45/70 low power loads

[kapie]

Would you consider the Hornady 45/70 FTX LEVERevolution 325GR.
To be a low power load? When does a load cross the trapdoor low power load level to the next? The manufacturer doesn't provide any info. Powder used or how much used. I have a few boxes of this.(was on sale) More info has me wondering.
I'm trying to figure out what is safe in my H@R Shikari.
Thanks.

 

[MILLERTIME]

I figured that as the name implies they are loaded at Marlin lever gun pressures. I have no proof to back it up, but with the velocities they produce and the name it made sense to me.

 

[greenmtnguy]

Leverevolution ammo is for use in modern lever actions only (or stronger Ruger #1 or Mauser action conversions) -- NOT for potentially old trapdoor rifles! A modern metallurgy trapdoor replica might be nearly as strong as a Ruger #1, though, and would probably be fine too. It is just that as soon as someone says "trapdoor", one has to think/worry about an antique trapdoor as well.

 

[rcmodel]

Here is what they say.

"Hornady LEVERevolution™ ammunition is loaded to SAAMI specifications so it’s safe to use in the 1873 Trapdoors, 1886 Winchesters and rifles of similar strength."

Hornady uses powder blends unavailable to reloaders to reach the advertised velocity.
(Maybe they do, and maybe they really don't go that fast?)

But in any case, they do not exceed SAAMI standard pressure limits for standard pressure 45-70 loads.

If they didn't, there would be HUGE RED WARNINGS against shooting them in trap-doors on all the boxes.

But, there isn't!!!

rc

 

[au_prospector]

I have an H&R 1873 trapdoor replica circa 1972

I find the Remington 300 grain semi jacketed HP rounds to be softer shooting than the Hornady Leverevolution stuff which pounds my shoulder. Still have a partial box of 14 Hornady unused and I am considering pulling them.

For even more enjoyable shooting, I use 40 grains of IMR3031 behind those 350 grain Berrys plated. More accurate too! Have shot cloverleafs at 50 yards with the factory tang peep sight using this load.

 

[Jim Watson]

SAAMI spec for .45-70 is 28000 CUP.
Many although not all sources consider 18000 - 20000 to be tops for a Trapdoor.
Lumping it in with the 1886 is absurd.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

SAAMI spec for .45-70 is 28000 CUP.
Many although not all sources consider 18000 - 20000 to be tops for a Trapdoor.
Lumping it in with the 1886 is absurd.

I agree. I see no reason to beat up my Trapdoor rifle or my shoulder for that matter. A 405gr Cast bullet @1300-1400 fps will kill anything in North America and elsewhere too...

As for Hornady LVR ammo, I would not shoot it in my Trapdoor but I'm guessing it's safe to shoot.

 

[Catshooter]

H&R/NEF single shot rifles are very strong.

However a stock Shikari isn't. It has a mild steel frame that isn't heat treated. In addition the barrel underlug is brazed on, as opposed to welding.

It is safe for Trapdoor level loads, but I wouldn't push it beyond that.

Email Hornady and ask 'em.


Cat

 

[kapie]

Thanks for the replies.Hornady says they are ok. Lower power loads are good with me. I can hunt and shoot what i want.

 

[balderclev]

I agree. I see no reason to beat up my Trapdoor rifle or my shoulder for that matter. A 405gr Cast bullet @1300-1400 fps will kill anything in North America and elsewhere too...

As for Hornady LVR ammo, I would not shoot it in my Trapdoor but I'm guessing it's safe to shoot.

Yep, I've shot the high power loads in my Marlin Lever rifle. They kill at one end and maim at the other.

 

[deerstalkert]

just the configuration of the trapdoor contributes to a pounding with top end(for the trapdoor) loads. I see no need for chancing damage to either my treasured rifle or my equally treasured handsome self! (snicker!)
my trapdoor was made in 1883 and for years was what I shot deer with. 62 grains of 2f under a 405g hollow base was a tack driving killer of anything I pointed it at.
I have retired it for the last 20 or so years( except for Christmas eve) and now use a 1895 Marlin in one model or the other. I have shot 3 elk here with the gummy tips and the results were what one would expect with near a 1/2 inch air hole through the vitals.
I have many more kills with bollits of the cast persuasion of around 405g to as heavy as 550g craters. I have not ever put a gummy through bone_( except rib, and they fragmented on elk rib) but have run the cast through both shoulders of a 1100lb elk. with the gummy's the three elk all ran short distances. under 100 yards. the big boy plowed with his nose for 12 feet and quit. velocities? under 1800fps for the cast, and whatever the Hornady's run. still have a box of the gummy's with 3 rounds missing somewhere.
have aprox. 500 loaded rounds with cast and an equal amount of brass waiting. have been shooting the 45-70 Govt. now for 50 years come Christmas eve.
the most fun loads I have found are with trailboss. makes this old man giggle.