Reloading for Trapdoor

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  • Winchester

    Active Member
    Jan 28, 2013
    113
    Lutherville
    Does anyone on this forum reload for the Trapdoor? I am looking for information on non-blackpowder loads for plinking. Thanks.
     

    Winchester

    Active Member
    Jan 28, 2013
    113
    Lutherville
    A reloading manual will have that information in it.

    Will cover Trapdoor, Lever Action, and Ruger loads.

    Thanks. I'll be a little more specific. I'm looking for tried and true recipes that will yield accurate results with a Buffington sight. I don't want to shoot blackpowder through my gun but want to get as close (ballistically) to original government loads as I can so I can explore the long-range potential of the rifle and it's sights.
     

    byf43

    SCSC Life/NRA Patron Life
    There was a guy at our old range (SCSC) that was using 405 grain lead boolits and Alliant 2400 in his Trapdoor Springfield.

    Popcorn Fart loads, but, was able to make the gong at 200 yards really make a "Thwaaaaaaaaaaaap" sound.
     

    Pinecone

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 4, 2013
    28,175
    Why not duplicate BP loads with Pyrodex or one of the other BP substitutes.
     

    SKIP

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 5, 2009
    3,248
    Glenwood/Glenelg
    For years I have used Accurate Arms XMP-5744 in my Trap Door.
    Designed for use with cast bullets and reduced loads.
     

    Winchester

    Active Member
    Jan 28, 2013
    113
    Lutherville
    Thanks gentlemen. These are the tips I'm looking for. I only reload 30.06, 30-30 and 30 Cal. Carbine so I'm entering into uncharted territory. I've got some jump-off points to do a little more research now.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,884
    For simply mild .45-70 velocities, you can use anything from pistol powders to compressed loads of very slow powders.

    To specifically duplicate BP velocities And pressure at the same time, Skip called it with 5744 .
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,734
    Socialist State of Maryland
    If you are just shooting paper, 300 grain bullets are easier on the pocket book. You should use bullets made of a 1 in 20 mix (tin to Lead) and a powder to give you @1000 FPS. These loads won't beat you or your gun up. 5744 is a good powder to use in these loads if you want safe loads.

    The listed 3031 loads IMO apply to modern 45-70 guns.

    Regards,

    John
     

    Idaho

    Member
    Dec 10, 2015
    30
    Towson, MD
    Like Enfield said, 45 grains of Varget behind 405 grain Oregon Trail works. Also 31 grains of IMR 4198. I have a 30 inch barrel. Loads are from Lyman 49th.
     

    amoebicmagician

    Samopal Goblin
    Dec 26, 2012
    4,174
    Columbia, MD
    it was designed for black powder, it should be fine.

    Maybe I didn't do a good job reading but is this a reproduction or an actual period rifle?

    You could always get her nitride treated, add some lubricity and corrosion resistance, all the rage right now for black powder shooters.;)

    No but really, I am a big fan of the process, but don't do that to a period gun
     

    Pinecone

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 4, 2013
    28,175
    I have heard that after a few rounds the casings get stuck in the chamber with black powder. Maybe it's not an issue.

    No, the casings got stuck, because they used copper casings. When the switched to brass, everything was fine.
     

    Tracker

    Active Member
    Aug 21, 2011
    587
    Anne Arundel County
    I am using 12.5 grns of Trailboss with a 405 grn cast for 1000ft/sec. It is very accurate out of my Marlin 1895 and I can shoot them all day long. A real powder puff load.
    Someone suggested Pyrodex but I used that in my BP 50 cal. rifle before and it took all day to clean the gun after only a few rounds
     

    Augie

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 30, 2007
    4,504
    Central MD
    Original trapdoor bores tend to run large, .460 to .462. I have got my best accuracy with this 405 grain hollow base bullet,
    https://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=157370&CAT=4137
    I never got good accuracy with .458 jacketed or solid cast bullets.

    I use 65 grains of 2f blackpowder with a wad cut from shirt cardboard between the bullet and powder.
    If I shoot smokeless I use 38.5 grains of IMR 3031
     

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