1873 Springfield
02-02-2011, 04:04 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kansas
Posts: 136
1873 Springfield
I have found an 1873 Springfield in my grandpas basement when I was doing some cleaning. The gun looks to be in excellent shape. My grandpa said he hasn't shot it in over 50 years. I did a very thorough cleaning and its load development time. I'm not familiar with this action or a 45-70 either which is what this is chambered in. I am debating on using some Trail Boss. Any load suggestions appreciated. CJ
02-04-2011, 08:36 AM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: S.W. Pa.-- Heart in North Central Pa. mountains-
Posts: 2,600
Originally Posted by hoghunter59
most reloading manuals will a section of loads for the older rifles, possibly start with the minimual load
(1) Older Trapdoor type guns
(2) Modern lever action rifles such as Marlin in 45/70
(3) Modern Falling block and Bolt actions such as Ruger, etc.
.... Use a little caution and common sense there. I do believe the "off the shelf" ammo by Remington that's out there today is only loaded to the specs for the early-type guns, such as what you're dealing with. It sure would be beneficial to you to have it thoroughly checked by a competent 'smith before you do anything, tho...
02-06-2011, 04:58 PM
#5
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kansas
Posts: 136
Originally Posted by ruger357w
The older 45-70 trapdoors can't hold the pressure that modern day firearms can. So if you reload for it be careful and make sure you use the right data for it!
I am very aware they don't stand up to near the pressures of todays firearms. Thats why I am using Trail Boss. Its designed for reduced loads for older firearms. I have plenty of load data available from Hodgdon/IMR on the "cowboy loads". Mainly was just curious if anyone had used this powder in this same action/caliber combination and how the results were.
