WTK: Reloading 45-70 for a Vintage US Springfield Trapdoor Cadet Rifle

[md66948]

I am going to start reloading for my US Springfield 1884 Trapdoor Cadet Rifle. It is almost a Museum Quality Rifle.

I have been looking at videos on UT but I would like to hear actual experiences from members who reload and shoot vintagae 45-70 rifles.

My LGS sells 405 grain .459 lead flat tips its coated poly or uncoated. I think I would prefer the uncoated, strait lead with lube. I also have 250 virgin Star Line 45-70 cases and I plan to purchase a set of RCBS Cowboy Dies. I may buy a Lee Crimp Die, I do not like seating and crimping in one step.

I am looking at using Trail Boss or 4895 powders. I have heard IMR 4227 maybe a good powder.

I will be using several reloading manuals but I like to hear your opions and thoughts about reloading for a vintage USSpringfield 1884 Trapdoor.

 

[Dean2]

Trail Boss is a great powder for subsonic loads or lead loads in bottleneck cases but in straight walled cases like the 45-70 it is NOT a low pressure choice. You can run far lower pressures using 3031, 4895 or Varget, at the SAME velocities. My two favourite 45-70 powders for the Trapdoor guns are 3031 and Varget. (4198 is another good choice in the old guns, low pressure, good velcoity).

This is straight out of the Hodgdon online load data for trapdoor rifles. Check out how slow the trailboss load is traveling but still producing 25,000 CUP at 700 fos slower. I would not load a great old gun above 1300-1400 fps, so basically starting loads of Varget or 3031

Reloading Data Center

www.hodgdonreloading.com

Bullet Weight

405 GR. CAST LFP

Case

Winchester

Primer

CCI 200, Large Rifle



��

	Manufacturer	Powder		Bullet Diam.	C.O.L		Grs.	Vel. (ft/s)	Pressure		Grs.	Vel. (ft/s)	Pressure
	Starting Load		Maximum Loads
	Hodgdon	H4895	Buy Now	0.458"	2.540"		40.0	1,424	14,900 CUP		48.0	1,645	18,900 CUP
	Hodgdon	Trail Boss	Buy Now	0.458"	2.540"		12.0	971	24,500 CUP		13.0	1,007	25,600 CUP
	Hodgdon	Varget	Buy Now	0.458"	2.540"		40.0	1,392	15,600 CUP		50.0	1,718	20,900 CUP
	IMR	IMR 3031	Buy Now	0.458"	2.540"		45.5	1,597	17,300 CUP		48.5	1,706	21,100 CUP

 

[md66948]

Thanks Dean!