50-70 brass

[pohill]

This might belong somewhere else, but I'll start here.

I bought an 1868 Springfield Trapdoor .50 - .70, knowing that I'd have to reload (once I learn how to reload). The problem is that the brass is not available until mid-October from Starline Brass, which apparently supplies Track of the Wolf, Dixie Gunworks, etc. And it looks like you gotta put your order in now, 'cause it's first come, first served when it is available.
To anyone here that reloads 50-70 - is this brass always this hard to find?
How many reloads can you get out of one case?

 

[highlander 5]

I believe you can make the bras from 348 Winchester brass if you can find it.
Can't find my copy of Cartridge Conversions right now.

 

[pohill]

Thanks. I'll check that out.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

As I recall there may be a head rim thickness problem with the 348 brass.

I came across a deal years ago and bought 10 boxes of brass. All head stamped Dixie Gun Works. I was loading 50-70 way back in the early 1980's when components were difficult to find. I also was able to locate a Ideal tong tool in 50-70 complete with the mold. I have an 1868 Trapdoor, a NYS Militia Rolling block in 50-70 and a Garret Arms Sharps repro in 50-70 An acquaintance claims to have a 50-70 single shot pistol he wants to unload. I have been gently bugging him about it and have yet to see it. He says it is a break open like a TC Contender.

 

[pohill]

Let's jump ahead and assume that I'm able to reload the 50-70...how do you rate the recoil? Can you compare it to another caliber - 30.06 for example? I'll be using black powder only.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

I only load black powder. Recoil is no worse than a 50 cal muzzleloader withh 100 grains of powder. Kick bumps up a bit because of the 450 grain bullet. Trapdoors tend to have less drop than many other guns and while the recoil is not as bad as many guns, it can still slap you around some. In my Sharps repro, it is quite comfortable. maybe akin to the 30-30.

 

[pohill]

Good info. Thanks. I just want to know what to expect. I've been shooting a Mosin Nagant 7.62 X 54 lately and that's just nasty.