Lee handloader.

[MJN77]

Hey fellas,
      I just recieved my new Uberti 1876 rifle in .45-60 and had a question. I am just getting into reloading so I don't know much about it and wanted to know if a Lee handloader for .45-70 will load .45-60 cartridges. Any help is appreciated.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

It is not the LEE Handloader that you are inquiring about, it is the dies.  If you already have .45-70 dies and are asking whether they can be used to make .45-60 ammo, that is a better question;

I don't know,but others will.

LEE has .45-60 dies for $41.98.   Not a big deal.

.45-60  cases are shorter resulting in a slightly steeper taper.  I might try it if I couldn't wait for the mailman, but it might leave you with insufficient neck tension on the bullet.

The LEE Handloader is an excellent piece of kit and is my main reloading press.  If you later decide to upgrade to a progressive, there will always be a place for the Handloader.

[MJN77]

That's actually what I meant, dies. Told ya I was new at this.

[Jubal Starbuck]

   MJN77,  Some years ago I did the same thing; you need to grind or mill off  the bottom of your seating die to adjust for the difference between the length of the .45-70 case and the .45-60 case.  I think my dies are by RCBS, but that makes no difference.  It has worked fine for me.

   Regards,

   Jubal Starbuck

[Grizzly Adams]

That's actually what I meant, dies. Told ya I was new at this.

MJN77, First, Welcome to the fire, and congratulations on your 1876.  Your question is a good one.  When I acquired my first 45-60, I used 45-70 dies with acceptable results in the original Winchester.   That said, there is a difference with the 45-60 die, which actually puts a small shoulder on the case.  I would recommend springing for the correct dies.

By the way, Lee makes a fine "nut cracker" style hand loading press that is an effective and inexpensive way to get started.  I still load most small lots of rifle ammo with one!  Here's a link:   http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0032406215925a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=lee+reloading+kit&cm_mmc=PPC-_-Google+Non+Brand-_-sho_Reloading_Presses+Dies-_-lee+reloading+kits&Ntk=Products&_requestid=52584&N=0&Nty=1&rid=0123456789

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

"By the way, Lee makes a fine "nut cracker" style hand loading press that is an effective and inexpensive way to get started. "

It is called the Handloader.   A great piece of kit that I value highly!

[MJN77]

That's exactly what I was looking for. Would this work for .45-60, .44-40, .45 colt, and .38 colt/special with the proper dies?

[Grizzly Adams]

That's exactly what I was looking for. Would this work for .45-60, .44-40, .45 colt, and .38 colt/special with the proper dies?

Yep, works with any standard pistol or rifle dies.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

It is strong enough to caseform bottleneck rifle cases. 

[MJN77]

Great. Thanks guys. What else would you suggest I get to start out?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

1. A DIGITAL SCALE!   But a balance beam scale will do.

2. A  Reloading Manual.

[Wild Billy Potts]

+1 
I actually use several books, started with the Lee book. I like to cross reference, I have found typos before. I also use both digital and beam scale, and weigh check every few rounds, when loading smokyless.

[rustyrelx]

I use an Ideal handloading tool. Works great and very period correct. I would caution the use of an aluminum body(newer) type tool and find an older steel one. Caseforming can be tuff on an aluminum tool. My 2 cents worth... Don

[MJN77]

I appreciate all the advice.

[RON]

You don't need digital scale or balance beams. I use Lee powder scoops and that is what Grandpa used. Find your powder recipe and scoop away
Digital scale... I could just see Teddy Roosevelt ordering a digital scale from Midway.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Even with many scoops and BP powder measures, I find myself checking and comparing using my ancient RCBS balance beam scale.  I say digital scales, as they can be acquired so cheaply these days.  If you load more than one or two calibres, each with a choice of loads, you will use a scale.

Here is one choice.  There are many others, some a LOT cheaper.

http://www.digitalscaledepot.com/l_series.html

When did Teddy load his own ammo?  Or perhaps he used his silver spoon as a dipper?