Some more pics. I was pleased at the response at the range. When that first "kawhoom" went off and the smoke cleared, everyone was looking at me. Also loved the "thump" when that big lead slug hit the dirt backstop.
As I said, I have had this rifle for awhile but have just now had a chance to shoot it. It came with the '73 Buckhorn sight and I replaced it with the Buffington. The sling is not original as it is a 1907 model, but it is apparent that it has been on this rifle for quite awhile. The stock has been sanded, or is a replacement because there is no cartouche.
I shot the "carbine" load, consisting of a 405 grain cast slug ahead of 55 grains of blackpowder. I expected my shots to be high, but at 100 yds. I was completely off the paper. So, I'm not sure just how accurate this old girl is. I slugged the bore yesterday and my groove diameter is .4562", but because of the way the rifling is cut I could not get a good measurement of the land diameter.
I am casting the Lee 405 grain, hollow base bullet with a .4562" diameter. Would anyone like to share any smokeless loads using a similar bullet? I am using SPG bullet lube, but, I am curious as to what type bullet lube was used in these cartridges when they were in service.
Hope you enjoy looking. This is my first, but probably not last, Trapdoor.
Just my opinion, but I don't think black powder loads are the way to go unless you like the mess of cleaning up both your rifle and brass. It's 2011. Use a good smokeless load that duplicates the ballistics of the original ammunition and don't look back. There are all sorts of loading data for the different types of rifles chambered for the 45 caliber cartridge so always be sure you are using loads for the weakest actions. My own preference for powder is IMR 3031. Others will have their favorite. Don't use any of the fast burning pistol or shotgun powders or fillers or wads. They will eventually get you into trouble and they are not necessary. Also, there's no need to shoot the really heavy bullets. The recoil, even in a rifle, is too much for enjoyable shooting and you'll soon find yourself flinching. Jacketed bullets won't hurt a thing.
My own favorite for both the carbine and rifle is the Hornady 350 grain RN and 40 grains of IMR 3031 in a modern case.
The original bullet lube was Japan wax. the rounds custom loaded at Creedmoor in 1880-81 used a mix of beeswax and sperm whale oil. This from the RCO for 80-81.
I shoot about the same load as you described. I use closer to 60grns blackpowder behind the Lee bullet and use SPG lube. I have used a mix of bees wax and olive oil in the past but the SPG is easier. One thing is sure. Using black powder and modern casings you won't blow up a 120 year old action. I quit using smokeless in mine 20 years ago. I shoot my Krags or 03s if I don't want to clean up the blackpowder mess.
A funnel in the arse end and some hot water down the barrel will clean up the "mess" It's not that much work unless you feel lazy and can't be bothered to clean the rifle the same day you shoot it! The rifle was DESIGNED for black powder, and its lots of fun to stink out the guy on the bench on either side of you. If you want to use smokeless, buy a modern rifle.
I take a plastic jug with soapy water in it and dump in each fired round as I shoot it. When i get home, I dump out that water and flush with some fresh water.
I did come up with a thingy to dry the cases. Took a piece of wood, drilled holes in it for dowel rods, and just put the cases on the rods to dry.
Interesting how many shooters prefer to use BP in the old guns in spite of the availibility of good smokeless loads. If the guys who originally used those old rifles and carbines had access to smokless loads, they would have jumped on them and never use BP again. I suppose it's a nostalgia thing but after cleaning up the mess a few times, nostalgia becomes a lot less attractive. Kinda like blending your own gasoline to put lead back in it to burn in your 55 Chevy.
For some of us it has to do with the groups we shoot with. No smokeless loads allowed. Re-enacting groups and BP competitive shooting.
I used to shoot smokeless powder loads. The chance of overloading or double charging a load and blowing up a 130 year old rifle lost it's appeal long ago. I own plenty of modern rifles for that such as the Krags and 03s. If I am going to shoot a trapdoor or rollingblock I like the authenticity and the safty factor. Cleaning is not the worst chore in the world. Even later shooters had to clean their rifles due to corrosive primers. Sometimes that is just as big a pain as th black powder.
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