Load data for 45/70 out of a Model 1873 reproduction

[sheepdog]

I got the 500 grain mould and the Lee 45/70 3 pieces die set. What is a nice, safe load for this combo?

[wiljen]

I would stick with the the type 1 (Weakest action type) loads available in any of the manuals. Loads designed for modern Levers or the Ruger #1 should be avoided at all costs.

[Wayne Smith]

Frankly, a case full of FFG or FFFG, card wad, and boolit lubed with Emmerts or similar. Get a PAST pad! With a 500gr pill that thing will kick like a mule, even with BP.

[hydraulic]

I shoot 62 grs of Goex 2F under the Lyman 500 gr. bullet in my orignal Springfiield Model 1873. Actually it's a Model 1879. I don't use wads and my lube is half beeswax and half deer tallow. A little canola oil mixed in works good in cool weather. Wipe with a wet patch between shots.

[Larry Gibson]

I got the 500 grain mould and the Lee 45/70 3 pieces die set. What is a nice, safe load for this combo?

If you've a H&R or Pedersoli repro of the M1873 trapdoor then the bore will be .458/.459. Even though made of modern steels stick with "trapdoor" loads in the manuals. For smokeless powder loads with the 500 gr bullet I prefer 4895 with a dacron filler or 5744 with a dacron filler in my TDs (original and H&Rs). For BP loads I prefer duplex loads using 7 gr 4759 with 62 gr of Goex cartridge BP on top of it, don't have to wipe the barrel after each shot. I've shot 100+ shots of this duplex load in a day without any wiping at all. No fouling buildup, no leading and no loss of accuracy. Suggest you get get Wolf's book on replicating M1873 trapdoor loads as it covers all aspects quite well.

Larry Gibson