Why Choose 405 Grain Bullets?
The thunderous report echoes across the range, followed by the satisfying thud of a bullet impacting the target. The 45-70, a cartridge steeped in history and legendary for its raw power, continues to captivate shooters and hunters alike. For those who enjoy the meticulous art of handloading, the 405 grain bullet presents a particularly compelling proposition. It embodies the heart of the cartridge’s heritage and offers a potent blend of performance and versatility. This guide delves into the world of reloading this classic bullet weight, providing a comprehensive overview to help you craft accurate and effective loads.
The 45-70 cartridge, born in the late 19th century, served as the primary weapon of the U.S. Army. The 405 grain bullet held a significant place in the evolution of this historical cartridge. It was initially loaded in the earliest government rounds, giving it a sense of authenticity that resonates with many shooters. That connection to a pivotal era in firearms history remains a key reason for its enduring popularity.
Beyond its historical ties, the 405 grain bullet possesses inherent ballistic qualities that make it a formidable choice for various shooting applications. The bullet’s weight contributes to a flatter trajectory compared to heavier bullets, making it more suitable for longer-range shots. This balance between weight and trajectory contributes to its effectiveness in harvesting big game, delivering substantial downrange energy. Whether you’re hunting deer, elk, or other large animals, the 405 grain bullet provides ample stopping power.
The versatility of this bullet is another significant advantage. Reloading allows you to tailor the bullet’s performance to meet your specific needs. You can experiment with various powders and primers to fine-tune the bullet’s characteristics, like velocity and expansion. This versatility makes it suitable for both target shooting and hunting. With careful load development, you can achieve remarkable accuracy and consistent performance.
While the 405 grain bullet generally produces more recoil compared to lighter bullet weights, that is an inherent feature of the 45-70. The increased weight also contributes to its ability to penetrate deeply, delivering the energy needed for decisive stops. The experienced shooter will quickly adapt to the slightly more noticeable recoil, recognizing the trade-off for its potent performance.
Selecting the Right 405 Grain Bullet
Choosing the right 405 grain bullet is crucial for achieving the desired results. The market provides a wide array of options, each with distinct characteristics. Understanding the different bullet types, construction, and manufacturers is key to making an informed decision.
Different bullet types cater to specific shooting applications. Lead bullets, commonly used for target practice and low-velocity loads, are typically more affordable. However, their use is often restricted due to environmental concerns. Jacketed bullets, with a lead core encased in a copper jacket, offer superior performance and are better suited for hunting. The jacket enhances expansion upon impact, delivering more energy to the target and contributing to reliable expansion and deeper penetration.
Within the realm of jacketed bullets, variations in construction further influence performance. Soft point bullets feature an exposed lead core at the tip, designed to expand upon impact. These bullets offer excellent terminal performance for hunting medium-to-large game. Hollow point bullets, with a cavity at the tip, initiate expansion even more rapidly. The effect is particularly beneficial when hunting thin-skinned animals, where rapid expansion results in devastating energy transfer.
Beyond soft point and hollow point designs, other options are available. Flat-nose bullets are excellent for hunting because of their flat nose profile that imparts more force to the target during penetration. Other specialty bullets, such as those constructed with non-lead materials, can be considered for environmental concerns, or for particularly challenging hunting situations.
Several manufacturers offer high-quality 405 grain bullets. Hornady, Speer, and Sierra are among the most well-known, offering a variety of options for various shooting needs. Barnes is a popular choice for those seeking high-performance bullets. Berry’s offers bullets at affordable price points for practicing.
When selecting a bullet, consider your intended use, the twist rate of your rifle’s barrel, and your desired terminal performance. For hunting, a jacketed bullet with appropriate expansion characteristics is ideal. For target shooting, lead or jacketed bullets may be suitable. The rifle’s twist rate plays a crucial role in bullet stability; a faster twist rate generally handles heavier bullets more effectively. Match the bullet’s weight to the twist rate of your rifle for optimal accuracy. Also, carefully consider your budget, since bullet prices can vary widely.
Essential Reloading Components
Reloading 405 grain 45-70 bullets requires a collection of carefully selected components. Each plays a crucial role in the process, and choosing high-quality components directly influences your load’s performance and safety.
Reloading begins with the brass casings. Whether you choose new or once-fired brass, proper preparation is essential. New brass is pristine but typically requires full-length sizing before its initial use. Once-fired brass offers a cost-effective alternative, as long as it’s inspected carefully for defects. Brass preparation involves cleaning the casings to remove any dirt or debris, trimming them to the correct length, and uniforming the primer pockets. These steps ensure consistent performance and prevent potential problems during loading.
Primers ignite the propellant, initiating the firing process. Primers are categorized by size and sensitivity. For the 45-70, large rifle primers are typically used. The selection of primers often depends on the specific powder used. Follow recommendations from reloading manuals.
Propellants, more commonly known as powders, drive the bullet down the barrel. Selecting the right powder is vital for achieving the desired velocity, accuracy, and pressure levels. Several powders are well-suited for the 45-70 and the 405 grain bullet. IMR 3031 is a traditional choice, offering consistent performance. Other options include Reloder 7, H322, and various other powders, each providing different characteristics. Choose a powder based on its burn rate, the velocity you intend to achieve, and the pressure characteristics.
Reloading requires specialized tools. Essential tools include a reloading press, which simplifies the resizing and seating of bullets, a scale for measuring powder charges with precision, and a set of dies for sizing and seating the bullet. Other essential tools include calipers for precise measurement, a case trimmer, and a primer seating tool. Investing in high-quality tools will ensure accurate and safe reloading.
Reloading Process for 405 Grain 45-70 Bullets
Safety is paramount. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when reloading. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to fumes. Always consult a reputable reloading manual. Never deviate from recommended load data without proper knowledge and experience.
The reloading process involves a series of carefully executed steps. Begin by preparing the brass casings. Clean the brass, inspect it for defects, and trim the cases to the correct length. Next, prime the cases. Use a primer seating tool to seat the primer flush with or slightly below the case head.
Then, carefully measure the powder charge. Use a scale to weigh the powder and ensure consistent charges. Carefully insert the correct amount of powder into each case.
Seat the bullet into the case using the seating die. Seat the bullet to the proper depth. Consult reloading manuals for recommended seating depths and ensure a secure fit.
After loading, inspect each cartridge. Inspect the primers to ensure they are seated correctly. Examine each case for proper bullet seating and any signs of damage. Properly store the loaded ammunition in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Load development is the key to achieving optimal accuracy. Start with the starting load data from a reliable reloading manual. Gradually increase the powder charge while carefully monitoring for pressure signs. Pressure signs include flattened primers, difficult bolt lift, and case head expansion. If any pressure signs are observed, immediately decrease the powder charge. It is crucial to keep detailed records, documenting the powder charge, bullet type, primer, and velocity. Using a chronograph allows you to measure the bullet velocity and helps you understand the load’s performance.
Troubleshooting and Common Problems
Reloading can sometimes present challenges. Understanding potential problems and how to troubleshoot them is crucial for safe and effective reloading.
One of the most important things to watch for are pressure signs. Flattened primers indicate excess pressure in the chamber and can be a sign of an overcharged load. Sticky bolt lift can indicate high pressure, making extraction difficult. Case head expansion suggests the brass is experiencing excessive stress. If you encounter any of these, immediately stop reloading and consult a reliable reloading manual or a qualified gunsmith.
Inaccurate loads may result from a variety of issues. Inconsistent powder charges, a poorly seated bullet, or a rifle that requires mechanical upgrades can lead to poor accuracy. Proper loading techniques, quality components, and a well-maintained rifle are critical for ensuring accuracy. Experimenting with seating depth, primer selection, and powder charges can help identify the optimal load for your rifle.
Other problems may arise. A failure to feed or eject can be caused by issues with the action of your rifle or the ammunition itself. Inconsistent ammunition dimensions, such as case length or overall length, can create feeding problems. Ensure that you are properly preparing the brass, use quality dies, and perform a thorough inspection of the loaded cartridges.
Performance and Results
Shooting the 405 grain bullet in the 45-70 can be an incredibly rewarding experience. These bullets deliver considerable power and excellent downrange energy.
The exact velocity and trajectory will depend on the specific powder, primer, and rifle used. Typically, a 405 grain bullet fired from a modern 45-70 rifle can achieve velocities around 1,300 to 1,700 feet per second, depending on the load. The trajectory of a 405 grain bullet is relatively flat at closer ranges, but it will begin to drop more significantly at longer ranges.
Comparing the 405 grain bullet to other bullet weights demonstrates its unique place within the 45-70 cartridge. Lighter bullets (300 grains or less) offer flatter trajectories and reduced recoil but sacrifice some downrange energy. Heavier bullets (500 grains or more) provide even greater penetration and stopping power but generate significantly more recoil and have a more curved trajectory. The 405 grain bullet represents a solid balance, making it a versatile option for various applications.
Safety and Precautions
Reloading is a rewarding hobby but demands respect for safety. Always adhere to the following safety measures: Always consult and follow the guidelines in reliable reloading manuals. Double-check every step of the process, verifying powder charges and bullet seating depth. Store ammunition and reloading components in a secure location away from children. Reload in a well-ventilated area, and never exceed the maximum powder charges listed in a reloading manual.
Conclusion
Reloading 405 grain 45-70 bullets is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to tailor your ammunition to your specific needs. The 405 grain bullet offers excellent performance, historical significance, and flexibility. With careful attention to detail, a strong commitment to safety, and a passion for the art of reloading, you can create accurate and effective loads that will bring new levels of enjoyment and capability to the venerable 45-70 cartridge.
Now is the time to put this knowledge to work. With dedication, you’ll begin the process to create custom loads for your rifle. The journey provides a deeper connection with the process and adds a new level of gratification to the shooting experience. Enjoy the process and share your successes!
Resources
Reloading Manuals: Hornady Reloading Handbook, Speer Reloading Manual, Lyman Reloading Handbook.
Bullet Manufacturers: Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Barnes, Berry’s.
Gun Forums and Online Communities: Discuss reloading tips and advice with other enthusiasts.
