bumping up 200 gr. bullets for .45-70 target / small game

[w30wcf]

In the past, I have found that a .452" diameter bumped to .459" diameter works very well for short range loads in my .45-70.
200 gr. Hornady .45 ACP bullet .452" daimeter


I bump it up to .459" diameter using an aluminum post placed in a cartridge case to make a "stop" in combination with the seating die. I set the seating die so that it does not crimp. To use, a bullet is placed into the case then the seating stem is adjusted down until the bullet reaches the required diameter. Here's a pic of the post in a cut away .45-70 case.


Here is a 25 yard target fired with the .452" Hornady 200 gr. SWC upset to .459" in my .45-70 Marlin
Looks like it might work well

velocity: 930 f.p.s.

Here's a 50 yard target:

velocity: 1,043 f.p.s.

w30wcf

[AJMD429]

THAT is slick!

One of the reasons I like the .444 Marlin is that the 'pistol' and 'rifle' .44 rounds use the same diameter, whereas with the .45's, you have the pistol rounds so much smaller. It's not like you have to use the same bullets all the time, or even should, but for stuff like you're doing, it would be cool.

Looks like you found a way around that, though!

How do you get the bullet back out of the 'forming' case - just use an inertial puller, or what?

[w30wcf]

AJMD429,
Thank you for the kind words. Good point on the .44's. If one uses an aluminum post that is .003" larger than the bumped bullet diameter, it expands the case enough so that the bumped bullet has a little clearance so it can be removed with the fingers.

I originally used this technique several years ago to bump up some .44-40 bullets for an original '73 with an oversized barrel (.433" groove) and it worked well.

w30wcf

[Hobie]

That is NEAT! Groups better than the collar button as well. HOWEVER, I might try the Trail Boss with the collar buttons... Now that you mention it I can see how it would work better than Unique.

[AJMD429]

It would be interesting to see what kinds of bullets you could get away with that with; I realize it might destroy the 'crystal structure' and render a bullet more frangible, but those little target/small game bullets are ok if that's the case.

Also would be interesting to see if you could do anything with jacketed bullets; they're alot tougher, but if you made a cup-shaped steel die maybe you could for instance bump a .430 to .432 for those with overbored guns who want to shoot jacketed bullets...

[w30wcf]

.........Also would be interesting to see if you could do anything with jacketed bullets; they're alot tougher, but if you made a cup-shaped steel die maybe you could for instance bump a .430 to .432 for those with overbored guns who want to shoot jacketed bullets...

AJMD429,
I have bumped up some jacketed .426" diameter .44-40 bullets to .433" to fit in an oversized .44-40 bore. Just took a little more pressure on the handle......

w30wcf

[Malamute]

Well done! Thanks for sharing, this is good information. It also gives some more options for components when they are hard to find, and helps keep the 45-70 out and shooting. I don't feel the need for full power loads for short range practice and plinking. With light loads, I can safely shoot in my yard without bothering any neighbors.


I wonder if Lee would make a mold of that style and diameter?

[NonPCnraRN]

I always thought paper patching would be the way to go but I like your idea a whole lot more.

[3leggedturtle]

Thats a great, do you have any B4 (NOT B$) and after pictures of the bullets, OR do they not change much other than being .007 larger, and how is it the nose isnt squashed or flattened a little?

[Buck Elliott]

For cheap fun, load .457" diameter round balls in the .45-70. Unique or TrailBoss work fine...

[NonPCnraRN]

Another reply brought up a good point. Do you wind up with a larger meplat?

[w30wcf]

Thats a great, do you have any B4 (NOT B$) and after pictures of the bullets, OR do they not change much other than being .007 larger, and how is it the nose isnt squashed or flattened a little?

Another reply brought up a good point. Do you wind up with a larger meplat?

Sorry, I don't have any pics of the Hornady bullet before and after bumped.....I shot all the ones I had.......
I was finishing up my supply of the older Hornady .452 200 gr. swaged bullet.

Here's a pic of their current .452 200 gr. which I do not have:


I do have some 250 gr. Hornady .454" swaged bullets though. I may give them a try next......


If using a flat faced seating insert in the seating die, the nose diameter will increase a bit. The amount depends on the alloy and thus the amount of pressure needed to increase the bullet diameter.

If using a seating stem that fits the nose profile of the bullet, the nose diameter will remain the same.

w30wcf

[3leggedturtle]

Thanks for the explanation and idea. Some things are so simple they's mindboggling. Its a bummer Hornady discontinued the 45 200 SWC's cause my 45ACP Contendercarbine just loved 'em

[w30wcf]

Thanks for the explanation and idea. Some things are so simple they's mindboggling. Its a bummer Hornady discontinued the 45 200 SWC's cause my 45ACP Contendercarbine just loved 'em

Sorry if I gave the wrong impression. Hornady still offers the .452" 200 gr. but I do not have any of those.

w30wcf

[3leggedturtle]

No you didnt give wrong impression. Hornady's latest manual says under the 45 200 SWC loading data that it had been discontinued. Hope i"m wrong or they changed their mind and didnt discontinue it.

[w30wcf]

Hmmmm......I copied the image from their website. They still show it as being offered.

w30wcf