Need 45-70 trapdoor suggestions

[Selfdfenz]

I want to reload some 45-70 rounds for a REPRODUCTION 45-70 trapdoor. The reloading data is for a 458 Sierra 300 grain JHP but what I have are 300 grain Hornaday JHP.

As I am a stickler for details I usually don't change components however given that these will be mild mannered loads is it safe to subsitiute the Horneys for the Sierras.
Thanks in advance.
J-

 

[ed dixon]

For all intents and purposes, that's a match and you can use the data. I just started reloading last year and when I looked in the first manual I got I wondered the same thing. I have five now and try to get as close as possible. The powder of course must be an exact match, no substituting there.

I didn't have a hands-on mentor to show me the ropes, but some folks here (well, TFL) were very helpful in talking me through some sticky spots (too much case lube on my .45-70's resulted in some bent cases in the resizing die, working out how to set seating depth and a good crimp separately and then combining them into one step flummoxed me for awhile, etc.). Enjoy that trap door. I've got a repro rolling block myself. Good luck. Ed

 

[mete]

Th e SAAMI specs for the 45-70 are 27,000psi , typical factory loads are about 18,000 in deference to old guns in use. I would stick to the factory equivalent loads or less , don't push it as it isn't the strongest designed action. If you intend to use this for deer I can tell you that the 300 factory loads work very well on deer.

 

[Selfdfenz]

Thanks guys.
The data I have is for the trapdoor and not the Ruger or Marlin.
I don't plan to burn high limit in any case.
Thanks for the help.
S-

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Trap Door Loads

I have a 3rd edition of the Hornaday manual which specifically has loads for the trapdoor. For mine I used 48 gr of IMR 3031 for about 1650 fps. for my 1894 Marlin the manual says that up to 53 grains behind a 350 gr bullet can take any North American Animal including moose and bear but in my experience and my customers of my 45-70 bullet molds was that 48 grains was the most accurate load for target competition so I used the same load for my 300 gr cast bullets bullets in my Trapdoor successfully.

I shot up a case of 1890s 45-70 ammo all but one box that is worth some money today. On the back of it it states" to lubricate your bullets use Japan wax or tallow" I can picture a cowboy making his bullets over a camp fire doing that.

Paul Jones
The Reloading Specialist
since 1952

 

[Iggy]

How about??

55 grns of 3fg over 3grs Unique..
cardboard wad over powder, parrafin, vaseline grease wad over cardboard wad and a 530 grn paper patch bullet..

These three were dug out of the berm behind a 100 yard target and displayed the way they were positioned in the dirt..

Fired from a sporterized original rifle.

You have to try black powder to really appreciate the old trapdoor..

 

[cheygriz]

70 grains of FFF black.

70 Equivalent of Pyrodex, or Clearshot.

The Lyman manual has excellent smokeless powder loads for the .45-70 trapdoor. Don't exced them.

With a trapdoor, even a brand new repro trapdoor, DON'T PUSH IT!!

BTW: Even with the low velocity black powder loads, it will drop a big mule deer like a bolt of lightning!