Hey all, just wondering what kinda loads you use if you shoot a 45-70...I can only get factory right now as I don't reload yet, but I'll write down what you guys post and check it out.
Can't wait to hear what madgunsmith says lol...whats in your cookbook?
The original trapdoor Springfield should be limited to light loads. This rifle should not be used with loads that develope over 25,000 psi.
And if I had an original 1873 Springfield, I'd have it carefully inspected.
For the 1873 Trapdoor Springfield:
According to the Speer Manual, a 400 grain bullet propelled by 59 grains of 748 will yield 1800 fps from a 26" bbl rifle. the starting load is 55 grains of 748. (COL 2.540")
For a modern lever action rifle: (eg Marlin 1895)
62.0 grains of 748 and the 400 grain bullet. This combination will produce 1800 fps from a 22" bbl. (COL 2.540")
For a stong single shot modern action: ( Ruger #1)
56.0 grains of AA2015BR and the 400 grain bullet. This will produce 2018 fps. (COL 2.540)
Personally, this last load would be too much of a good thing. The recoil would be fierce.
The original factory load back in 1873 was a 405 grain bullet with 70 grains of black powder. I would also check into developing a black powder or pyrodex load. I bet that one would get really uniform ballistics with such a load.
Finally please do not fire any of the modern load in an old Trapdoor Springfield. Doing so might result in catastrophic consequences.
Thanks Mad, I have those jotted down...Mine will be used in a Marlin, so the last load doesn't apply for me...haha, not sure I would want to shoot it anyway :shock:
You did good to clarify the three classes of 45/70 loads too...I had totally forgot to specify or say anything about it.
Thanks for the reply.
Oh, and I will look into finding lead cast bullets, and a black powder load. If I can manage to find someone to reload for me, and be there when they load, it would teach me a lot.
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