Uberti .45-75 Chambers/ Dies

[Garret]

I've just joined the forum and have on order a Cimarron NWMP in .45-75.  To prepare I want to order my dies , etc..  From what I've read here in other posts the Uberti chamber dimensions have caused some problems with loading /reloading.  Have any of you fellas had experience or know of a specific die manufacturer that works best?  I've seen a lot of you have good experience with the Lee dies and I would like to go with that make if it works well in the Uberti/Cimarron.  With that said, I want to get the best fitting tools for the job.  I appreciate the experience and knowledge of those that have gone before me.  Many thanks!

[larryo_1]

Garret:
I csan't speak for anybody but myself but I use RCBS dies and fireform all my cases to the chamber on my rifle.  Never had any problems.  Then set the dies to neck size only.

[Garret]

Larryo,
Good tip on neck sizing only after fire forming.  One of the things that prompted my question was on one vendor's website is listed a .45-75 4D set that is specified "for Uberti Firearms".  I wondered if there was a difference that made the 4D work better: something like the Uberti chamber was a little undersize that made the cases from most die forming too tight in the chamber.  You're right that the fire forming will fill out the case to the chamber.  It sounds like there's not enough difference to be concerned about.

They also list two RCBS die sets: one "Legacy" set and then another that runs around 5 times the price.  Which RCBS set are you using and is there a specific reason you chose them?  Many thanks!

[larryo_1]

Garret:
I don't know anything about the "Legacy" set but have heard kind words about it.  I am using the other $$$ dies.  What I did do was send a couple of my fired cases to RCBS and they made a "Trim and File" die to match my rifle and those fired cases.  I have used the "regular" RCBS dies for over 50 years and find it hard to go any other way.  The "Legacy" dies are probably okay but I just stick to what I know and like best.  One other thing that I might pass on is the mold that I use is made by Hoch and is a direct copy of an original out of an old Lyman manual that I made a copy of and sent that to Hoch so they could make the mold.  I use both 20:1 and 16:1 alloys in my rifle.  The original alloy, indicated by Winchester, on their boxes is 16:1.  My Hoch mold casts a perfect 350 grains with that alloy.  Just some more fleeting thoughts of the moment that you might be interested in.  Oh yes, one other thing,  I use cornmeal over about 16 grains of Bullseye with a beeswax wad for fireforming.  Be sure to anneal before said fireforming commences. 

[Long Gulch]

Garret,
I am far from any kind of expert on this subject but here is some of what I found with a little searching.
Back in August I got my Uberti/Cimarron 1876 in 45 75 from a pard that  had treated it  very lovingly and hand feed it only BP.
I bought the standard RCBS dies and neck size only. The brass I use is made by Jamison and is the correct head stamp and is cheaper than reformed brass. The brass and dies came from Buffalo Arms and they also have a nice 350 gr mold that I would like to have at some point. However I bought the cast bullets from this mold. They can be had sized  .458 and .459.
There is a thread hereabouts that lists the Lee 340 gr mold that gets good results as well. I can afford that mold at about 6 times cheaper than the BA mold.  I hope to shoot mine more come spring.
Hope this adds a little.
Good Shooting, LG

[Garret]

Many thanks, LG and larryo!  I talked to the folks at Cimarron and they relayed that as they're working closely with 10X, they can recommend the brass they use, which is Jamison.  Buffalo has a bunch in stock, so Jamison it is!

I've been shooting BP in cartridge guns for over 20 years now and the annealing, neck sizing, etc. is virtually second nature to me.  In spite of the mess it makes of the brass, I'm hooked and will be using that in the '76 Carbine when it comes.  I appreciate all the tips put forward for getting these "new warhorses" up and running.  It'll be a whole lot of fun!  All the best,
Garret

[will52100]

I've been using the Lee two die set with an RCBS expander.  I was not impressed with RCBS's quality.  I wound up having to turn a new expander plug as the one that came with it would often pull out of the die body and be sitting in the expanded case.  Notice I said sitting, not stuck.  A little time with the lathe fixed that and so far my reloads, both neck sized and full length sized feed and fire great in my Uberti.  Brass is Jameison, and bullet is the 350 grain Baco from Buffalo arms.  I can't speak highly enough of this mould, it's got to be the best casting iron mould I've ever owned, only down side is it isn't a 6 banger, and I would like for it to carry a little more lube.  I ever get time I might try to come up with a 350 grain big lube design, or at least bigger lube than what's out there.

As far as the chamber differances?  I haven't benched the rifle or even shot past 25 yards yet, just haven't had the time and I've got a 300 yard rifle range in my back yard.

I did notice that I get a scratch on the lower part of the case with the lee dies when full length sizing if I don't lube the case, I lube each and every one and no scratch.  I've tried cleaning the die, ect, even lightly polishing with 3000 grit sandpaper and if I don't lube each and every one I get a small scratch.  No idea what's causing it, so I just lube everyone.

Hope this helps

[Garret]

Greetings Will,
Thanks for the post.  Every bit of experience adds to the information, so it does indeed help.  Thanks!

[McLernon]

Buffalo Arms Company in Idaho(I think) sells C-H Tool & Die, die sets for both the standard(old) 45-75 and the Uberti 45-75. I bought the blatter and they work fine.

Mc