My wife is awesome, 1888 Trapdoor

[Cessnapilot89]

My wife gave me a beautiful 1888 Springfield Trapdoor as a present. Bore is in better shape than I would have imagined for a rifle of this age.
As I want to shoot BP loads from it I am trying to figure out where to begin. I just want to make sure I don't blow up a piece of history.
What projectiles would fellow trapdoor shooters recommend!

[Shawlerbrook]

Most recommended slugging the bore to pick the right bullet. Hollow base bullets with black powder are supposed to fill the grooves. Larry Gibson here is the source for Trapdoor information.

[GregLaROCHE]

You married the right woman! If everything is in good shape, it’s almost impossible to load too much BP into the case, but never ever use modern smokeless in it.

[Nobade]

Start with the Spence Wolf book about making ammo for the Trapdoor. After that you'll know what to do. It also teaches you how to use the sights and other good things.

[pworley1]

Congratulations on the wife! Nice rifle too.

[Cessnapilot89]

Thanks Gents! I appreciate it!

Yeah, I am pretty blessed. Not sure how many wives would say, "Yeah lets drive to Montana and get you that Sharps next week." She is awesome and we are expecting our first child in May!

[Dutchman]

This is the link to the Wolf book. Its the best book on the subject.

https://www.amazon.com/Loading-cartridges-original-Springfield-carbine/dp/157579019X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G8YP2X4W1C4A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IcGu8SQn7pTG_TEQJToqHA.yDfPos-x9cDexHB1O7iYQYxZMv42OSBYSQ1aMZYIwPc&dib_tag=se&keywords=1873+springfield+wolf&qid=1705550756&sprefix=1873+springfield+wolf%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1

[Larry Gibson]

My wife gave me a beautiful 1888 Springfield Trapdoor as a present. Bore is in better shape than I would have imagined for a rifle of this age.
As I want to shoot BP loads from it I am trying to figure out where to begin. I just want to make sure I don't blow up a piece of history.
What projectiles would fellow trapdoor shooters recommend!

You should find some useful information in this thread; https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?190999-My-Trapdoor-Loads-Technique-and-Equipment

[steveu]

The best load I use is 64.5 grains of Swiss 1.5, WLRM primer, .060” Walters wad, 512 grain bullet sized to .461 with an alloy that equals 16-1. Cases have the flash hole drilled per Wolf’s book. Best accuracy is obtained by wiping between shots with a derlin rod and nylon brush. That’s what I used at Alliance gong match. Store bought bullets are going to likely be too small and hard.

Cheers, Steve

[gwpercle]

Dang ... That Is Some Awesome Wife ...!!!

Don't let her get away ... A good wife is a blessing from Heaven ... a bad wife is a curse from the :twisted: !

And ... the 1888 Trapdoor Springfield is Pretty Dang :awesome: too !

Lets have a drink :drinks: I'm buying
Gary