I've recently resurrected an old Springfield Trapdoor 1884 model carbine in 45-70 (of course) and an all original 1919 CG Swede model 96 in 6.5x55 (naturally), and shooting some plinking loads for lots of fun.

The Springfield is using the BTB .460 cast 405 grain FNGC with a reduced load of IMR3031 and a dacron filler. They have crono'd at 1320 fps avg and producing 2" groups at 50 yds., that's a total of 20 shots in the same group.

The Swede is using the BTB .266 cast 135 grain FNGC with a reduced load of AA #9 and dacron filler. They chronograph at 1535 fps avg and group into 1.5" at 50 yds for all 20 shots.

The wind has been at right angles and gusty, so all shooting was limited to the 50 yard line.

If you want to keep in practice 'til hunting season, or just want to have some fun, why not get some BTB's ordered, load'um down for comfort and put some lead down range? :D

I've recently resurrected an old Springfield Trapdoor 1884 model carbine in 45-70 (of course) and an all original 1919 CG Swede model 96 in 6.5x55 (naturally), and shooting some plinking loads for lots of fun.

The Springfield is using the BTB .460 cast 405 grain FNGC with a reduced load of IMR3031 and a dacron filler. They have crono'd at 1320 fps avg and producing 2" groups at 50 yds., that's a total of 20 shots in the same group.

The Swede is using the BTB .266 cast 135 grain FNGC with a reduced load of AA #9 and dacron filler. They chronograph at 1535 fps avg and group into 1.5" at 50 yds for all 20 shots.

The wind has been at right angles and gusty, so all shooting was limited to the 50 yard line.

If you want to keep in practice 'til hunting season, or just want to have some fun, why not get some BTB's ordered, load'um down for comfort and put some lead down range? :D


I've been wanting to order some BTB's for my Swede, and load them down to spouse velocities. My wife said she would shoot a pig but no deer. Would that load do it?

Yup - that will do it, To

Will send a PM with load data.

That's some fine shooting kdub, especially open sights. Sounds like you have the consistency in the rifle hold nailed down! I have to admit I ordered the lapping kit from BTB for my Browning 1885 45-70 quite awhile back and have yet to send a bullet down the barrel. May be a project for this summer.

yes, they are worth the wait. Marshal done right by me with his Technical Guide and personal conversations concerning loads with BTB.

How clean burning is the load? It sounds to me like it is a low pressure load for 3031, so do you end up with a lot of unburned granules in the bore?

I've noticed a few kernels of unburned powder in the breechafter firing the 20 rounds, but that's it. Might be some more blown downrange that can't be determined. None were gathered on the Pact PC2 sensor frame that was parked 15 ft in front of the muzzle. Could drop back another grain or so and use mag primers, but since these are performing so well, don't really see the need. I'll take the unburned kernel or two and live with it.

Worth the wait, OK, but how long was the wait. I and a friend both ordered bullets on March 17th and we are both still waiting, nearing three months now.

I would guess in the next two weeks CJ.