Anybody here ever think of loading a 450 grain Barnes X bullet into a 45/70 case, loaded with 30 grains of reloader #7 and CCI 200 primers?

Sgt. O

Why would you unless you're just punching paper ? Without referencing any of my manuals - when I do load Re7 with REM 405 gr bullets, I believe I'm up around 50+ grains of powder. Seems to me 30 grains is a "soft load".

Regards, Vic

working a load up for a trap door. just something to play with around the range.

With that bullet, I think you'll have more success with a little bit slower powder.

H322 or even Varget.

Best O luck.

ran a few rounds through the 1873 trapdoor today. 5 rounds inside 1 inch at 100 yards.

I notice in the 3rd edition of the Barnes manual that they do not list any 45-70 Trapdoor loads for the 450 grain X bullet. They show a range of 30 to 34 grains of Reloader 7 for their 400 gr FNSP.

We can only guess as to why the 450X is omitted for the 45-70. It is also excluded for the 450 Marlin. It does show up for the 458 Win Mag, 458 Lott, and 460 Wby. It may be that it takes magnum velocities in order for the bullet to have satisfactory terminal performance.

My son and I own and shoot several original Springfield Trapdoor rifles. We primarilly shoot the Lyman 457193 405 gr cast bullet. We also have the mold for the 500 gr RCBS BPS bullet and will soon be loading it as well.

If you are shooting an original Springfield rifle, keep in mind the fact that the barrel steel is softer than that found in modern rifles. Jacketed bullets will wear out the barrel faster with continued use. Solid copper bullets may even be worse. I recommend cast lead bullets for the old rifles. You don't have to invest in casting equipment. They can be purchased from Lyman, Midway and Buffalo arms.

I notice in the 3rd edition of the Barnes manual that they do not list any 45-70 Trapdoor loads for the 450 grain X bullet. They show a range of 30 to 34 grains of Reloader 7 for their 400 gr FNSP.

We can only guess as to why the 450X is omitted for the 45-70. It is also excluded for the 450 Marlin. It does show up for the 458 Win Mag, 458 Lott, and 460 Wby. It may be that it takes magnum velocities in order for the bullet to have satisfactory terminal performance.

My son and I own and shoot several original Springfield Trapdoor rifles. We primarilly shoot the Lyman 457193 405 gr cast bullet. We also have the mold for the 500 gr RCBS BPS bullet and will soon be loading it as well.

If you are shooting an original Springfield rifle, keep in mind the fact that the barrel steel is softer than that found in modern rifles. Jacketed bullets will wear out the barrel faster with continued use. Solid copper bullets may even be worse. I recommend cast lead bullets for the old rifles. You don't have to invest in casting equipment. They can be purchased from Lyman, Midway and Buffalo arms.

Not using an original 1873. Also remember you can buy cast bullets from Bear tooth as well. its only right to mention them.

I did not mean to slight Beartooth.

It is simply that I load black powder cartridges for my Trapdoor and Sharps rifles. This type of cartridge requires a plain base bullet of softer alloy. (1 in 20 or 1 in 30 Tin/Lead). I also use SPG lube in order to keep the powder fouling soft.

Bullets of this type can be purchased in small quantities from the sources that I mentioned, however, I cast my own. Beartooth is not really oriented toward this market.

this is true i just didnt want them to be overlooked.