I want to shoot this rifle it's 45/70 wonder what bullets and loads, really don't want to use black powder and I don't cast my own.

Any recommendations? For Commercial lead bullets and starting loads loads?

JTEX, go to the Hodgdon reloading data center and pull up their charts for the .45-70 for Trapdoors. Lots of options there using smokeless and they list several cast bullets. You said you don't cast, but one of the best, inexpensive molds for a Trapdoor is the Lee 405-grain hollow base. When cast soft, it will very likely bump up to fit your barrel -- an issue with Trapdoors as the groove diameter can be as big as .462-.463, which makes for a mighty poor showing with a hard cast bullet sized to .459. Black powder also helps Trapdoors shoot better as it gives a "swifter kick in the ass" to the projectile, helping it fill out into the grooves.
I used to have that mold but no longer do, or I would cast you up a hundred. Surely have a pal in Texas who can cast some for you.
I do have a dozen of the big old Lyman .457125s I would be happy to send you, gratis. This is the big government bullet.
PM me if you want them.
Good luck. Shooting a Trapdoor is a sacred American experience in my book.

Yep, what Bill said. Shooting trapdoors with black powder is the way to go; it is not hard to do. But, if you must use that new powder, use 28 grains of 5744 and a very soft 400 grain bullet, or a 300 grain. Do not use hard bullets; you will just lead the bore. Gas cutting.

Thank Bill. I appreciate very much it but a dozen would probably just make me want more.......

I was hoping for an idea on what/where to purchase some softies.

Well the "new" powder (that funny) does have quite a few advantages to clean up and such.....and.....I have plenty of 5744.....so.

Thanks guys.

JTEX: Buffalo Arms has just what the doctor ordered, soft-cast slugs prelubed with SPG, which works with both black and smokeless. I would try the .460 405-grain hollow base at the bottom of page 3 to start with. I have been buying from Buffalo Arms for years with perfect satisfaction.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/411...r-4135.aspx?CAT=4135

There are no issues with BP cleanup; use the only US Army approved black powder solvent; Water, one Gill, warm if available., That's all you need. Then oil the bore and let the brass dry.
One thing; if your bore is oversize, then smokeless powder won't bump up the bullets and you will get gas cutting and leading; black powder is the only cure for that. Use a card wad under the bullet too. Do not use a wad or filler on 5744; a friend ringed a chamber on the first shot of a new barrel on a 40 Sharps I built in the early 90s for him. I am sure you know all this.

Outstanding Bill, thanks.

Yes Sir I know the black cleaning routine.....I just hate it. I think maybe I'm lazier than you are........

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Just ordered the bullets Bill. Gotta find some more brass as well...... Fun stuff!

For those shooting the Marlin Micro-groove rifling remember that they are accurate [despite rumours] but the hardness and bullet diameter must be carefully picked to get the accuracy. Carefully search for the best bullet or cast your own.
Love is a warm 45-70 !

I find that hollow base 405's and BP or BP substitute work extremely well. Cleanup is easier with BP than Pyrodex.

Try looking here for more information regarding getting your trapdoor to shoot.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
There are no issues with BP cleanup; use the only US Army approved black powder solvent; Water, one Gill, warm if available., That's all you need. Then oil the bore and let the brass dry.
One thing; if your bore is oversize, then smokeless powder won't bump up the bullets and you will get gas cutting and leading; black powder is the only cure for that. Use a card wad under the bullet too. Do not use a wad or filler on 5744; a friend ringed a chamber on the first shot of a new barrel on a 40 Sharps I built in the early 90s for him. I am sure you know all this.

Got my bullets and brass.............if I where to use BP what would be a good starting load? 2F, I would guess?


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This is an excellent book on loading and shooting the trapdoor. "Loading cartridges for the original .45-70 Springfield rifle and carbine" by J.S Wolf and Pat Wolf. Well worth the money.

I'm on the same page with bpcd. I use 5744 in mine w/ a 400G. cast.I hate the BP cleanup as well.

quote:

Originally posted by loud-n-boomer:
This is an excellent book on loading and shooting the trapdoor. "Loading cartridges for the original .45-70 Springfield rifle and carbine" by J.S Wolf and Pat Wolf. Well worth the money.

That's where I got my load. I used to shoot Silhouette with those loads in the Carbine at LASC.

It was FUN!

The book is definitely worth it!