Top 20 45-70 Reloading Dies for Accurate Long-Range Shooting

The 45-70 Government cartridge has a storied history as one of America’s most versatile rifle cartridges. This. 45-caliber round combines formidable power with exceptional case capacity, making it ideal for hunting big game and reloading high-velocity loads. Our guide examines the best 45-70 reloading dies available today, comparing their accuracy, durability, and value to help you select the right components for your reloading setup.

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Reviews

Lee 45 Colt 91939 4-Die Set

This Lee 4-die set covers all the bases for 45 Colt reloads, with full-length sizing, bullet seating, and factory crimp capabilities. The carbide construction means these dies will last through many thousands of rounds, making them an excellent investment for any. 45 Colt enthusiast.

Hornady 45 Colt Series II

This trio of precision-engineered dies – including a full-length sizing die with interchangeable concentric bushings and a seat-and-crimp combo die – will transform your reloading setup, while the included storage box keeps everything organized for your next building session.

Lyman 45 ACP/45 Win. Mag Carbide 4 Die Set

These Lyman pistol dies deliver exceptional precision and versatility for reloading both. 45 ACP and. 45 Magnum cartridges. The hardened steel construction, featuring a tungsten carbide sizing die and two-step neck expander, makes short work of consistent reloads. The included decapping rod and extra seating screws handle everything from conventional bullets to specialized nose shapes with ease.

Hornady 45-70 Government Rifle Dies

Crafted from premium heat-treated steel, this three-die set includes an easy-access box, full-length sizing die, seating die with precise alignment sleeve, and an polished elliptical expander for flawless bullet seating. The new Zip Spindle design and titanium nitride coating ensure smooth operation, while the locking rings feature wrench flats for fine adjustments. Each die delivers consistent results, making reloading a straightforward and enjoyable process for experienced shooters.

Lyman 45 Colt 3-Die Set

The Lyman 45 Colt Carbide 3 Die Set combines precision engineering with durable construction, featuring a tungsten carbide sizing die for consistent results. The set includes a comprehensive trio of dies for sizing, expanding, and seating, which work seamlessly with nearly any reloading press. With premium components like hardened steel parts and no-lube operation, these dies deliver reliable performance for both new and experienced reloaders.

Lee Precision Carbide 4 Die Set 45 Colt

Crafted for durability and precision, the Lee Precision 45 Colt carbide die set lives up to its reputation with smooth operation and consistent results. The system cleverly eliminates the need for case lubricant with its carbide sizing die while streamlining your reload process through a powder-through expanding die design. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting into reloading, these well-built dies make it easier to achieve accurate loads with reliable performance.

Hornady Taper 45 Auto Crimp Die

With its precision taper crimp design, this American-made die ensures reliable feeding in semi-automatic handguns by maintaining proper bullet seating while protecting the case mouth. reloaders have praised its ability to produce consistent, factory-quality rounds for both 9mm and. 45 ACP cartridges. The included storage box keeps your setup organized and ready for your next reloading session.

Lee Precision 45/70 Powder Thru Die

The Lee Precision Powder Thru Die makes loading your 45-70 cartridges a breeze. It’s got that little extra feature where it expands the case mouth as you’re charging it with powder - you just need to get the feel for the right pressure. Made in the USA, this die definitely delivers on its promises.

Lyman 7701012 45 ACP Die Pack

Crafted from stainless steel and featuring carbide rings for lasting precision, these American-made dies include a micrometer seating die and taper crimp die to create flawless 45 ACP cartridges. The set’s neck expander and flare die adjust for every aspect of case preparation, from sizing to seating, while the included primer ejector ensures reliable case extraction.

Hornady 45 ACP Taper Crimp Die Set

This 45 ACP die set includes a resizing die with a polished elliptical expander and a seating/crimping die that performs both functions simultaneously, making it more efficient than some competing designs. The set also features durable nickel-plated steel construction with precision parts like taper crimping and adjustable seating, while the included storage box keeps everything organized.

Redding 45-70 Government Reloading Dies

This three-die set from Redding covers everything you need for 45-70 Government cartridges, from full-length resizing to proper bullet seating and crimping. It’s built for precision, with features like a built-in crimping ring and detailed instructions that make getting it right on the first try easier than most reloading tasks. The finish and attention to detail you expect from a quality American-made tool are here in spades.

Lee Precision EXP 45 Acp Powder Through Die

Made in the USA, this Lee precision die combines reliable American engineering with practical features that simplify the reloading process. The expandable case mouth design works seamlessly with both Auto-Disk and Powder Funnel systems, allowing for precise powder measurement and consistent case charging.

Lee Precision Carbide 3 Die Set - 45 ACP

The Lee Precision Carbide 3-Die Set brings together a reliable steel shell holder, precise powder measure, and three essential resizing tools in an airtight storage box. The included instruction manual and load data sheet make it a complete package for any pistol reloaders budget. Users appreciate its durability and consistent performance across various cartridges, though some report minor adjustments are needed during initial setup.

RCBS 3-Die Set

From what I’ve gathered through my years of reloading, these RCBS dies work just as advertised - they size your cases perfectly every time (though be sure to use case lube or you’ll regret it). The three-piece design makes changing parts a breeze, and the hardened bodies are a nice touch. While I did run into a few minor issues with case expansion and crimping, overall they’re solid American-made dies that get the job done.

Lyman 380 PRO Die Pack

These American-made reloading dies pack serious functionality into their precision engineering. The set includes everything you need to handle the 380 ACP cartridge, from resizing and neck expanding to seated taper crimping. The use of stainless steel and carbide parts promises lasting performance thatelfasters in reduced force requirements and consistent results.

Lee Precision PaceSetter 3-Die Set

This Lee Precision die set delivers everything you need for precise rifle reloading, featuring a full-length sizing die, bullet seating and roll crimp die, and factory crimp die—all meticulously engineered for reliability. The package includes essential accessories like a universal shell holder, powder dippers, and detailed load data, while the included red plastic storage box keeps everything organized.

Lee Precision Ultimate 4 Die Set

The Lee Precision 30-06 Ultimate Die Set combines full-length resizing with collet neck sizing for unmatched accuracy. The carbide construction ensures precise bullet seating every time, while the factory crimp die provides consistent results for both rifle and straight-walled cases. The included powder measure and Lee load data card make this set a practical choice for reloaders of all experience levels.

Lee Carbide 3-Die Set

This reloaders toolkit features a three-die set for 45 ACP ammunition, including a sizing die with durable carbide construction, a seating die, and a powder-through expander die. The set also includes a colored spline drive breech bushing for each die, making it simple to distinguish between them. Additionally, you get a universal shell holder and powder dipper with load data included.

Lee Precision 45-70 Government 3-Die Steel Set

This Lee Precision 3-die set handles the full reloading process for. 45-70 Government cartridges, from decapping and sizing to seating and crimping. The steel construction requires regular lubrication, particularly for the sizing die, and performs best with clean cases and proper brass lubrication. The included powder dipper and universal shell holder make it a practical choice for serious handloaders, though users may want to consider additional expansion tools for certain bullets and case types.

Lee Precision 4-Die Carbide Set

reload your. 38 special and. 357 magnum handguns with this American-made carbide die set that includes full-length sizing, bullet seating, powder through expanding, and factory crimp dies – all packaged in an air-tight box to keep them clean and organized.

Buyer’s Guide

45/70 reloading dies are specialized tools essential for chambering cartridges in this classic American rifle caliber. These dies ensure proper bullet seating and case height, maintaining optimal chamber pressure and reliable feeding. Understanding their key features and proper usage will help you maximize accuracy and performance in your reloading setup.

Die Set Components

All 45/70 die sets include several critical components: - Chamber Die: Forms the case mouth to the exact dimensions of the rifle’s chamber. - Neck Expansion Die: Ensures proper bullet seating while maintaining case integrity. - Case Forming Die (optional): Converts brass cases to proper 45/70 dimensions if needed.

Material Quality

Invest in precision-machined dies made from high-quality tool steel. Look for manufacturers that offer lifetime warranties and replace damaged or worn dies at no additional cost. The die’s durability directly affects bullet seat depth consistency and overall reliability.

Care and Maintenance

Properly maintain your dies to extend their lifespan and ensure accurate reloading. Clean each die after every 50-100 rounds using appropriate cleaning solutions and brushes. Store them in a dry environment and apply a thin coat of lubricating oil to prevent corrosion.

Die Alignment and Installation

Incorrect die seating can cause feeding issues and potential chambering problems. Use a dedicated die press and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully during installation. Proper alignment ensures consistent case height and optimal bullet seating depth.

FAQ

What are 45/70 reloading dies used for?

45/70 reloading dies are specialized tools employed in the resizing, neck turning, and bullet seating processes for cartridges chambered in the. 45-70 Government caliber. These dies ensure proper case dimensions and alignment for reliable chambering and optimal performance of handloaded ammunition.

The dies typically consist of three primary components: the resizing die, the bullet seat die, and the shoulder die. Each die performs a specific function: resizing the case to chamber dimensions, seating the bullet to the correct depth, and ensuring proper cartridge shoulder positioning.

How do I choose the correct 45/70 reloading dies?

When selecting 45/70 reloading dies, it’s crucial to match them with the specific cartridge and bullet combination you’re using. Dies come in various styles, including fixed, adjustible, and progressive systems, so choose based on your reloading method and volume.

Ensure the die set includes proper neck sizing, shoulder seating, and bullet seating capabilities for your chosen cartridge configuration. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and consult reloading manuals specific to your bullet and case type.

What maintenance do 45/70 reloading dies require?

Proper maintenance of 45/70 reloading dies involves regular inspection for wear, cleaning with appropriate solvent and a cleaning brush, and lubrication with a recommended die lubricant. This prevents wear on the die components and ensures consistent cartridge formation.

Store your dies in a dry environment free from corrosive materials. Consider using die sleeves to protect the working parts during long-term storage or when not in use.

What is the difference between fixed and adjustable 45/70 dies?

Fixed 45/70 dies are set to a specific size and cannot be altered. They are ideal for simple resizing operations and are less expensive. These dies work well for common cartridges and consistent reloading volumes.

Adjustable 45/70 dies allow users to set the sizing and seating depths precisely. This precision is beneficial for specialized reloading, custom chambering, or when working with multiple bullet types. Adjustable dies typically offer more versatility for advanced reloaders.

Can I use 45/70 dies for different cartridge lengths?

In general, 45/70 dies are designed for a specific cartridge length and may not accommodate variations without modification. Using the incorrect die size can lead to inconsistent case dimensions and potential chambering issues.

If you need to reload cartridges of different lengths, consider purchasing dies specifically rated for each length range. This ensures proper case sizing and reliable chambering across your ammunition types.

How long do 45/70 reloading dies typically last?

With regular use and proper maintenance, 45/70 reloading dies can last for thousands of rounds before showing significant wear. Factors affecting die life include case material, lubrication practices, and the specific die design.

Most manufacturers recommend inspecting dies annually for wear. If you notice inconsistent case dimensions, excessive flash at the mouth, or difficulty in cartridge extraction, it’s time to consider replacement or resurfacing the dies.

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