Load it just like a big pistol round.
Jacketed bullets should not need lube. The expander die should go down just enough to open the mouth of the case to accept the base of the bullet. Usually that is just enough that you can feel a slight bell to the mouth of the case but might not see much. If it's a little too much the crimping process will remove it.
If you use a bullet like the one pictured you can get by with less bell but if the base has a flatter base or if you use cast bullets you'll need more bell.
Remember the purpose of the expander is to prevent the mouth of the case from being crushed while introducing the bullet. You want as little as possible to work the brass less and prolong the case life.
Thanks for that advice. Is it worth playing with the seating depth at all for accuracy or just set it to SAAMI specs?
SAAMI specs for lever action rifles. single shot adjust for off lands depth. does make a difference.
Different bullet weights and makes, different powder charge, different powder, better brass, and even seating depth.The Mrs. wants to buy me a Marlin 1895 guide gun, so lever action. The only adjustments you can make for accuracy is powder charge, then?
Different bullet weights and makes, different powder charge, different powder, better brass, and even seating depth.
You do have a little room to give on seating depth but they have to feed properly. Trying different powders and charges is your best bet.
How accurate are you going for?
What COL has worked well with your BFR? They seem to have a longer chamber than most .45-70... What weight/style bullet, too?who says it has to be a rifle??
..and your throat length, and bullet ogive, and magazine/ramp size, and... Lots of things can dictate optimum OAL.OAL is what you get based on your bullet choice and case trim length.
Of course, but the cylinder gap will probably negate most of it.Can adjusting bullet jump in a revolver affect accuracy?
wish i could snap out those answers and look good doing it too. fact is, i shot it 6 times with a cast 465 GC over 15.5 Trail Boss at a gong at the end of a marlin 1895 scope dial in session at the range before packing it in. felt like a .44 spec light load. i have 40 rds of 465 gr and 405 gr over 34 and 37 grs IMR 3031 waiting to be shot. hopefully within the next two weeks. COL is 2.508What COL has worked well with your BFR? They seem to have a longer chamber than most .45-70... What weight/style bullet, too?