Trapdoor load

[schofieldbob]

Looking at adding a Trapdoor to the mix. I've got a good load for my Sharps 45-70, it's a 535gr Postell by Montana Bullet and OE 1 1/2. Will that work to start out in the Trapdoor or do I need a lighter bullet? Thanks

[Nobade]

They have a 1:20 twist so lighter might be more accurate. Also very short throat so not much can stick out of the case. They work great with 457125 though, since it looks like the original 500.

[Walks]

I settled on the Lyman #457493 cast of 50/50 COWW/#2 over 34grs of IMR3031 quite awhile ago. Shoots very well out of a 1884 rifle and 2 different spaghetti Sharps.
It's also the starting load in the Lyman handbook. I've also loaded 5744-28grs and IMR4198-34grs.
My as cast weight is 416grs.

[Larry Gibson]

You might find some useful information on loading for your TD in this thread;

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?190999-My-Trapdoor-Loads-Technique-and-Equipment

[GONRA]

GONRA is just commenting from reading thru the decades - but use load LIGHT loads for yer trapdoor!
If I had one - would only load MY OWN HANDLOADS ! Don't wanna get a KABOOM!

(Younger son loads .45-70 for his MODERN production rifle. These would BLOW UP a trapdoor!)

[onelight]

The link Larry posted has some great info for TD loading.

[schofieldbob]

Thanks for the comments, shot it today with my Sharps loads only at 100 yds and it shot a 2" 5 shot group using the 520 gr Bear Creek bullet. I'm gonna order some 405's and try those. Fun to shoot. Buffington Sight is gonna be a steep learning curve.

[Nobade]

Glad to hear it works well. The sight and its use is well described in Loading and Shooting The Trapdoor book. It's worth getting a copy now that you own one of those rifles.

[schofieldbob]

Glad to hear it works well. The sight and its use is well described in Loading and Shooting The Trapdoor book. It's worth getting a copy now that you own one of those rifles.
Thanks, just ordered it.