1873 Springfield Trapdoor

[Charles Z]

I own a reproduction Harrington and Richardson Trapdoor, 1873. Caliber
.45-70. I bought a couple of boxes of Federal ammo and took the rifle to the range. Great fun, kicked like a mule but I think this cartridge as loaded was a little too hot. The cleaning rod retaining pin fell out/ broke.
So I'm thinking---take the cases and load them with black powder. Seat the same bullet and use modern primers. Is there anything wrong with this scenario?
If this wouldn't work then does anyone know of a modern factory load .45-70 with a little less kick? Thanks.

Charles

 

[highlander 5]

First off which bullet weight were the Federal's loaded with,300 gr I'm guessing.
Nothing wrong with using BP or the modern substitutes ie Triple 7 or Pyrodex with 400gr or heavier cast bullets. If you wish to avoid the hassles of BP you might want to try Accurate Arms 5744 with cast bullets,it's what I use in my Sharps.
Recoil is quite comfortable and very good accuracy. I use my own cast bullets weighing in at 520 gr from a Saeco mold block. Hitting quarters at fifty yards is boring after a while.