Primed brass? New powder?

[Axis II]

I had about 50 45-70 govt rounds that I made up to test and I dropped the box so ended up pulling everything. I am running low on primers with about 50 left, so what do I need to do to save the primers?

I am also curious what your thoughts are on using a new pound of IMR 4198? I currently load 52gr with 300gr JHP and wondering do I need to start at minimum and work back up?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Use a collet bullet puller and reuse the cases and primers. If you need to size the cases remove the decapping stem on your full length sizing die and you won't touch the primers. You can use the powder too since you loaded the cases and know which powder it is for sure.

If you are talking about removing the primers to use in different cases that can be done too. You can decap the primers gently and you won't damage them. Just go easy so as not to damage the hammer and they will come out fine. There is little to no chance of igniting them since they are made it ignite by hitting the cup shapely, not pushing them from the inside.

As for the powder, Hodgdon lists slightly more than 52gr IMR4198 as the starting charge with a 300gr Sierra bullet so IMO there is no reason to drop back that charge weight. (under the Levergun data)

 

[sparkyv]

I dropped the box so ended up pulling everything.

I HATE it when that happens!

If you are talking about removing the primers to use in different cases that can be done too. You can decap the primers gently and you won't damage them

Yup. I use the Lee hand press with a universal decapper die. Go slow/even and push out gently and all is well. The hand press gives me good, tactile feedback: I can feel when the pin is in the primer hole. Works great.

 

[Blue68f100]

I had about 50 45-70 govt rounds that I made up to test and I dropped the box so ended up pulling everything.

I hate when that happens. That is why I mark every round. I use a fine sharpy pen and write on every one so there is no dought as what it is. On a New powder with a different lot it's always best to back off a little and work back up.

 

[Axis II]

Thanks, guys.

I was curious with it being a strait walled cartridge if I needed to resize after pulling the bullet with a hammer puller? I don't want to remove the primers.

 

[Axis II]

Oh, I meant to ask how you guys feel about Win 45-70 brass being mixed with Starline? I was given 20 pieces of factory Win brass, but always use starline.

 

[BullRunBear]

I've used mixed brass in a 45-70 for years and can't tell a difference. It might matter to the guys shooting at 800 yards but with my 200 yard targets (and my sorta okay marksmanship) it hasn't mattered. If I'm buying new brass I always go with Starline but I never turn down free brass.

Jeff

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks, guys.

I was curious with it being a strait walled cartridge if I needed to resize after pulling the bullet with a hammer puller? I don't want to remove the primers.

Yes, you should resize the cases so that you are sure you will have sufficient tension for the bullet. Remove the decaping pin and resize th cases like I said above.