45-70

[Lampwick]

I’m in the market for a 45-70 rifle but am unsure as to the future for the caliber in the UK with regards a potential lead ban!!

I fancy an original Springfield trapdoor. My question is I note non lead ammunition is available but is it ok to shot through the Springfield?? If not, presumably a modern reproduction would be?

Cheers

 

[alberta boy]

I wouldn't shoot anything but lead bullets through an original Trapdoor , jacketed bullets will damage the softer steel . You can , however shoot jacketed bullets through a modern repro like a Harrington & Richardson , Pedersoli or Uberti . There are also monolithic copper bullets available , but you will have to keep the pressures at original levels . Whether they would expand at those lower velocities is a question I can't answer . I've owned original and reproduction Trapdoors , they are very cool old rifles . They're also reliable killers on big game with the original loads . The incoming lead ban in the UK might put a crimp on that though .

AB

 

[Smellydog]

I know where a rare original one is and a H&R.

 

[Stalker62]

I am very fortunate to own an original (Model 1888) Springfield Trapdoor rifle.

Does not get shot terribly often, but great fun when she gets an outing.

Used to fire very modest (Black Powder) loads with a lead bullet.

 

[25 Sharps]

I’m in the market for a 45-70 rifle but am unsure as to the future for the caliber in the UK with regards a potential lead ban!!

I fancy an original Springfield trapdoor. My question is I note non lead ammunition is available but is it ok to shot through the Springfield?? If not, presumably a modern reproduction would be?

Cheers

Are you wanting to shoot deer or target? If the former lead free will likely be required if the latter then hopefully we will still be able to use lead.

 

[Lampwick]

Are you wanting to shoot deer or target? If the former lead free will likely be required if the latter then hopefully we will still be able to use lead.

Target only. Fingers crossed but I’m probably going to wait.

 

[Andy RV]

Buy it and enjoy it out until you can’t.

 

[Greener Jim]

.458 is pretty well taken care of with non-lead so pretty future proof, however I do agree with others that in a trapdoor or other old rifle it isn't a good idea.

Either wait and see if lead will be allowed for targets, and if it is then get an oldie for the range, or just get a modern repro of an oldie that is happier with the modern bullets.
If going for the latter, be a shame to not get it down for deer aswell.

 

[Smellydog]

I'm not to convinced about the concern about using jacketed or mono bullets in an original.
Those bullets are still very much softer than the steel used in the originals!
Considering there could well be some pitting from the dodgy primers used way back when.....and considering that it maybe, God forbid, be scrap anyway why not just shoot what the hell shoots out of the freaking thing

 

[Lampwick]

I'm not to convinced about the concern about using jacketed or mono bullets in an original.
Those bullets are still very much softer than the steel used in the originals!
Considering there could well be some pitting from the dodgy primers used way back when.....and considering that it maybe, God forbid, be scrap anyway why not just shoot what the hell shoots out of the freaking thing

 

[Lampwick]

.458 is pretty well taken care of with non-lead so pretty future proof, however I do agree with others that in a trapdoor or other old rifle it isn't a good idea.

Either wait and see if lead will be allowed for targets, and if it is then get an oldie for the range, or just get a modern repro of an oldie that is happier with the modern bullets.
If going for the latter, be a shame to not get it down for deer aswell.

I’m not sure they will let me have it conditioned for deer? They wouldn’t let me have my 7x61 conditioned for deer as “you already have two .30 calibers conditioned”

 

[Greener Jim]

I’m not sure they will let me have it conditioned for deer? They wouldn’t let me have my 7x61 conditioned for deer as “you already have two .30 calibers conditioned”

I hate that one. Your good reason is to shoot deer, that good reason exists whether you have 1 rifle or 27.
However won't derail the thread into that cul de sac

7x61 is very cool though, I'd bin a 30 cal unless they're cool too.

 

[Lampwick]

I hate that one. Your good reason is to shoot deer, that good reason exists whether you have 1 rifle or 27.
However won't derail the thread into that cul de sac

7x61 is very cool though, I'd bin a 30 cal unless they're cool too.

Fairly cool, cracking Parker Hale and Enfield no4!!

 

[Lampwick]

A little knowledge can be dangerous!! However, any experts out there? I’ve been looking for 45/70 as above and got carried away researching Springfields.

Cutting to the chase if it looks too good to be true it generally is? Is this an original?

An 1884 with the date stamped below US Springfield and very good case colour.

 

[Smellydog]

A little knowledge can be dangerous!! However, any experts out there? I’ve been looking for 45/70 as above and got carried away researching Springfields.

Cutting to the chase if it looks too good to be true it generally is? Is this an original?

An 1884 with the date stamped below US Springfield and very good case colour.

View attachment 318089

Don't know about that one buddy but I know where a very special original exists.
It has a very special ram rod added with a special retaining catch.
The purveyor is very approachable and no doubt provide photos for you.
Let me know if you want to know more.

 

[Lampwick]

Went for a Pedersolli in the end!

Future proofed whatever the outcome of the lead debacle!