How to reload black powder cartridges?

It’s been awhile since you posted your question. I’ll do my best to answer it anyhow. I’ve been reloading BP cartridges for about 10+ years. .45-70 being the most common. BP cartridges are measured by volume. When dealing with the .45-70 the .45 is the diameter of the bullet and 70 is the volume of the powder. You’ll need a good powder measure. I use one made by CVA. They cost anywhere from $3 up to $15. Most $3 measures are just as good as the $15 measures.

Pour the powder into the measure. Level off the powder to the top of the measure. A wooden toothpick works well for this. Don’t tap on the measure to fit more powder in to it. Pour the powder into the case (cartridge). Set a bullet on the case mouth and place it into your loading machine/press. Gently pull the handle down or tap the bullet into place with the die or tool. If you have one of those tap type loaders don’t use a hammer, use a rubber or rawhide mallet . Some cartridges require a crimp be placed around the case mouth. I always used a crimp. If crimping is something that you need on the round (loaded cartridge) then look at your die set. Most have a crimping die. In the tap type die set like LEE makes you turn the loading die upside down and tap on it from the other side. (tap on the die NOT the round!!). Tap a few times lightly and check the round. Can you turn the bullet in the case mouth? If you can it’s not crimped yet. (Crimping helps to keep the bullet in place). If you’re using a standard reloading press place the crimping die into the threaded holder and bring the handle down, the shell holder will rise up. Turn the crimping die until it comes into contact with the shell holder. Then give the crimping die a quarter turn (down). Now take your loaded casing and place it into the shell holder. Do this with a even force, you’re not trying shove the round through the top of the die. Check the round, Is the bullet set? If not, give your die another quarter turn and repeat. Congradulations!!! You now have a loaded round. It will get easier as you do more. I usally do a couple of hundred at a time. Of course, you don’t need to change the die after each round.

WARNINGS NEVER use steel or iron with black powder or black powder subtitute. Any metal that can spark can ruin your day when you’re working with black powder. Don’t smoke while reloading. When loading, start with the minium load for your round and work the load up. And the best advice I can give you is to do some research on loading for your weapon. (Trapdoor rifles can’t handle the same charge as a Marlin rifle).