The Lyman 3 Die Set 45/70 (MPN: 7460496) is a mechanical rifle reloading die set engineered specifically for the .45-70 Government straight-wall cartridge. Built from heat-treated, micro-finish polished steel, this 3-die system provides the full-length resizing, case mouth expanding, and bullet seating operations required to reload straight-wall brass. It threads into standard reloading presses using industry-standard 7/8"-14 threads, making it compatible with major single-stage and turret press platforms.

Key Features

• Full-Length Sizing Die: Features an integrated decapping stem and built-in air bleed holes to vent trapped air and prevent hydraulic case denting during full-length resizing.
• Two-Step Neck Expanding ("M") Die: Steps the case mouth without excessive belling, ensuring concentric bullet alignment and preventing the shaving of lead or bullet coatings during seating.
• Bullet Seating Die with Roll Crimp: Seats projectiles to the desired overall length while applying a consistent roll crimp to secure bullets against recoil.
• Standard Thread Mounting: Uses a 7/8"-14 thread pitch to ensure direct mounting into standard reloading presses without adapters.
• Polished Steel Construction: Manufactured from heat-treated steel with micro-finish internal surfaces for smooth operation and wear resistance.

Product Specifications

• Cartridge Compatibility: .45-70 Government (.45-70 Govt)
• Thread Pattern: 7/8"-14 TPI
• Material: Heat-treated polished steel
• Included Components: Full-length resizing die with decapping assembly, two-step neck expanding die, bullet seating/roll crimp die, storage case
• Operation: Manual / mechanical (non-powered)
• Required Shell Holder: #17 shell holder (sold separately)

Who is the Lyman 3 Die Set 45/70 for?

• Lever-action hunters — Handloading .45-70 Government hunting rounds requires proper full-length resizing, and this rifle reloading die set mounts via standard 7/8"-14 threads to reliably produce heavy-recoil ammunition for feral boar, sambar deer, and buffalo.
• Cast bullet reloaders and BPCR competitors — Seating soft lead or coated projectiles in .45-70 Government cases requires precise mouth belling, which this die set handles via a dedicated two-step expanding die that fits standard 7/8"-14 thread presses to prevent lead shaving.

Less suitable for: Firearm calibres outside of the .45-70 Government cartridge dimension profile, such as .450 Marlin, .45-90, or .458 Win Mag brass, which require calibre-specific die sets, or high-volume progressive press reloaders seeking lube-free operation who would be better served by a dedicated carbide sizing die set.