45-70 Trapdoor loads

[Dixie Dude]

I have an antique Model 1873 Trapdoor Springfield and would like to shoot it.  What are good loads for this?  I know I will probably have to use lead bullets (what grain size)?  Also, what is a good substitute powder for black powder?  I was also told to use ff black powder.  What kind of primers?  I don't want to damage this rifle. 

Thanks

[rsl]

I use a 300 grain lead bullet and 35 grains of 3031.

[patw]

We just got back from shooting a trapdoor at the range.  We were shooting cast bullets and trailboss loads because they are not loud, don't kick to speak of, but still accurate.  You will find those loads as well as many others at the Hodgdon site  http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp.  There is a set of loads specifically for the trapdoor. 

[johnjohn]

I also have a trapdoor Springfield and have used everything from Remington factory ammo (405 grain jacketed bullet) to my handloads using IMR3031 and cast and jacketed bullets. Lyman reloading manuals give proper loads for this and actions of stronger design and steel.

[Lone Star]

If you handload you have to be careful of which "Trapdoor" data you use.  Why?  Because there is a great difference of opinon in the acceptable safe pressure:

Data Source….Trapdoor(CUP)
Lyman……….…18,000
Speer…….…….21,000
Hornady…..….25,000
Hodgdon………28,000
Factory……..…18,000 (reported)

A difference of over 50% in "safe" pressure is just too much.  My recommendation is not to use data from Hodgdon or Hornady.


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[Dixie Dude]

Mine is stamped on the wood 1884.  It says Model 1873 on the top of the rifle.  So, it is old, and I want to shoot the lightest load possible.  I need to acquire some lead bullets, and the right powder.  I have a Lyman book so I will look it up.  Mine is the long rifle infantry version.  I know they made a Cadet version and a calvary version with shorter barrels.  I recently inherited it and It probably hasn't been shot in over 50 years.  I cleaned it up and replaced the springs and it functions.  Now I need to just fire it.  Thanks for the help.  I was assuming I would have to use blackpowder loads.  Rifling in the barrel looks ok, but seems to be very shallow compared to modern rifles. 

[Lone Star]

If you intend to use cast bullets, slug the bore first.  Some of the Springfields had bores as large as 0.470" or more, so .458" bullets may not work especially with the shallow rifling.


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[Dixie Dude]

Do you slug using a fishing weight of approximate diameter?

[quickdtoo]

See bore slugging and chamber casting in the H&R FAQs. 

Tim