1884 Trapdoor Springfield loads

GUTS · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 10:11 am Post subject: 1884 Trapdoor Springfield loads

I have a very nice 1884 Trapdoor Springfield that I want to make some cartriges for. I am not a bullet caster so I would like to use JSP's. Anyone have any load data for me to start with? I've done a couple of searches and am not coming up with much. These photos were before I cleaned the schmutz off of it, it looks great now.

Gil Martin

It depends. What caliber is it? There are light loads out there for these older classic arms. All the best...
Gil

Pumpkinslinger

Personally I'd stick to cast bullets for the antique rifle. You might want to consider these: www.montanabulletworks...liber.html

I've used Accurate 5744 powder in my .45-70s (Marlin lever action and Pedersoli "Remington" rolling block) to duplicate the "factory" level of loads with very good results.

slimjim

I used the Hogdon load data for trap door 45-70 with my rolling block. I didn't want to use black powder and several smokeless loads have less pressure. Tired Varget but was not getting a complete burn - powder grains left in the barrel. Switched to H4895 and got a clean burn. Used minimum load + one grain.

hodgdon.com/

1895ss

Try some of the loads for trap door available here data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

SingleShotLover

All good advice. I too would recommend using cast bullets only in your rifle. The steel in those old rifles is pretty soft by today''s standards and jacketed bullets might just start eating the rifling. Good luck and keep us posted.

GUTS

Thanks a lot fellas!

fnuser

Speer #13 I like it schmutz and all

slimjim

I use Oregon Laser Cast. I can buy them in bulk at Cabela's and they claim their silver-lead alloy reduces leading. So far so good.