I just purchased an 1873 trapdoor and shot it using both a 405 grain cast bullet and a 500 grain bullet, both sized at .459 and loaded over 28 grains of imr 4198.
the first shot had zero recoil, the bullet hit the ground at 100 yards (was aiming at 300) and lots of unburnt powder in the case and barrel. I cleaned out the bore and action, figured a heavier bullet might seal the case better (a little higher pressure) and tried the 500 grain bullet.
this time, the front of the case ruptured. again, no recoil and the bullet hit way low with low velocity.
the bore measures at .457 at the muzzle. when I loose load a lee 500 grain bullet into a case and cycle it through the action, I get an overall length of 3.14 inches.
is it possible that this is chambered for 45-90? or did I just get a detonated case?
any help is appreciated.
thx,
John