Compression inBP .45-70 loads

[Bristow Kid]

Is there such a thing as too much compression when loading a .45-70 for long range shooting?

[Grapeshot]

According to Spence Wolf in his and Pat's Book, Loading cartridges for original .45-70 rifle and carbine, you can over compress a Black Powder charge.  He states that the flame from the primer won't penetrate the compacted BP and get an instantaneous ignition.

Note, with WW .45/70 cases a charge of 70 grains of FFg has to be compressed up to 0.6 inch to allow an M1881 500 grain RN Bullet to be seated.and WLMR or FLMR primers HAVE to be used for optimum performance.

[Bristow Kid]

Thanks Grapeshot

[44caliberkid]

Spence Wolf and many BP cartridge shooters also enlarge the primer hole for better ignition.  I use the Lee die set with the compression plug that they (Lee) designed for Wolf.  I've always found compressing the charge to be a little scary, you really have to torque that handle.

[Grapeshot]

Yer durn tootin' it's scary.  The first time I compressed that 70 grains down with that compression die all I could think of was if the die and press were going to turn into a hand grenade.

It didn't and I got some impressive results at the range.  And yes I did open up the flash hole with a 3/32nd inch drill bit and use Magnum Rifle Primers.

But ol' Spence knew what he spoke of was right and was the way the old Ordnance crews got ammo loaded and out to the troops.

[Arcey]

44,

Does that plug for the Lee die simply replace the expander plug?

[44caliberkid]

Arcey, that would be an affirmative, I don't know for sure, but they might sell you just the brass compression plug if you already own the dies.  Never hurts to ask.

[Arcey]

Thankee, sir..

[Dick Dastardly]

I  use a bolt with my 1/2 ton arbor press.  Does a great job.  Longer handle helps too.

DD-DLoS

[Arcey]

All interestin', boys..

Just gettin' ready ta load these things myownself.  What is it with the compression die or precompressin' the powder rather than just squishin' it with the bullet?  Danger of deforming the bullet when it's bein' seated?

[Wildcat Will]

Prior to getting the compression die I did compress with the bullet and it did deform the bullet.  I was using soft lead for an original trapdoor.  I got the compression die thru Buffalo Arms outa Idaho.  I have heard arguements from both sides on whether it is necessary to open up the primer hole.  I have not done any careful testing with and without to see if there is any difference.  According to Wolf you should open the hole.  I have separated my BP brass from my other powder brass because I do not know what would happen with a smokeless load and an enlarged primer hole. 

[Bristow Kid]

Thanks for all your helpful information.   Will let ya know how the reloads shoot when I get a chance to test some.