Loading FTX Bullets

[PorkBarrel]

I just acquired a Henry H010B 45-70. Looking up loads for the 325gr FTX bullets in the Hornady manual 9th edition (2012) it states the case trim length is 2.040" which is .055" shorter than normal trim length due to the longer ogive. Does anyone trim their brass that short? The book states the overall length to be 2.590".

[CT_Shooter]

Congrats on your new rifle.

FTX ammunition does require shorter brass cases. You'll need to keep them separate from normal SAAMI length cases when using standard bullets.

[PorkBarrel]

Does it do with the case capacity for the powder or feeding issues?

[Mags]

I think it has to do with over-pressure concern. The FTX bullet with the flex tip is longer and needs to sit deeper into the case to meet COAL. Means there is more brass in contact with the sides of the bullet. So more pressure maybe needed to launch the bullet from an untrimmed case.

[PorkBarrel]

"I think it has to do with over-pressure concern. The FTX bullet with the flex tip is longer and needs to sit deeper into the case to meet COAL. Means there is more brass in contact with the sides of the bullet. So more pressure maybe needed to launch the bullet from an untrimmed case."

I had to think about that for a minute for the way you explained. I think I get it...so...more neck tension creates more pressure?

[Vaquero]

Congrats on your new rifle.

FTX ammunition does require shorter brass cases. You'll need to keep them separate from normal SAAMI length cases when using standard bullets.

Not in every circumstance, the 35 Rem uses standard length brass, this I know for sure ,and
maybe the 30-30 also, but I've never seen those in person.
I don't shoot or load those style bullets.
Don't care for the meat damaged in hunting situations.

RP

[PorkBarrel]

Funny, on the Hodgdon website reloading section they show the brass trim length 2.095" for the 325gr FTX.

[fortyshooter]

I have Hornady brass from spent 325 FTX factory ammo. The case length measures 2.045. A factory 325 FTX round measures 2.600 COL and a typical 405 gr. flat nose .45-70 round measures 2.520 COL. Hope this helps. Also think the shorter Horandy case was to keep the FTX round in a functioning case length for most rifles. They do the same thing for the Hornady FTX 45 Colt ammo by using shorter brass. Get that stuff mixed in with your standard brass makes for fun when reloading!

[Mags]

From another forum.

"The FTX rubber tip needs the shorter case because it would otherwise have to be seated below the cannelure"

[PorkBarrel]

Thanks that helps fortyshooter. Just finished cutting 15 of them to 2.044. I'll separate them in a different box that will be marked.

[PorkBarrel]

From another forum.

"The FTX rubber tip needs the shorter case because it would otherwise have to be seated below the cannelure"

Mystery solved !

[Pitchman1968]

Hello PorkBarrel,

I have a Marlin model 1895 CB in .45-70; that's the one with the 26" barrel holding 10 rounds in the tubular magazine. I have reloaded the 325 gr FTX LVR bullet for that rifle with good results. BTW. Lee has a custom case length gage for the trimming to the 2.040"required length. Interestingly, at 100 yds, the FTX bullet produced the most accurate results I have experienced among all the bullet types i use in re-loading .45-70.
I planned on using the FTX bullet for Maine moose hunting because I wanted a flatter shooting bullet than standard jacketed bullets. However, I began hearing that FTX bullets expand too rapidly when hitting a bull moose's shoulder bone resulting in a wounded animal rather than a dead one. As long as my eyes and rifle scope give me the opportunity for a one shot kill on large animals, I will continue hunting. One I lose that ability, I will hang-up the hunting boots and will solely be a "range guy".

[PorkBarrel]

Luckily I had a RCBS hand lathe but had to make another collet for the 45-70 shell. Attached a 1/2" drill and the brass chips were flying! Only trimmed 30 for now as the new brass is still hard to come by. We did find some on DiamondKBrass tho. We are still waiting for the snow to melt to go out and test. Maybe next week!