Reloaders quality vs affordability?

[Shootist43]

Hornady Flex Tip Ammo requires a "special" seating die that I believe is only available from Hornady. But as stated, that die can be put into any press that takes the 7/8"-14 size dies. If you purchase a Hornady die set maybe you can get it with the "special" die and save yourself a few bucks.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Given that I am loading for a single shot , could 325 grain pointed bullets be substituted? I'm given the impression both 45-70 and 458win mag are .458 bullets.
To my knowledge the flex tip is made for safe use in tubular magazine rifles.

 

[Dr Ray]

I use RCBS
Quality control is up to you but here are a few basics.
Trim previously fired cases to correct overall length
Clean out proper sockets
De-Burr the case mouths
Wash hands before handling primers
Suggest you weigh each and every powder load.
That last one may seem tedious but I think it’s essential.
Use powder that is not heat sensitive.
Focus on the job without having distractions.
Start 2 grains of powder below maximum and work up or down to achieve tight groups and check fir excessive pressure.
An extra few FPS won’t make any discernible difference but consistent pressures etc will thus enabling you to produce groups to your satisfaction.

 

[sgt_zim]

Hornady Flex Tip Ammo requires a "special" seating die that I believe is only available from Hornady. But as stated, that die can be put into any press that takes the 7/8"-14 size dies. If you purchase a Hornady die set maybe you can get it with the "special" die and save yourself a few bucks.

No special die need for seating. I use the same Hornady die for FTX 325 as I use for 525 gr Piledrivers. Lee FCD even works on the shortened cases.

@Skinnersblade - FTX are fun to shoot, and work great for deer, boar, and presumably black bear.

I'm reloading close to 1000 rds per year of 45-70. I used to shoot nothing but FTX, but a couple years ago, I switched to lead alloys. The 405 gr bullets I shoot come in lots of 200, cost about 28 cents US per bullet (including shipping costs). My total cost per firing with those is about 41 cents (10 reloads per brass).

I repeat the same advice to everybody new to reloading. It is always tempting for new guys to try and squeeze out every last foot per second of velocity possible. With 45-70 and lead or lead-alloy bullets, this just isn't necessary. Remember, during the heyday of American bison hunting in the US west, they were shooting 405 gr soft lead or paper-patched lead at MV of 1250-1300 fps, and killing bison at 500+ yards. A wide meplat, heavy bullet moving at 1500 fps will punch a hole clear through anything you'll ever hunt in North America. I push mine (405 gr, 425 gr, and 525 gr) a little harder than necessary - about 1625 fps - but that's still well south of max for those loads.

My 45-70 wouldn't be my first choice for coastal browns, but if I were hunting moose in coastal brown territory, I wouldn't think twice about using my 45-70 for moose, and as a CIWS for nosy bears.

 

[fourfive8]

Affordability is relative and savings can be gleaned, over time, if disciplined. For certain, quality can be much better than factory because it can be completely controlled with the loads tailored to your needs and your rifle. You will "own" the recipe and product. You need basic tools of course. So it is up to you as to quality and price. You don't have to spend a fortune but I wouldn't "cheap out" either. Good tools will last a lifetime. Many of the tools I have I found used here and there. Some were bought new.

For sure use good, new dies and learn how to properly set them up for your rifle. I prefer RCBS, Redding and Lyman but have dies from several companies that all seem to work fine. Some special purpose dies, like Lee's Factory Crimp Die, are simply the best available for that job, are not expensive and yet Lee in general isn't on the high end of reloading equipment.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Given that I am loading for a single shot , could 325 grain pointed bullets be substituted? I'm given the impression both 45-70 and 458win mag are .458 bullets.
To my knowledge the flex tip is made for safe use in tubular magazine rifles.

Correct. A single shot rifle can use pointed bullets without issue.

If you’re only loading for 1 cartridge, I would suggest the Lee Challenger Breechlock press. Once your dies are set up, they are quick and easy to change.

oh and welcome to the forum!

 

[Shootist43]

Skinnersblade, This is what Hornady offers for seating FTX bullets
https://www.hornady.com/reloading/dies/individual-dies-and-accessories/#!/
Apparently Lee also makes a set that you can use.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Thank you all , It sounds as though given the options I can order through the store the lee single stage is the better option for my needs.

I have no desire to achieve massive speeds or bone rattling recoil. I'm simply looking to replicate an effective load at an affordable price. And secure a reliable source of ammunition it's not always possible to buy the specific load I want here. That is how I learned my particular rifle does not like 250grain monos. I was unable buy any 325ftx at the time and tried a box of the lighter.

 

[Rob404]

I own a Lee and and an RCBS both work great, my advice is to avoid a multi function press. You can do some E-Bay scrounging and save yourself some money, RCBS are guaranteed for life so a used one will be fine, also look for used dies, I prefer Lee dies to RCBS.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

@sgt_zim how do you have any issue with excessive drop by reducing the fps ? I wonder how it would effect terjectory?

Which in thinking about it is really a moot point the majority of shots I've fired at game have been inside of a hundred yards.

 

[sgt_zim]

I zero at 125 yards. that gets me to about 175 yards without having to adjust for holdover for any distance from 0 to 175 for deer and boar. vital organ zone on a black bear is probably a bit bigger, so 125 yd zero probably gets you to 200 for that. for moose, probably gets you to 250 yards without having to adjust for holdover.

but it certainly helps to know the ballistic table for this load in case Kentucky windage becomes a necessity.

even at 250 yards, a 425 or 525 gr bullet launched at 1625 is going to create an exit wound on a moose.

if you can get Beartooth Bullets shipped to Canada, that's what I'd recommend, as that's what I reload for hunting. For practice (or for hunting if the budget is an issue), I use Missouri Bullet Company Buffalo #1 405 gr. If you take the lead/lead-alloy route, most likely you'll want to order bullets that are .459 or .460, not .458 like the copper jacketed bullets are.

BTB run about 58 cents apiece, incl. shipping. MBC run about 28 cents apiece, incl. shipping. BTB are superior, but MBC are certainly adequate. 41.o grains of RL-7 is my magic load for all 3 bullets - 405, 425, and 525 grains. I shoot a Marlin 1895 GBL.

 

[Longwalker]

Skinnersblade, I suggest you look into one of the many mail order stores that sell to Canadian reloaders. There is actually a very good selection and most anything you want is easily available to you. I personally have found that Lee equipment is generally serviceable, but will leave you wanting something better when you gain more experience. One of the RCBS kits sold by Sporteque is a good place to start. The kit pictured below will serve very well for a lifetime, will hold its value even if you tire of the reloading activity and wish to sell later. Similar quality can be found in equipment made by Hornady and Lyman for similar money. You don't need a turret press or anything fancy. You would eventually need some way of trimming case length, Lee does make simple cheap tools that do that job OK. Forget about ordering any bullets or powder or cases from the USA. Not realistically possible, due to USA law, not Canadian law.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit
PriceCA$499.99

 

[perttime]

Given that I am loading for a single shot , could 325 grain pointed bullets be substituted? I'm given the impression both 45-70 and 458win mag are .458 bullets.
To my knowledge the flex tip is made for safe use in tubular magazine rifles.

I'm given the impression that you are new to reloading...

That means there's things to learn. If you get it wrong, things can go very seriously wrong inded. When I was getting started, the advice was: "get a book". That's not a bad idea now either, but you also have the internet and forums, for resources. If you know an experienced loader, get some hands-on help.

There Ain't No Such Thing As A Dumb Question.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Skinnersblade, I suggest you look into one of the many mail order stores that sell to Canadian reloaders. There is actually a very good selection and most anything you want is easily available to you. I personally have found that Lee equipment is generally serviceable, but will leave you wanting something better when you gain more experience. One of the RCBS kits sold by Sporteque is a good place to start. The kit pictured below will serve very well for a lifetime, will hold its value even if you tire of the reloading activity and wish to sell later. Similar quality can be found in equipment made by Hornady and Lyman for similar money. You don't need a turret press or anything fancy. You would eventually need some way of trimming case length, Lee does make simple cheap tools that do that job OK. Forget about ordering any bullets or powder or cases from the USA. Not realistically possible, due to USA law, not Canadian law.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit
PriceCA$499.99

Which company's would you recommend? The only mail order one I was aware of was Sidney I. Robenson and i was under the impression they are no longer in buisness. I haven't received their catalogs for years now. They were also a supplier of trapping supplies.

 

[perttime]

Which company's would you recommend? The only mail order one I was aware of was Sidney I. Robenson and i was under the impression they are no longer in buisness. I haven't received their catalogs for years now. They were also a supplier of trapping supplies.

Looks as if S.I.R was bought by Cabelas Canada
https://www.cabelas.ca/category/reloading-presses-kits/969

 

[CBH Australia]

There gotta be mail order. I’m in Australia though. We have many American brands available
You should be able to get cases and projectiles easily but you probably have cases.
I think Lee are the budget brand and I always considered theirs to be a smaller , maybe weaker press. Being you are talking a larger cartridge but being straight sides may help. Les pressure
Buying locally is good, particularly for powder and primers.
With a Lee press and 100 rounds per year you might save it back quickly.
Yes get a book and ask questions.
If you get the bug you might want to do more or want a stronger press.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Which company's would you recommend? The only mail order one I was aware of was Sidney I. Robenson and i was under the impression they are no longer in buisness. I haven't received their catalogs for years now. They were also a supplier of trapping supplies.

https://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-presses/single-stage-presses/index.htm

International shipping info link:

https://www.sinclairintl.com/aspx/general/international_sales.aspx

 

[JimP]

If you are planning on reloading using Hornady components such as their bullets pick up a Hornady book. Amazon has a number of reloading manuals available. Besides the load data the books contain a lot of information for the reloader.

 

[Rum Runner]

I used Sinclair to purchase the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit that Longwalker listed above. The service was good, the Kit is excellent, and its all I have needed for 10 years now. I harvest all my animals (including my 8 African trophies) with cartridges I put together. It's very gratifying to work up a load then actually use that load during the hunt! Reloading saves money, or at least allows you to shoot more, and it's a hobby I truly enjoy! Good Luck!

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Thank you all for the suggestions I'm working through the links provided and comming to realize the prize I was quoted for the lee was completely unacceptable. 200% mark up is simply robbery.