Differences between the Springfield trapdoors.

[45223]

I was watching a youtube video and I heard some trapdoor models can use regular modern ammo, while the older ones can not. But he didn't specify what model year is more suitable for it.

Does anyone know any info on that? I'm thinking about getting one but don't know much about it. I want to get the earliest later production model that can use smokeless powder.

 

[rcmodel]

They all can use modern ammo.
Standard pressure 45-70 is loaded to safe pressure for any of them, as long as they are in safe shooting condition.

rc

 

[45223]

Okay thanks, I heard it wasn't a good idea to use modern powder in old rifles because of the pressure differences. Although it was conflicting with this particular type of rifle.

 

[Jim Watson]

Of course the EARLY Trapdoors are .50-70; if you want to buy ammo, get a .45-70, 1873 or later.

The standard velocity 405 grain bullet is best. Lead bullets in "cowboy" loads will be the easiest on your gun but the jacketed bullet will probably shoot better. It will also put more wear and tear on the mild steel barrel.

The various 300 grain bullets are usually loaded closer to SAAMI maximum pressure which is more than I care to put in a trapdoor.
For sure do not put anything labeled +P or "lever action" in a trapdoor.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

That's odd, I can't find any reference to +P loads in anything but pistol caliber loads so I guess you are good to go as RC said.

 

[rcmodel]

Oh!

Buffalo Bore, and Garrett, and probably others sell 'Marlin Only' loads that replicate the .458 Winchester Magnum.

They don't call them +P.
They call them 'Marlin Only' loads, or 'Lever-Gun loads.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=151

For sure not safe in a trap door Springfield!!

Most all reloading manuals show three levels of 45-70 loads.

This from older Speer manual:
Trap-Door - 21,000 CUP
Modern lever-guns - 28,000 CUP
Strong single-shot & bolt-action rifles. - 35,000 CUP

rc

 

[Stony]

Both Winchester and Remington have a load marked "safe for all actions". This will be a 405 gr. load that is within pressure limits for the trapdoors.
The 45/70 is one of the most versatile cartridges there is out there for rifles. You can load it with super light plinking loads or really hot stompers, but not the latter for the trapdoor.
I have been shooting an original carbine for years with a plinking load and it's a lot of fun. The old Lyman books list a 405 gr. bullet with 11 gr. of Unique and it's a load you can shoot all day without discomfort.
You will probably find your trapdoor shoots really high at 100 yds or so and that is just how they were designed. You can easily fashion an extra front sight higher than original and they are pinned in place, so are easily replaceable. I made one years ago out of a piece of brass and it's worked great.
Fun guns...you will enjoy it...