The Accurate Reloading Forums
45-70 Semi Rimmed
16 May 2025, 04:41
boom stick45-70 Semi Rimmed
I played with this idea years ago but it is still something that I still like the idea of. A 45-70 case but reduce the rim to .532” so it functions in a WSM action. It could in a short action shoot the 45-70-500 able to shoot 500 grain bullets at 1800FPS.
An interesting combination of modern and old school with a simple rim reduction and some feeding issues to resolve without being a true wildcat. Advantages would be the ability to use longer and or spritzer bullets for better down range performance or loading nominal 45-70 bullets out another +/- .25” so you get more boom room. This would not directly compete with the 458 WM being 250 FPS slower but could add a level of performance that would be worthy of distinction from 2.55” lever action performance. My personal goal would be to shoot 400 grain bullets at around 2100 FPS loaded out to 2.8” OAL at higher pressure in a bolt action. Thoughts?
16 May 2025, 05:32
buckdeerWouldn't a 458 socom achieve what u want.
16 May 2025, 11:58
boom stickquote:
Originally posted by buckdeer:
Wouldn't a 458 socom achieve what u want.
458 Socom is good for old school 45-70 performance
16 May 2025, 12:02
boom stickquote:
Originally posted by eny:
450 marlin?
Yes, but this would be more powerful and the 45-70 is the GOAT
16 May 2025, 16:29
p dog shooterI put under the heading wildcatters have to wildcat.
Too late; I already did this years ago; I reduce the rim OD in order for them to fit into the Lee Enfield receiver without opening up the bolt nose ID. And they still work in every oth4er 45-70 rifle because the rim is much larger than it needs to be; remember it was developed in 1873 when they used weak internally primed ammo.
So, do it.
16 May 2025, 23:10
jeffeossoIf you started with the 348, semi-rimmed it, improved it, and necked to 45, you would have the 450 HEM, which pre-dates the wsm ultra etc carts, even prior to the Canadian "imperial" carts...
This line of reasoning was used in the Jamison law suite to reduce damages. I personally don't believe Rick had original art to claim patent on..
17 May 2025, 05:20
akaaron10My ruger no3 that I had throated 35 years ago uses speer 400 grainers seated to 2.735 and gets 2200 fps with load from speer manual 10 of max 62 grains reloader 7 . Also gets 1879 fps with hornady 500 grain roundnose softpoints and 53.1 imr 3031 and those are seated even longer thats in a older hornady manual . So its possible if the rifle is up to it I guess for the strength issues with using a bolt action. Aaron
17 May 2025, 15:29
p dog shooterquote:
My ruger no3 that I had throated 35 years ago uses speer 400 grainers seated to 2.735 and gets 2200 fps with load from speer manual 10 of max 62 grains reloader 7
I don't think I would like shooting these loads in my number 3
Not that they are unsafe but the no 3 stock leaves something to ne desired
17 May 2025, 15:57
theback40I have a 45-70 barreled, siamese action sitting here I'd sell you. See how much stomp you get with that.
17 May 2025, 19:56
akaaron10Your right ruger 3 stock is a bit uncomfortable at 5.5 lbs , but it kicks way less than my cz 416 rigby which weighs alot more , and I cant seem to find a cheap no 1 take off stock to use on it.

23 May 2025, 08:21
boom stickquote:
Originally posted by theback40:
I have a 45-70 barreled, siamese action sitting here I'd sell you. See how much stomp you get with that.
Color me curious

Thank you for the offer. Maybe a PM is in order
23 May 2025, 08:23
boom stickquote:
Originally posted by dpcd:
Too late; I already did this years ago; I reduce the rim OD in order for them to fit into the Lee Enfield receiver without opening up the bolt nose ID. And they still work in every oth4er 45-70 rifle because the rim is much larger than it needs to be; remember it was developed in 1873 when they used weak internally primed ammo.
So, do it.
Great minds! I made a mock up dummy probably around 2005. I’d love to see pics of your work.
23 May 2025, 08:23
boom stickquote:
Originally posted by p dog shooter:
I put under the heading wildcatters have to wildcat.
Wildcatting is like alcoholism
23 May 2025, 08:35
boom stickquote:
Originally posted by jeffeosso:
If you started with the 348, semi-rimmed it, improved it, and necked to 45, you would have the 450 HEM, which pre-dates the wsm ultra etc carts, even prior to the Canadian "imperial" carts...
This line of reasoning was used in the Jamison law suite to reduce damages. I personally don't believe Rick had original art to claim patent on..
A non rebated .554” case sounds interesting but would it weaken the case?!?
23 May 2025, 18:02
theback40It's D&T and blued, but the bolt handle has not been done, still straight. Strange, but the way it came to me. Not talking big money.
23 May 2025, 20:13
jeffeossoquote:
Originally posted by theback40:
I have a 45-70 barreled, siamese action sitting here I'd sell you. See how much stomp you get with that.
Nice, if i still had my stock machine I'd likely buy it, just for fun
24 May 2025, 03:44
theback40I have a couple pics, but need to send to a regular e-mail address. I included with the 45/70 barreled action pics, a 50/348 on another siamese. With a stock, but no sights. In case you really want to play. I have way to many projects!
24 May 2025, 08:20
biglukeGood evening: I have too many projects too. Please send pics and prices to: lukeswoveland@hotmail.com, or text to: 719-240-1991. Cheers luke