Today at 05:03:23 PM »



First post here. I'm experienced at pistol reloading but not rifles. Today I reloaded for the first time for my Henry 45-70 using 405 gr. bullets and Trail Boss powder. I messed up on a dozen of 'em and loaded them with 9 grs. of Trail Boss where the manual suggests a minimum load of 12 grs. Can I shoot them anyway, or will I get the kaboom from the large cartridge with too small amount of powder scenario? Your help is appreciated. Dennis

I dont think that load would be susceptible to "detonation" like loading a magnum with too little of a slow burning powder. But the danger (I think) is that you could end up with the slug lodged in the barrel, which is bad juju if another round is chambered and fired.

And by the way. Welcome to reloading and to the forum..

Pull them; start over. Chalk it up as a mistake and next time, be more careful; some mistakes you won't walk away from. (this one will probably be ok).
I would not use trail boss; there are better powders for 45-70, like 5744, if you are after light loads.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Pull them; start over. Chalk it up as a mistake and next time, be more careful; some mistakes you won't walk away from. (this one will probably be ok).
I would not use trail boss; there are better powders for 45-70, like 5744, if you are after light loads.

Completely agree, pull them and start over, we've all done it.
If you don't have a kinetic bullet puller then just run them up in your press with no die and grab them with pliers and retract the lever.
Easy as pie

Pull them.
Start over.
Call it a cheap learning experience.
Learn from your mistake !
IF you 'must' shoot them. Shoot at paper so you can count the holes in the paper to match the # of shots fired to holes in the paper thus avoiding a bullet stuck in the barrel!

quote:

Pull them.Start over.Call it a cheap learning experience

I've been loading for 50 years. I have about 60 9mm I need to pull the bullets. Not enough powder to cycle the semi.

It happens. Why would you want to fire and waste the bullet, powder and primer for a load you know isn't right?

quote:

Pull them.
Start over.
Call it a cheap learning experience.
Learn from your mistake !

I pulled them! Thanks!

I would suggest that you develop a checklist and use it for each session.

Now even after 20+ years of reloading I sometimes get confused. Yesterday I was using my electronics scale & I found something strange. Went back and found that the zero & tare weight of the pan was not right. Luckily I just had to restart with 5 rounds on the tray.