[Slackjaw]

I have a Marlin XLR 444 and the only brass I have for handloading is Hornady Leverevolution which is slightly shorter than "regular" 444 brass. I want to load Beartooth 330 LFNGC DCG bullets. Can I load the 330g bullets in the shorter brass if I stick to col? Will I have any pressure issues using the shorter brass? Will there be any negative effects from seating the bullet further out to get to col?

Thanks for any insight.

 

[45-70 nut]

you should be fine. I found the same thing when starting to load the 45-70. just remember you wont be able to crimp the case mouth, though I am told a die modification can fix this. I just found it eayser to use a different brand of brass. best of luck.

 

[broom_jm]

It's like any other reloading situation where the components have changed from the book recipe...you just need to start low and work your way up. The trim-to length on the shortened Hornady 444 is .160" shorter than normal, but in most situations you will be able to seat the bullet you're using (FTW or otherwise) out far enough that you don't really lose any case capacity. For the sake of simplicity, I would probably save that brass for using FTX bullets and buy another 40 or so, for other bullet types. Either way, your cartridge OAL is going to compensate for the case being a little shorter than normal, so as long as you follow standard reloading practices, you should be fine.

 

[Slackjaw]

Thanks for the replies. I'll load a few and see how it goes. I can't find any 444 brass locally, hence the question.

Thanks again

 

[baddad457]

Hornady did this to both the 444 and 45/70 brass. Load to the COAL length max and you shouldn't have problems. I only use the Hornady 444 brass with their 300 gr XTP bullets crimped to the lower cannelure or with my Lyman 290 gr FNGC bullets (429640) Or with any other similar long nose bullets that seat out further. I crimp the Hornady 444 brass using a 44 mag seating die. Another benefit to this for Hornady is it lowers their production costs for their brass.

 

[tacklebury]

I have managed to reload the short Hornady FTX brass in .45-70 by using a Lee classic loader to set the crimp in place. I use my press to deprime, size and set the bullets, then set up the classic loader for the crimp I want, so I don't have to mess with my die settings. I have found that it works well with long nosed bullets in my short throated .45-70 and allows me some flexibility without reaming the throat. Just what I found that works if you happen to have a Lee Loader.

 

[baddad457]

I'm using Lyman 45/70 dies and the seating die will also crimp the shorter brass.

 

[MikeG]

With lead bullets you want to load them as long as you can, anyway. Forget where the crimp groove is. Find out what length will let the rifling lightly engrave the bullet when the lever closes. Then, just crimp them at whatever length that turns out to be. You can do that with lead bullets, just seat and crimp in separate operations.

If the Lee factory crimp die is too long, they can be shortened a bit. I'm sure Lee would do one of your or it is a simple job for anyone with a lathe. Good luck.

 

[tacklebury]

Yah, my FCD bottomed out before it could contact the mouth. Just as easy for me to use my Tap-n-hammer base and die. I mostly load up starline brass for my normal loads anyway. Just the long lead bullets are being used in the short brass.

 

[MikeG]

If you have the patience, you can modify that Lee FCD. Just take the collet out and file off a little at a time. Helps if you keep it square. Helps even more if you have a lathe....

 

[tacklebury]

I don't have good metal working tools, including files. I just never invested in this type of thing for doing metal work. I may just take it to my bud who has a lathe as you recommend and see what he thinks. He's never reloaded, but knows the machining side. Thanks for the advice though MikeG.