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.45-70 Brass Failure Rate

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Steve51
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.45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Steve51 » Fri Nov 04, 2022 6:25 pm

Seems to me like my .45-70 brass fails much sooner than my .357 magnum or ,44 magnum brass. Sometimes after just 3 reloads, I have a failure. Always the same kind - a split that begins in the case mouth. Even though just a small split, I choose not to use them again. So far I have only used Remington and Starline brass. Just curious if anyone else has noticed this behavior with your .45-70 brass.
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Headhog » Fri Nov 04, 2022 7:37 pm

That type of split tells me you are working the case mouth too much. Maybe try less of a crimp and use the minimum flare at the case mouth. Just use enough flare to get the bullet started. Hope this helps.

Paul
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by JEBar » Sat Nov 05, 2022 4:06 pm

Headhog wrote:
Fri Nov 04, 2022 7:37 pm
Maybe try less of a crimp and use the minimum flare at the case mouth.

Paul
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Travlin » Sat Nov 05, 2022 6:28 pm

I have Federal, RP, and WW brass and I do get split necks but it is very rare . Some I have reloaded five or six times. What brand of dies are you using?I have Marlin G.G .but most of my 45-70 shooting is done with my Rolling Block some of it with black powder duplex loads.
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Mags » Sat Nov 05, 2022 10:30 pm

I have 'nicked' 45 colt brass that looks similar. My mistake in not having the case mouth aligned when putting it into the RCBS Prep Center deburring bit. I inadvertently lowered the case mouth on the edge of the bit instead of inside it. The cutting edge snagged the case mouth nicking it.
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Steve51
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Steve51 » Sun Nov 06, 2022 7:08 am

Travlin wrote:
Sat Nov 05, 2022 6:28 pm
I have Federal, RP, and WW brass and I do get split necks but it is very rare . Some I have reloaded five or six times. What brand of dies are you using?I have Marlin G.G .but most of my 45-70 shooting is done with my Rolling Block some of it with black powder duplex loads.
I use Lee dies.
The only rifle I use for these is my Henry BBS .45-70.

The cases do not split during the reloading process. The splits appear after the rounds were fired but I went ahead and cleaned the split brass with the other brass.
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Headhog » Sun Nov 06, 2022 12:46 pm

I think you may be missing the point. The reloading process overworks the brass and make it weak and brittle. Then the brass splits when fired next time. So back to my original post and try less crimp and less flare.

Paul
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate . . .

Post by Bake » Sun Nov 06, 2022 7:58 pm

Can I assume when you are sizing and flaring your cases that you use an excellent case Lube on the outside and a touch on the inside of the case mouth? Also, are you using jacketed or cast lead bullets? I also suggest that you anneal the cases before the first reloading . . .
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Steve51 » Mon Nov 07, 2022 4:41 pm

I use Lee case lube but do not lube the inside of the case.
I use three types of bullets. 405 Gr. LRNFP coated bullets from MBC, Hornady 300 Gr. Interlock HP, & Hornady 350 Gr. Interlock FP.

I don't know anything about annealing. Never have done it or seen it done.
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Re: .45-70 Brass Failure Rate

Post by Bake » Mon Nov 07, 2022 5:38 pm

https://youtu.be/Url1QguVhHE Check out this short youtube clip on annealing; this may help you a little.

I assume you're using regular reloading brass cleaner material, not some commercial brass cleaner [like Brasso] with ammonia; with enough time, ammonia will eat the brass up . . .
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