45 70 Springfield Cases
A guy at work just gave me 3 boxes of used reloaded cases. Two Winchester, one Federal. Some are the most obvious culls, but all mike out under Max Case Length. Should I be concerned with any thing in particular, like case stretch, ie 303 British.
I am reloading for 50,000 serial Trapdoor in excellent condition.
Will do a search also, any current information appreciated.
I am reloading for 50,000 serial Trapdoor in excellent condition.
Will do a search also, any current information appreciated.
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I have seen 45-70's go upwards of 100 times before hitting the scrap box. Depends on your chamber but your pressure is way lower than the high end like my Mexican small ring Mauser or a Ruger #1. My bet is you wear out the primer pocket.
Use only Trapdoor data. The Lyman 330 gr HP might work ok. The 405 gr bullet was made for the carbines to lessen the recoil. 500 gr was the original. I would only shoot cast bullets in it and I favor actual black powder if you can get it. Unique was my favorite light load modern powder.
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=45-70&Weight=All&type=Rifle&Order=Powder&Source0 -
Check online for 45-70 reloading information. Many sites will provide data for the older BP rifles. As opposed to modern high pressure loads, for Siamese Mausers, Ruger #3's etc. 0 -
The cases being straight walled will last forever. Cast bullets are great the Lee 340 grain bullet is accurate and easier on the shoulder. Powders like IMR 4198 work well. 0 -
Missouri Mule K30,
Aside from the suggested use of black powder, Accurate Powders has a list of Trap Door loads featuring A-5744:
45-70 GOVERNMENT
19,000 PSI LOADINGS
TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD AND SIMILAR RIFLES
This information is found on pg. 63 of their online manual in .pdf form.
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Black powder loads should be with the case full and the powder level conpressed about 1/8-inch when the bullet is seated. Or, use a powder compression die.
I never feel totally comfortable shooting the old straight wall cases with "black powder equivalent" smokeless loads. Way to much air space and big differences in performance depending where the powder is sitting in the case when fired.0 -
Several points with 45-70 brass.
If you are a BP shooter, you will find WW will hold more BP than the rest. My personal preference for trapdoors. I shoot a couple of antique trapdoors. I VALUE THESE RIFLES TO MUCH TO EVER USE SMOKELESS POWDER.
Hornady brass is around 1/8 shorter. It is made shorter on purpose so they can load their lever gun and plastic tip bullets.
COLs are critical when reloading for Marlin and other lever guns. COL too long and round falls under the bolt. Bring screwdriver to remove lever if you do this.
Like others, I have never seen case stretch in 45-70, even with hot lever gun loads.0 -
truthful,
Your 'discomfort' with a particular choice of components is simply a lack of understanding about how to deal with it. Those of us who work with all forms of components often have to try different methods during the reloading process to achieve a successful load. This applies to BP substitutes as well.
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Thanks all for the information and personal experience. That is exactly what I was looking for.[:D]
I will also load only black powder in the Trapdoor as cheifr said, to stay traditional and less risk of having any problems.
I also will use either 405 or 500 slugs.
Again Thanks to all, shooting these old rifles is one of my favorite pastimes. The wealth of knowledge from you gents and reloading manuals will get those lead slugs going downrange in no time.[;)]
After some further thought tsr has some good points. I do not ever wish to shoot myself in the foot, and Trail Boss is not the only alternative to black powder.
Cleaning firearms is not one of my favorite pastimes, but is something that I do after shooting. It gives me a chance to inspect, look at general aspects of engineering.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Missouri Mule K30
Thanks all for the information and personal experience. That is exactly what I was looking for.[:D]
I will also load only black powder in the Trapdoor as cheifr said, to stay traditional and less risk of having any problems.
I also will use either 405 or 500 slugs.
Again Thanks to all, shooting these old rifles is one of my favorite pastimes. The wealth of knowledge from you gents and reloading manuals will get those lead slugs going downrange in no time.[;)]
Do what you must, but I think for simplicity purposes, and the ease of cleaning(it is non corrosive), you are shooting yourself in the foot, by not using Trail Boss, by IMR. It was specifically designed for low pressure black powder equivalent loads(cowboy action shooting), and even makes some smoke. It is a ringed flake, and measures ok thru a powder measure, for your intended use. Your Trapdoor is a 20,000 psi gun, and it is easy to stay below those pressures with this powder.
EDIT 1
quote:After some further thought tsr has some good points. I do not ever wish to shoot myself in the foot, and Trail Boss is not the only alternative to black powder.
Cleaning firearms is not one of my favorite pastimes, but is something that I do after shooting. It gives me a chance to inspect, look at general aspects of engineering.
Yes, there are other propellants that do not have the sulpher or salt Pieter based additives that black powder, and Pyrodex has. Triple Seven granular is one of them. The only way to PROPERLY clean weapons after firing them with Black Powder, or sulpher laden propellants, is with soapy hot water. It cleans as a solvent, and being alkaline, neutralizes the Sulpheric acid which is the byproduct of firing black powder.
I always like to clean my firearm after shooting, unless it is in hunting season, where I want my first shot out of a fouled barrel. I only use 3 or four rounds during the season in my primary rifle. I don't believe I suggested to not clean your rifle. One more thing about the Trail Boss...it goes a long way for the $$...a lot further than any other BP substitute I have found.0 -
By any and all means no offence is taken or givin. I ask and answer questions at times with the thought that the meaning that I have in mind is not being misconstrued, or misunderstood.
As there are reloaders that have been doing it longer than I, I respect every ones input and make conclusions after I have studied and have reloaded with different ideas.
I sincerely thank all responses to my posts, being that we all enjoy the chance to make the experience more enjoyable.[^]0
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