1884 trapdoor Lyman 457124 (385 gr.) 15 grains unique.

[smkummer]

This was posted as a max load in Lyman’s 45 manual. We have fired a few of these in my buddies original 1884 trapdoor Springfield and my H&R repro officers model. No I’ll effects but modern manuals don’t go that high. I see that even the 42nd edition used 14 grains. Current Alliant data lists 11 grains.

Any others doing this? I can certainly download. Unique is certainly economical in these times.

[Bent Ramrod]

I used to load 13 gr Unique under the 457124 in my .45-70 Garrett Sharps carbine. Very mild but accurate to at least 200 yards and that boolit landed with authority.

[smkummer]

Bump. Anyone shooting old trapdoors with this load?

[marlinman93]

No, but my old Ideal #39 shows 15.0 grs. of Unique with a 405 cast lead to be 1545 fps. I personally think the 14.0 gr. with a 385 is a bit hotter than I'd use in a Trapdoor, or Rolling Block of older manufacture. I'd be more comfortable dropping it down maybe 1.0 gr.

[pworley1]

I try to stay in the light to medium loads with the trapdoors. If I want to shoot hot loads, I use a modern rifle made for the higher pressures. The trapdoors could most likely take the pressure, but why push them if just punching paper.

[Kraschenbirn]

My old Chrony says that 13.5 gr. Unique under the Lyman 457124, cast 20-1 and PC'd, from my repro Trapdoor carbine duplicates the 45-55-405 load and shoots to POA using the 1879 'C' sight settings. Not uncomfortable to shoot and every bit as accurate as my BP loads without the clean-up.

Bill

[smkummer]

Planning on shooting 200 yard steel. The last loads were 14 grains. I’ll see how they do and probably creep them down to 13.5 maybe 13. Thanks.

[hornady308]

I'm using a 310gr bullet that Ranch Dog designed for Marlins in 45-70. I only use 12gr of Unique since it is very accurate and I am concerned about placing undue stress on this rifle. It has a low 4-digit serial number and has clearly seen a LOT of use.281319