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Hi Rob

I used 45-70. I turned the rims with a file after chucking them in my drill press. I used a hardwood "plug" in the empty case to keep the chuck from collapsing the case while I worked on it. I did not buy the "forming dies" which were recommended at the time, I just did the reform in three steps with the regular FL sizing die (RCBS), just screwing the die into the press a little more each time. Don't anneal until after you have formed the case, or you will get collapsed shoulders.

I didn't push the envelope on loads, I used 150 grain bullets with starting loads from 8 x 57 data with 4895 powder. The action itself is plenty strong, but the 45-70 cases are not strong enough to contain much more than starting loads.

I really enjoyed my rifle ... it was from Century, for $17 about 1969. Dinged up stock, but bore looked like it was made last week. Sadly, it was one of the things that had to go in the "divorce sale" ten years ago. :-(

Somewhere around here, I have a copy of the article from the old Handloader magazine, circa 1970. If I can find it, I'll send you a copy.

Resp'y,
Bob S.