Case Lengths for 45-70

Out last weekend shooting my 45-70 and I noticed a difference in case length between Hornady and Winchester. When I got home and measured two fired cases I got a .060 difference. I don't reload but have always thought of ammo making to be a little more precise. Is this common?

Wizzard,

If the Hornady was the FTX, then that is intentional. That particular load comes with a shortened case, I believe to allow the ammo to work in lever guns.

Craig

Since the 45-70 headspaces in the rim, case length is not that critical as far as operation of the gun. However keep in mind the crimping on the canaulre will result in less powder capacity in the shorter case and increase pressure, all other things being equal.

Yep, all the FTX cases are shorter because of the longer bullet, to keep the OAL consistant with standard loadings so they will fit in revolver cylinders and magazines. I got stuck with some once fired 45 Colt brass from Hornady that are just too short to use with XTP's.

S4,

I didn't realize the short brass carried over to the 45 Colt. That kinda sucks.

Craig

Yea, I'd strongly advise that if anyone is going to buy once fired Hornady brass that they first ask the seller what the case length is. I'm sure the same holds true for the 44 and 357 if they load leverrevoluters in them.

Hornady 357 brass is a little short also.

It was and that makes sence I suppose. Thanks everyone!

Hornady 44 brass is short as well. I've gotten to the point where I just chunk hornady brass because you have to change everything on the dies when you reload it. Winchester 454 brass always hangs up in my shell holder because of the shape of the rim so I chunk that too. I'm now just buying bulk star line brass when I need a new batch.