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DocRock
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The Shikaris were made in the old iron receivers that predate even the SB1 receiver and are Trapdoor level only.
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Xcobra122
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Is the receiver the weak spot? Or maybe the lockup? The barrel steel is really thick, looks like it could handle just about anything.
The receiver is weak spot enough. I once looked into having a iron receiver H&R shotgun converted to a rifle and the factory refused to convert it to ANY centerfire rifle cartridge. Rifle receivers were made of steel.
+1 to trapdoor loads only.
someguy2800
Member
The steel frame H&R is safe for marlin loads but the iron frame guns are only safe for trapdoor pressures.
25-20 WCF
Member
“Normal” factory loads will be fine, they meet Trapdoor level pressure.
I’ve had my Shikari since 1973. While some owners at the time believed that M1886-level loads were safe (no Marlin data back then), I never used any load greater than top-end Trapdoor loads. In this light carbine (I cut my barrel to 22”) those provided plenty of recoil even with a rubber recoil pad, and ample power for any appropriate use - 300s @ 2100 fps, 405s at 1750 fps. I took one caribou with the .45-70, it killed very well.
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I’ve had my Shikari since 1973. While some owners at the time believed that M1886-level loads were safe (no Marlin data back then), I never used any load greater than top-end Trapdoor loads. In this light carbine (I cut my barrel to 22”) those provided plenty of recoil even with a rubber recoil pad, and ample power for any appropriate use - 300s @ 2100 fps, 405s at 1750 fps. I took one caribou with the .45-70, it killed very well.
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Xcobra122
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The fastest trapdoor load in my Lyman manual for a 300gr. is 1714 and the fastest 405gr. is 1578. Even in the 1886/1895 section there are only a couple of loads that go over the FPS listed in your post. I’ve heard reloading data is often on the conservative side, but that’s more conservative than I expected. I’m guessing that’s a lawyer thing.
25-20 WCF
Member
Its not a “lawyer thing” but an interpretation thing. The official SAAMI spec is 28,000 CUP, but some believe that is too high for 150 year old rifles, Lyman just prefers 18,000 CUP, Hodgdon and others prefer 28,000 psi. The latter will work fine in the OP’s rifle, afterall it was designed for SAAMI loads.
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Xcobra122
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That makes sense. I checked my Hornady manual. The trapdoor loads in there top out at 25,000 CUP and it specifically mentions those loads as safe for the Shikari. Unfortunately that particular manual only has bullet weights up to 350gr. I figure I’ll just stay with standard factory loads and keep the reloaded ammo pressures under 25K just to be safe. That should be more than enough for anything I’m going to use it for anyway.
Dave DeLaurant
Member
FWIW, I've had good luck with a full (not compressed) case of Trail Boss behind 300 grain cast lead slugs. Groups nicely out of my 45-70 Ruger No.3 and easy on the shoulder. Not accurate through every rifle, but worth trying -- note the chamber pressure from Hogdon's website:
Obturation
Member
Trapdoor loads are still very powerful, trajectory can be steep but a 405 grain, even at 1300 fps will pass through almost anything alive.
shuvelrider
Member
I have that rifle chambered in .44 Magnum, what a great shooting gun-------scary accurate!!!!!
Dave DeLaurant
Member
I should have added earlier that IMO the Shikari was one of the handsomest configurations that H&R offered the old Topper rifles in. Here's a placeholder photo for those unfamiliar -- perhaps the OP would share a photo of his?
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Xcobra122
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Sure, I'll be happy to post a pic of my rifle. Just gotta get home from the office first lol. Did any of them come with a rail? Mine doesn't have that. In fact, it isn't even drilled and tapped. My sights are pretty similar to older Ruger 10/22 sights. That's what they remind me of anyway. For now, I've settled on a 405 grain hard cast bullet over IMR 3031. It's at the bottom end of the velocity scale, but my 10 year old son can shoot it with me. It doesn't hurt him at all to shoot and it's still a lot of fun busting water filled 2-liters with it.
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Xcobra122
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Thanks for the suggestion. I picked up some Trail Boss today. It was WAY cheaper than IMR-3031. If it’s accurate in my rifle it’ll save me a bunch of money.
DocRock
member
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The jug of Trail Boss is 9.9oz vs the jug of IMR3031 at 1 lbs. On a per ounce basis, they cost more or less the same.
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Xcobra122
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Yeah, you’re right. I got carried away. I wish there was another place near me that had reloading supplies. The store I go to has pretty terrible prices, but the next closest place is Bass Pro and its over an hour away. I think a little competition might bring those prices down a bit. The only carry one option in .45/70 Govt. bullets too and they never seem to actually be in stock. Of course, I usually order bullets elsewhere anyway.
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