Reloading for my 1895 ss converted to Cowboy 26" octo.

kayakman · Post by **kayakman** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 5:54 pm

I would like to get some information on using Redding dies, especially the
competition die for 45-70.
Do I need a fourth die to crimp after seating the bullet with the competition
die to stabilize the bullet for tube mag feed/recoil.
I will be shooting performance hardcast mainly, but will be forced to
work up some loads for Barnes Bullets in 250gr/300gr for shooting pigs
on the local military base.
What is the best way to determine headspace in my rifle.
where do I want the bullet contacting the rifling.
recommended powders for starters.

Thanks all in advance

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 6:17 pm

1st, Welcome to the Forum. I'm sure someone with more experience and knowledge will come along and provide the correct answers, but... here a couple of my opinions on your questions:

"...Redding dies, especially the competition die for 45-70." I don't believe the Competition Die set is necessary for .45-70 unless you're going to be changing bullets... A LOT! Or, you're shooting a single shot competition rifle in which you've determined such criticality of resetting to one dimension is absolutely crucial to accuracy.

"Do I need a fourth die to crimp after seating the bullet with the competition die to stabilize the bullet for tube mag feed/recoil." Again, I don't believe so. I'm not sure if the seating die in this set includes the ability to crimp. I've only used the RCBS .45-70 standard die set for the past 20 years with excellent consistency and results. I only use two different bullets in my 1886, and find it easy to change between. I just keep a dummy reference cartridge with each bullet and reset my dies accordingly.

"What is the best way to determine headspace in my rifle." Headspace guage?

"where do I want the bullet contacting the rifling."

At the nose?

Or is that, "near the chamber?"

I leave that until after I develop a load that shows exellent promise in the accuracy department, but doesn't quite reach my goals. In fact, if I get down to 1 MOA without that, I don't bother. Just one more rectually retentive step that I can avoid. In a target rifle, very doable, but in a rifle that may see more than one consequtive rapid shot, I don't want to do that.

"recommended powders for starters." AA5744, RE-7 & IMR 4198.

Again, those are just my opinions. YMMV, good luck, Sir.