Springfield Trapdoor 45\70 ??

joelH

I took in on trade over the weekend a very nice Springfield trapdoor rifle that has been customized into a carbine. It is in very good working order and has an excellent bore. My question is regarding ammo, as I would like to shoot it. Will off the shelf modern 45\70 ammo work safely or do I have to use black powder re-loads? Thanks for any input on this....Joel

Spider7115

You don't say what model breechblock it has. If it's an 1873 with a high arch (the area on the bottom of the breechblock - high arch looks like it has been "scooped out" and the low arch is solid and almost straight across as you'll see on 1884 Models or modern reproductions), it isn't safe unless using light bp loads due to their tendency to blow open. If it's a later model "low arch" 1873 or a Model 1884, it should be safe with either blackpowder or light smokeless cowboy loads although I've used off-the-shelf smokeless ammo. Just be sure the breechblock locks down tight and the gun is in good firing condition. I suggest a gunsmith should check it out.

tsavo303

blackpowder or equilavent load only!

joelH

It has 1878 US on top of barrel receiver.

Spider7115

quote:Originally posted by joelH
It has 1878 US on top of barrel receiver.

That's 1873, not 1878. The "3" is stamped tightly and often looks like an "8". That part is called the breechblock. Flip it open and look at the bottom to see if it's high or low arched. See above.

kraschenbirn

As Spider already said, have the piece checked out before you try shooting it at all. If it checks out okay, all U.S.-made factory is loaded to pressure levels safe for original Trapdoors, Rem. RBs, etc. However, don't expect much in the way of accuracy with jacketed commercial ammo. Rem. 350 gr. JHPs fired from my Trapdoor carbine don't "group"...they "pattern" more like buckshot. But, off a sandbag rest, soft-cast (25-1) 405 gr RNFPs ahead of 55 gr Pyrodex RS will put (5 shots) into one ragged hole at 50 yards and, easily, into 2" at 100 yds...and that's using the original military sights.

Bill

gruntled

quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
You don't say what model breechblock it has. If it's an 1873 with a high arch (the area on the bottom of the breechblock - high arch looks like it has been "scooped out" and the low arch is solid and almost straight across as you'll see on 1884 Models or modern reproductions), it isn't safe unless using light bp loads due to their tendency to blow open. If it's a later model "low arch" 1873 or a Model 1884, it should be safe with either blackpowder or light smokeless cowboy loads although I've used off-the-shelf smokeless ammo. Just be sure the breechblock locks down tight and the gun is in good firing condition. I suggest a gunsmith should check it out.


You made me look at mine. I was looking at the bottom of the reciever & couldn't figure out what you meant. Then I happened to look at the bottom of the trapdoor & it was very obvious. "scooped out" it is.
This is a replacement breechblock as the first one fell off in my hand when the hinge broke off. If you can still find a replacement they are very easy to replace. I bought this one over thirty years
ago for about five dollars from Dixie Gun Works. I have always used light loads of 3031 & as cast 405 gr bullets in mine. I don't dare use jacketed bullets as I have to be sure to keep my Ruger #3 ammo seperate.