45-70 using WC-844 Std vs magnum primers

[Tuco Ramirez]

I started working on a 45-70 load using Military pull down powder WC-844. I am also doing my own Chrono test to document the effects (If any) of using regular large rifle primers or large rifle magnum primers. Shot about 10 rounds yesterday.

The reason for the testing is out of necessity more than anything. I use the WC-844 for my 5.56 and have a good supply of it. The primer portion is out of necessity. No one around has standard large rifle primers. But large rifle magnums are no problem. As a matter of fact that is all they have left and no one wants them… Around here a pound of RL #7 is going for $30. The WC-844 is running me about $12 a pound.

I did some research on the differences between standard and magnum primers and quickly determined it was no different than the age ole argument of which came first the chicken or the egg, depends on who you talk to.

So far I am very happy with the results and will post updates once I get a bit further into this project.

[Ranch Dog]

Primers are rated by their "gussy factor". CCI is the only one that I know that publishes, or did at one time, the number. Large Rifle are 4.28 and Large Rifle Magnum primers are 5.69. I've tried for years to learn more about this but have found next to no info. That is all I have on the subject but would use them if I need to like you have.

[Sosoomi]

I started working on a 45-70 load using Military pull down powder WC-844.

What rifle are you using this load in? I am pretty interested in this 45-70 round but not sure which gun...

Oh ya... This might be a dumb question but can you shoot 45 LC in something chambered for 45-70?

[donhuff]

I'm interested to find out your test results Tuco.

I buy whatever primer they have on the shelves. No brand or power preference. I got 1000 SPP at the last gun show I went to, and have used about 3-4 hundred of them so far. Yesterday I got out a 100 pack to load some 32-20s and noticed that I had bought magnums by mistake. I have not noticed any difference in the way they perform than the regular kind. BUT, I don't load so hot that another 1/10 grain of powder will send me "over the edge".

[donhuff]

I started working on a 45-70 load using Military pull down powder WC-844.

What rifle are you using this load in? I am pretty interested in this 45-70 round but not sure which gun...

Oh ya... This might be a dumb question but can you shoot 45 LC in something chambered for 45-70?

I'd get a rossi..........I mean another rossi

No a "dumb" question at all. Actually pretty smart to ask instead of finding out the hard way.

While a 45colt would go into the chamber and possible fire,DON'T DO IT. The colt round is smaller in diameter, .452 vs .458. So the bullet would not even touch the rifling on the way out. Plus the colt case is slimmer and on firing would likely split the case as it stretched to fill the chamber.

My rossi 45-70 did this yesterday

[pricedo]

Wish somebody would make a ballistic crystal ball.......until then the plodding method of trial & error + common sense will have to do.
Changing primers would invoke the same paradigm for me as when I change any component (case, bullet brand, crimp style, OAL) for a proven load.
I reduce powder charge to reloading manual minimum charge or by 10% (be careful with some ball powders like W296/H110 & reduced loads) and work up.
Has worked for me & I still have both eyes (including eyebrows) and all my fingers though at times some wonder what is holding my ears apart.