniable – its potent performance, hard-hitting nature, and ability to handle a wide range of bullet weights have ensured its enduring legacy. While production rifles are readily available today, a significant portion of the .45-70’s popularity comes from the dedicated community of reloaders. Reloading offers a level of customization and cost-effectiveness that factory ammunition simply cannot match. It’s a journey that transforms a shooter into a craftsman, giving you complete control over your ammunition.
The art of reloading, however, begins with a foundation: the brass casing. And for .45-70 enthusiasts, the selection of brass is a critical decision. Your brass is far more than just a container; it’s a primary component that heavily influences safety, accuracy, and the overall enjoyment of your shooting experience. This guide is designed to provide comprehensive insight into selecting the most suitable .45-70 brass for your reloading endeavors.
The brass casing is the heart of your ammunition. It holds the primer, powder, and bullet, all orchestrated to achieve a single goal: sending a projectile downrange. The brass itself is an alloy – typically a mixture of copper and zinc. The ratio of these metals, combined with the manufacturing processes used, influences the brass’s properties.
The quality of the brass is a major factor. High-quality brass will provide greater consistency and longer life. Brass with proper annealing, consistent wall thickness, and meticulously formed primer pockets will provide greater consistency.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Brass
Selecting brass isn’t just about brand preference; it requires a thorough understanding of several crucial factors. These are the elements that can make or break your reloading experience.
Consistent case dimensions are non-negotiable. Consistent case dimensions contribute to accuracy. Variations in length, diameter, or neck diameter can impact the bullet’s seating and how it engages the rifling of your barrel. This directly influences your shot placement and grouping.
The neck and body thickness are important considerations. Thicker necks can provide a more consistent bullet grip, which aids in accuracy. Body thickness affects the case’s ability to withstand pressure. Consistency in these measurements ensures your brass functions reliably, shot after shot.
Primer pockets often get overlooked, but they are essential. The primer pocket’s dimensions dictate how securely the primer sits within the case. A consistent and properly sized primer pocket ensures reliable ignition and prevents issues like blown primers or misfires. A primer that isn’t seated properly can also affect accuracy.
Primer pocket depth and consistency are similarly important. A primer that is seated too deeply might not ignite the powder. Seated too shallowly, and the primer might not be properly secured, potentially leading to malfunctions. Precision is key.
The hardness of the brass is something that often comes up. Soft brass is easier to resize but may not last as long before developing cracks. Harder brass tends to be more durable but can be more challenging to resize and may require more frequent annealing.
The Role of Brass Quality
The quality of your brass directly influences how many reloads you can get from each casing. High-quality brass, manufactured with precision and consistency, will typically endure more reloading cycles than cheaper or lower-quality options. The better the quality of the brass, the longer it will last.
Annealing is a process that softens the brass. It involves heating the case necks to a specific temperature, then cooling them. This process relieves the stresses that occur during firing and resizing, making the brass more pliable and less prone to cracking. Annealing can significantly extend the lifespan of your brass.
Case neck tension, achieved by sizing the case neck to grip the bullet, plays a major role in accuracy. A consistent neck tension ensures the bullet is held firmly in place during the loading and firing process and contributes to consistent bullet release from the case.
Brass Options for .45-70 Reloading
The landscape of .45-70 brass offers a diverse range of options, catering to every reloader’s need and budget. Understanding the prominent manufacturers and their specific offerings is a crucial first step.
Brands and Manufacturers
Several manufacturers have earned reputations for producing excellent .45-70 brass. Starline Brass has a solid reputation for providing a good value and high-quality product. Hornady is another well-respected name, often known for their quality control and consistent dimensions. Remington, though facing recent changes in ownership, has a long history of producing reliable brass. Winchester, a classic name in the firearms world, also offers .45-70 brass. Each brand has its own nuances in terms of brass characteristics, making it important to select based on your specific requirements.
New Versus Used Brass
Deciding between new and used brass is a common choice for reloaders.
New brass provides several advantages. It’s typically more uniform in dimension, having not yet been subjected to the stresses of firing and reloading. It also offers a known history, allowing for more predictability in its performance. The downside, of course, is the initial cost, which is always higher than used brass.
Used brass can be a cost-effective option, but it demands greater scrutiny. The price savings are attractive, especially for those starting. However, used brass may come with imperfections or wear and tear, affecting performance. Always inspect used brass carefully for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or excessive wear around the case mouth.
Inspect the inside of the brass. Look for signs of wear. The inside should be clean. Check the primer pockets. Ensure the primer pockets are clean and have not been damaged during removal.
Another consideration: most .45-70 brass is loaded with Large Rifle primers. This is something to consider depending on your reloading needs. The primers used in .45-70 ammunition impact the pressure of the load. Matching the correct primer for your powder is extremely important.
Where to purchase brass is also a key consideration. Reputable online retailers, local gun stores, and dedicated reloading suppliers are all good places to look. Price comparisons are essential, and consider shipping costs and availability.
Headstamps and Their Significance
Headstamps are the markings on the base of the brass, providing essential information about the cartridge’s origin and manufacturer. These markings, though seemingly insignificant, are essential for identifying the brass and its provenance. They can also provide clues about the brass’s quality and how it might perform during reloading. Knowing how to interpret a headstamp is valuable for any reloader.
The headstamp can also inform you about the original manufacturer of the brass, offering insight into its potential quality.
Preparing .45-70 Brass for Reloading
Reloading is more than just putting components together; it’s a process that demands diligence and proper preparation. This is especially true with the .45-70, a cartridge that responds well to care and attention.
Cleaning is the initial step. Brass needs to be clean before it can be reloaded. Cleaning removes debris, carbon buildup, and any remnants of previous primers. Clean brass provides better resizing, prevents damage to your dies, and promotes more uniform burning of the powder.
A vibratory tumbler is a popular choice, using abrasive media to polish the brass. Ultrasonic cleaners also provide an excellent way to clean the brass.
Sizing is the process of restoring the fired brass to its original dimensions. It ensures that the case will hold the bullet securely and chamber correctly in your rifle. Sizing removes the minor deformations caused by firing.
Full-length sizing resizes the entire case, while neck sizing only resizes the neck. The best option depends on your specific firearm and how you intend to use the ammunition.
Trimming is another essential step. Firing can cause brass to stretch. This can lead to cases that are too long for the chamber, creating pressure issues. Trimming ensures that your cases are consistently within the correct length.
Deburring and chamfering the case mouths will smooth the edges of the case mouths. These actions improve the loading process. These processes also minimize the risk of damaging the bullet during seating.
Primer pocket preparation ensures that the primer sits correctly and provides consistent ignition. A clean, uniform primer pocket will also contribute to better accuracy.
Reloading Considerations Specific to .45-70
The .45-70 is a versatile cartridge, but it requires careful consideration when it comes to selecting other components.
Powder selection is a key part of the reloading process. Several powders work well with the .45-70, from fast-burning options to slower-burning powders. The best choice depends on your desired bullet weight, velocity, and intended use.
Always consult reloading manuals for recommended loads and carefully follow all safety guidelines. Starting loads are always recommended when working with new brass or a new powder.
Bullet selection should also be carefully considered. A wide array of bullet types are available for the .45-70. Lead bullets, jacketed bullets, and cast bullets are all popular choices. The best choice depends on your shooting goals and the intended use of the ammunition.
Safety Precautions
Reloading can be a satisfying hobby, but it also carries inherent risks. Never deviate from recommended load data. It’s crucial to adhere to the instructions in your reloading manual. Always start with the minimum recommended load and work up cautiously, observing for signs of excessive pressure. Handle your reloading components carefully, and always store powder, primers, and loaded ammunition in a safe, dry place away from heat and potential ignition sources.
Conclusion
Selecting the right brass for your .45-70 reloading journey is not just about picking a brand; it’s about understanding the factors that directly influence safety, accuracy, and the overall experience of your shooting. By carefully evaluating these considerations and choosing brass that meets your needs, you lay the groundwork for a successful and enjoyable reloading experience.
The .45-70 is a cartridge with a rich history. The joy of reloading it allows you to connect with that history in a new way. It allows you to refine your shooting experience, customize loads, and enjoy a more profound appreciation for the craft of shooting. So, take the time to choose your brass wisely, and then get ready to begin your reloading journey.
Happy shooting, and feel free to share your experiences and ask any questions you may have.
