classic lee loader in 45/70

[ohiobenito]

hey guys,  I have a single stage press, but I want to try the lee loader in my handi rifle.  I'll be using this with a low power scope for 100  to 200 yard shots on deer and pigs.  I know I'll have to order the flaring tool, since it is not included in this set like in the 44mag.   Could you guys recommend any favorite loads or possible Over all Lengths?  Also how could I determine which overall length is best for my rifle?

thanks a lot for your help.  hopefully the reloading materials will be a little easier to come by than the ammunition has been.


Can I use Blue Dot in this Cartrige?

thanks again

ben

[mechanic]

You have asked several questions, lets look at a few.  Dependent on what bullet you load, you won't need a flaring tool.  I use a cut off taper punch for those that need it.  Most of them I can start with my thumb.As far as favorite loads, I have several, but if you check the basic manuals, you can take your pick.  I have come to use Varget almost exclusively in my 45-70, with excellent results.  My favorite low velocity bullet is a 405 gr. hollow base from a Lee mold.  It comes out of the mold .458, and I shoot it as molded with a home made lube. 

I started a bullet just enough to bite in an un-primed case and closed it in my action to determine depth to lands and rifling, then backed off a few thousands.  In my B.C. this is pretty close to the max. length recommended on the Lee loader template.  Don't load too deep.

I don't have any load data for Blue Dot.  If you plan to use the dipper in the Lee Loader rather than a scale, you will have to use a powder listed for it.  I've tried Unique for some zipper loads, as well as a couple of others and have settled on the Varget.  I'm loading starting load for Varget with a 405 gr. lead bullet, and my gun shoots into an inch and a half. 
Hope this helps a little, others will no doubt add more and better......

[quickdtoo]

Here's some Blue Dot data for cast bullets.

Tim

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

[wreckhog]

Lee manual lists Blue Dot loads for 300gr jacketed and and 385gr lead with corresponding Lee dippers.

[FW Conch]

  "ohio", as a  dedicated Lee Loader "Lover",  I will be so bold as to give you some advice, as was given to me along the way.  Always be respectful of your little Lee Loader, because even as you progress onward toward a "man cave" full of fancy, expensive stuff, you will find it is still useful for lots of things.

As soon as you can afford it, get the Lee Auto Prime, because priming is probably "the" weakest link in the Lee Loader process.

Next, get the Lee Safety Powder Scale.  You can load & shoot forever with the "dipper", but you will soon want to "develope" your loads & this requires precise measurement.

Load, shoot, have fun & enjoy yourself, & along the way save for dies & the Lee Hand Press, something else that works great & will always be useful no matter how far you go with this.  It's great to be able to go to the range with a shoe box full of "stuff" & work up loads 3 rounds @ a time, without wasteing components or having to "go back to the bench".

After you've done this for a while,  you can develope your " brand loyalties"  as you see fit.  There are some things out there in which Forester quality is unsurpassed.  But only you can decide if your type of shooting requires that much quality, or expense.

My "richer than me" BIL  still insists on explaining to me how great his room full of RCBS stuff is, even though he should know by now I can't afford it & don't care, because I can do 99% of what he can do, with my stuff, @ a fraction of the cost.

Every time he does this,  I get a little grin in the corner of my mouth & just say,  "yeah , that Redding stuff is kinda steep , ain't it ?"       -  GOOD LOADING - GOOD SHOOTING !  Jim

[ruppster]

I use a Lee Loader for my 45-70. I don't go through alot of rounds, either. I can load about 20 on the dining room table in an hour while keeping 1/2 an eye on my 2 year old (that wants to "help"). I shoot lever levels with IMR 4064 and 350 JHPs for hunting loads. I make them match Winchester silver box for COL. I also load TrailBoss and cast 385s for horsing around. I seat them to the groove, they are pretty much the same length as the Winchester silver box. I do not use a flaring tool either.

[ohiobenito]

thanks a  lot guys and thanks Tim for showing me the reloading site.  I'm just starting into reloading and am trying to keep things simple.   My train of thought was to use the lee loader becaue it just resizes the neck, I believe.   And the rest of the case would already be sized to the chamber of my handi rifle.  Although it looks like I can push a 405 gr bullet about 1200 fps  for 3 more gr of powder, than the 350 gr bullet.  the extra weight should help anchor any pig or deer. 

 so when chambering the unprimed/ uncharged cartrige.  barely seat the bullet and close the action.  And I guess the breech of the rifle will seat the bullet further.  Then measure the length and scale back about 5 to 10 thousandths for the Overall length for my rifle. 
Am I thinking about this correctly?

thanks again guys