As this is a black powder forum we normally talk muzzleloaders. But I'm wondering if anyone here shoots BP loads in their old lever guns or Springfield trapdoors?
I have a Marlin 1895CB .45-70 on the way and I'm toying with the idea of making or buying a drop tube and loading original 70 gr loads with 405 gr cast bullets for it.
Share your methods and cleaning problems you have please.

I have a Marlin model 1881 in 40-60 but, haven't shot BP loads from it as yet, which is something I'd like to do in the future. I did however find that Buffalo Arms had smokeless ammunition and I bought 3 boxes. I do believe they also load them in BP and should check now after being reminded. I do have a partial box of what appears to be BP loads, very old.

I have a neat little Marlin lever action - light and short.



I've never considered loading black powder for it, and don't think I care to do so.

I've never taken a deer with it. But at 36" long and 7 lbs., it sure is handy for creeping around in thick woods.

Thats some good shooting for that short barrel Semi.

I have one just like it Semi - sans the scope. I also have a Puma in .44 mag with a 26" octagon barrel and a Guide Gun in .45-70. Plus 2 win 94s. One in 30-30 and the other in 32 win spl.
This one is going to be another lever. For some reason, I've become increasingly fond of them. Must be my old age and reminiscing about all those good old westerns that were on TV when we were young.

That's a whole passel of lever actions partner.

Yep. Nostalgia is a powerful force. I recently bought an old single shot 410 GA Stevens 94E just because I used one back in the late 50's to shine bunnies in the marsh (my outlaw days ). I have absolutely no real use for it.

I have a friend with some old rabbit eared hammer shot gun that used a case. I have never known him to use any load but black powder in them.

Al

Alley it could be quite possible that's all he could use. It may have had damascus barrels.

Semi,

That's a sweet little lever gun for sure! I've always had a hankerin' for one in .45 LC.

BPS

I've only owned two lever guns in my life and sold them both many moons ago. Much preferred the bolt guns myself, one was a ?win 3030 and the other a Marlin 4570

Both guns were not a pleasure to take apart to clean, I cannot imagine having to detail clean one with BP.it would drive me nuts as clean freak as I am about BP corrosion.

The Bolt guns always just made more sense to me. Generally speaking more accurate.wider range of projectiles. Easier to maintain, one piece stock arguments and all.

Other than fitting flatter in a saddle I really do not see any advantage to a lever gun. It probably comes down to,personal,preference .