BP loads in lever guns
#1
BP loads in lever guns
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 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.
#2
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.
#3
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
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.
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.
Last edited by Semisane; 03-04-2015 at 07:21 PM.
#5
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.
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.
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
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.
Must be my old age and reminiscing about all those good old westerns that were on TV when we were young.
#8
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 153
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 .
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 .