Reloads for "modern" Trapdoor 45-70
Recently acquired one of the Springfield Trapdoor replicas made in the 1970s by H&R. Piece is in excellent condition with, apparently, very few rounds fired. (The seller I got it from took it in trade and never fired it at all.)
Now, I'm not new to reloading...started with a used Herter's set-up in the early 1960s and have two Dillons and a heavy-duty O-frame single-station on my bench now...but I've never tried any serious load development for a long, straight-wall case like the 45-70. Also, I'm well aware of the Trapdoor's pressure limitations and not looking to "push the envelope" either. (Got a buddy, too, with an original Danish M1871 Rolling Block who's reading over my shoulder 'cause anything I come up with for the 45-70 should work for his 11.7x51R Danish - .090 shorter case and a .455 bullet dia.)
I'm planning to stick to "factory duplication" (or lighter)loads using hard-cast bullets: either a 405 gr. FP or a 420 gr RN (I've got molds available for both.) My reloading manuals, even my old Lyman books, are a little short on cast bullet data but, from what I've gathered, it appears either H4895 or IMR3031 are the (smokeless) powders of choice with Pyrodex RS the pick for the dirty stuff.
From scanning earlier posts, I can see there's a lot of 45-70 experience within this forum. How 'bout it...anyone got any pet loads suitable for a Trapdoor? Any special techniques/tricks for loading those long, blackpowder cases?
Bill
Now, I'm not new to reloading...started with a used Herter's set-up in the early 1960s and have two Dillons and a heavy-duty O-frame single-station on my bench now...but I've never tried any serious load development for a long, straight-wall case like the 45-70. Also, I'm well aware of the Trapdoor's pressure limitations and not looking to "push the envelope" either. (Got a buddy, too, with an original Danish M1871 Rolling Block who's reading over my shoulder 'cause anything I come up with for the 45-70 should work for his 11.7x51R Danish - .090 shorter case and a .455 bullet dia.)
I'm planning to stick to "factory duplication" (or lighter)loads using hard-cast bullets: either a 405 gr. FP or a 420 gr RN (I've got molds available for both.) My reloading manuals, even my old Lyman books, are a little short on cast bullet data but, from what I've gathered, it appears either H4895 or IMR3031 are the (smokeless) powders of choice with Pyrodex RS the pick for the dirty stuff.
From scanning earlier posts, I can see there's a lot of 45-70 experience within this forum. How 'bout it...anyone got any pet loads suitable for a Trapdoor? Any special techniques/tricks for loading those long, blackpowder cases?
Bill
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Hello check out TRAIL BOSS powder this was designed for just such use. 0 -
I use 3031 with Pufflon ballistic filler in my large capacity BP cases when using smokeless. I've also used 4198, a few grains difference in charge, not really much in performance.
I too would be interested in seeing what Trail Boss does.
Always an option to use BP or a sub too.0
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