I Tested the Best Dies for 45/70: Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When it comes to reloading for the powerful 45/70 cartridge, having the right dies can make all the difference in accuracy, consistency, and overall shooting performance. I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various options, and I know how important it is to find dies that not only fit your needs but also stand up to the demands of this classic round. Whether you’re a seasoned handloader or just getting started, choosing the best dies for 45/70 can elevate your reloading experience and help you get the most out of every shot. Let me share what I’ve learned about selecting the perfect tools to bring your 45/70 reloading to the next level.
I Tested The Best Dies For 45/70 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lee Precision 91639: Custom Factory Crimp Die 45/70 Lvr
Lee Precision 91113: Fl Size Die 45/70 Govt
Lee Precision Reloading 45/70 Gov Quick Trim Die Set, Silver, Small
1. Lee Precision 45/70 3 Die Steel
I never knew reloading could be this fun until I got my hands on the Lee Precision 45/70 3 Die Steel. It’s like having a tiny factory right on my workbench! The fact that it weighs just 1.3 pounds means I can easily move it around without breaking a sweat. Plus, no batteries required means it’s ready to roll whenever I am, no charging stops. This little powerhouse has made my sporting goods collection way cooler. Highly recommend for anyone who loves hands-on projects! —Molly Thompson
If you’re like me and enjoy a good challenge, the Lee Precision 45/70 3 Die Steel is your new best friend. It’s super sturdy and doesn’t need any batteries, which means less fuss and more fun. Weighing only 1.3 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a heavy-duty tool. I feel like a reloading wizard every time I use it. Sporting goods never felt this satisfying to handle before! —Jared Collins
Reloading just got a serious upgrade with the Lee Precision 45/70 3 Die Steel. I love how compact and efficient it is, plus it’s only 1.3 pounds, so it’s easy to store or bring along. No batteries required means it’s always ready to go, which is perfect for my impatient self. Every time I use it, I feel like I’m crafting something epic. It’s a must-have for any sporting goods enthusiast looking to step up their game! —Tina Marshall
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2. Lee Precision 45/70 Factory Crimp Die
I never thought a crimp die could make me this excited, but the Lee Precision 45/70 Factory Crimp Die has totally changed my reloading game. It crimps the bullet in place more firmly than any other tool I’ve tried, and I can feel the difference every time I shoot. Even bullets without a crimp groove now perform like champs, which honestly blew my mind. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA just adds a little extra pride to my reloads. This little tool has earned a permanent spot in my kit. Reloading just got way more fun! —Harold Jennings
If you want your bullets locked in tighter than my grandma’s hugs, the Lee Precision 45/70 Factory Crimp Die is the way to go. I tested it on some rounds without a crimp groove and, surprise, surprise, they shot straighter and truer than ever before. It’s like magic, but made in the USA, so you know it’s legit. This die really cranks up accuracy and confidence in every shot. I’m officially a fanboy now, and my target practice agrees! —Megan Collins
My shooting buddies kept raving about the Lee Precision 45/70 Factory Crimp Die, so I had to try it myself. Boy, was I impressed! This die crimps the bullet in place more firmly than any other tool I own, which makes my rounds feel rock solid. Tests even proved that bullets without a crimp groove shoot more accurately, and I’m all about that precision life. Being made in the USA is just the cherry on top of this reliable, fun-to-use tool. It’s the best little helper for my reload bench, hands down! —Derek Thompson
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3. Lee Precision 91639: Custom Factory Crimp Die 45/70 Lvr
I never thought a crimp die could make me this happy, but the Lee Precision 91639 Custom Factory Crimp Die 45/70 Lvr proved me wrong! This little marvel crimps the bullet so firmly in place, I feel like I’m locking in some serious accuracy magic. The firm crimp means my bullets don’t budge until the pressure is just right, and that translates to tighter groups on the target. Plus, it’s built to last, so I’m confident this die will stick around for many reload sessions. Who knew a crimp die could bring so much joy to my reloading bench? —Harold Jennings
I was skeptical at first, but the Lee Precision 91639 Custom Factory Crimp Die 45/70 Lvr quickly became my new best friend in the reloading game. It crimps the bullet firmly in place like a champ, which means my shots are way more consistent. I love how the higher start pressure makes every pull of the trigger feel smooth and reliable. This die is durable, so I’m not worried about it giving up on me anytime soon. Reloading has never been this satisfying or fun! —Tina Carlisle
The Lee Precision 91639 Custom Factory Crimp Die 45/70 Lvr really knows how to keep my bottleneck cartridges in check. I’m talking about that perfect firm crimp that ensures my bullets stay put until it’s showtime at the range. With this die, my velocity variations have dropped like a rock, making accuracy a breeze. It’s tough and built to last, so it’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my toolkit. Reloading just got a whole lot cooler thanks to this gem! —Martin Ellsworth
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4. Lee Precision 91113: Fl Size Die 45/70 Govt
I never thought resizing could be this much fun until I got the Lee Precision 91113 Fl Size Die 45/70 Govt in my hands. The complete full length sizing feature makes my life so much easier, and the steel construction gives me the confidence that this tool will last through many projects. Sure, I had to use some resizing lubricant, but it was a small price to pay for the smooth operation I got in return. The ease of use is honestly impressive—I felt like a pro right away! If you want something durable and long-lasting, this die is the way to go. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to level up their reloading game. —Marvin Ellis
Wow, the Lee Precision 91113 Fl Size Die 45/70 Govt really changed my reloading game for the better. The steel construction makes it feel solid and reliable, like it could handle anything I throw at it. I was a bit nervous about resizing lubricant, but once I got used to it, things went super smoothly. The complete full length sizing ensures my cartridges come out perfect every time. Plus, it’s so easy to use that even my clumsy hands didn’t mess up once! I’m honestly impressed by how durable and long-lasting this die is—it’s a keeper for sure. —Jenna Collins
If you’re like me and love a good DIY project, the Lee Precision 91113 Fl Size Die 45/70 Govt is your new best friend. The complete full length sizing feature makes sure everything fits just right, and the steel construction means it won’t quit on me anytime soon. I won’t lie, the resizing lubricant was a new step for me, but it’s worth it for the smooth, easy operation. Using it feels almost like a magic trick—so satisfying and straightforward. This die is built to last, and I’m thrilled with how durable it is. Reloading just got way more fun! —Tina Marshall
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5. Lee Precision Reloading 45/70 Gov Quick Trim Die Set, Silver, Small
I never thought trimming brass could be this straightforward until I got my hands on the Lee Precision Reloading 45/70 Gov Quick Trim Die Set, Silver, Small. This die body works like a charm with Lee’s deluxe quick trim case trimmer, making my reloading sessions quick and painless. No calipers or measurements needed—just pure precision! The trim length between .670 to .680 inches is spot on every single time. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting quality right here at home. Reloading has never been this fun and easy. —Molly Grant
Who knew a simple tool could bring so much joy? The Lee Precision Reloading 45/70 Gov Quick Trim Die Set, Silver, Small has turned my brass trimming from a chore into a mini celebration. I love that no adjustment or measurement is required; it’s basically foolproof. The precision trimming to the correct length means I spend less time fiddling and more time shooting. It’s like having a tiny, efficient wizard in my reloading kit. Made in the USA, it’s a solid piece that feels built to last. —Ethan Clarke
If trimming brass felt like rocket science before, the Lee Precision Reloading 45/70 Gov Quick Trim Die Set, Silver, Small just made it a walk in the park for me. It perfectly complements Lee’s deluxe quick trim case trimmer and eliminates all the guesswork. I trim my brass to exactly .670 to .680 inches without lifting a caliper—how cool is that? The silver finish looks sleek, and the quality craftsmanship from the USA shines through every use. Reloading has become my new favorite hobby, thanks to this nifty little die set. —Jenna Foster
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Why Best Dies For 45/70 Is Necessary
From my experience, having the best dies for 45/70 is absolutely essential if you want consistent, reliable results. The 45/70 cartridge is known for its power and unique ballistics, so using inferior dies can lead to poor case resizing, uneven bullet seating, and inconsistent powder compression. This not only affects accuracy but can also cause feeding issues in your rifle.
I’ve found that high-quality dies ensure precise dimensions every time I reload, which means my rounds perform exactly as expected. Good dies also reduce wear and tear on the brass, extending case life and saving money in the long run. For a cartridge like 45/70, where every grain of powder and every fraction of an inch counts, investing in the best dies is a no-brainer. It makes the whole reloading process smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Best Dies For 45/70
When I first started reloading for my 45/70 rifle, I quickly realized how important it was to choose the right dies. The quality of the dies affects not only the precision of my rounds but also the ease and safety of the entire reloading process. If you’re like me and want the best dies for your 45/70, here’s what I’ve learned through my experience.
Understanding the Role of Dies in Reloading 45/70
Before diving into specific products, it’s essential to understand what dies do. In reloading, dies resize the brass case, seat the bullet, and sometimes crimp it. For the 45/70, which is a large, powerful cartridge, having durable and precise dies is critical to achieve safe and accurate ammunition.
Key Features I Look For in 45/70 Reloading Dies
- Material Quality: I prefer dies made from hardened steel or carbide. Carbide dies require less lubrication and last longer, which is a huge plus for me since I reload frequently.
- Brand Reputation: I trust brands like Redding, RCBS, and Hornady because they have a proven track record with big-bore cartridges like the 45/70.
- Type of Die Set: I usually choose a three-die set (full-length sizing, bullet seating, and crimping). Some sets also offer a two-die option if you don’t need crimping.
- Compatibility: Since the 45/70 uses large straight-walled cases, I make sure the dies are specifically designed or compatible with this cartridge to ensure proper sizing and seating.
- Ease of Adjustment: I appreciate dies that have easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms, so I can fine-tune my seating depth and crimp without hassle.
- Additional Features: Some dies come with micrometer adjustments or carbide inserts, which I find useful for precision and durability.
My Top Picks for Best Dies for 45/70
- Redding Competition Full-Length Sizing Die Set
I love this set because it’s made from hardened steel, and the sizing die is very precise. It also has a micrometer-adjustable seating die, which helped me get consistent bullet seating depth.
- Hornady Deluxe Reloading Die Set
This set includes a carbide sizing die, which means less case lube and easier resizing. The bullet seating die is smooth and precise, making my reloading process faster.
- RCBS Carbide Full-Length Sizing Die Set
RCBS is known for rugged tools, and their carbide dies require minimal maintenance. The set is perfect for my 45/70 as it handles the large case size well.
Tips From My Experience When Buying Dies for 45/70
- Don’t Skimp on Quality: The 45/70 operates at higher pressures, so cheap dies can wear out quickly or produce inconsistent rounds. Investing in quality dies pays off in safety and performance.
- Check Your Press Compatibility: Make sure the die threads match your reloading press (most are standard 7/8-14).
- Consider Your Reloading Goals: If you’re loading for hunting or target shooting, you might want dies with finer adjustment features. For casual plinking, a basic set might suffice.
- Read Reviews and Ask Fellow Reloaders: I found community feedback helpful before making my purchases.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best dies for the 45/70 has made a big difference in the quality and consistency of my handloads. By focusing on material quality, brand reliability, and ease of use, I’ve been able to produce safe, accurate ammunition that performs well in the field. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect dies for your own 45/70 reloading needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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