Trapdoor still not shooting.....

[glockshot]

This spring I loaded up 500 grn cast loads for my new 1873.At 50 yards,it was all over the target.12-18 ins.difference per shoot.
We decided that.460 dia.bullets would do the trick.Since then,I now reload,so last night loaded 20 reds of .460 dia 500 grn up and same thing today at the range.1 shot center of target,next 18 ins high,next maybe 12 ins low and 10 to left...
Going to try some 405 grn next.If that doesn't improve things,guess I need to slug the barrel to see what the devil is going on.?...

[ww321q]

I usually do that first so I know what fits the old barrel. Ammo supplies are had to get sometimes for me.

[musketshooter]

It would be beneficial to know what your load was. The bullet only does part of the work.

[Dick Hosmer]

How, in general, is your bore? How clean is it? What alloy are you using? Needs to be SOFT (wheelweights - great for .30-'06 - but won't work here). Powder type and weight? What sight(s)? Are you shooting from a rest? If so. are you resting the barrel on a hard surface?

Something major is not right. 1"-2" would be expected at 50yds. rest. Are you jerking the trigger? 6/8 pounds doesn't squeeze too well at times.

[glockshot]

The bore is good with strong rifle lying yet.The crown is in good condition as well.Bore was clean.I'm not jerking the trigger,but know what you mean. The bullets are from Moyer bullets,correct mix.I used 30 grns of H-4198 for the load.Oal 2.555 ins.

[Dick Hosmer]

Guess it's time to slug the bore. In extreme cases bullets have had to be sized up to .463/.464. They need to be soft, 16-1 lead/tin at least, many use 20-1 or 30-1. I do not believe yours are taking the rifling. I see Moyer shows 13 BHN foe their non-GC bullets, so they clearly understand, but their diameter is still .458/.459, which is probably too small for your rifle. Have you tried black powder? As an "explosive", as opposed to a "propellant", it provides a better initial bump-up. Have you read Spencer Wolf's book on loading for the .45-70? Might want to get a copy - some here do not like it, but many people say it at got them on the right track to smaller groups. The rifles can do MUCH better than 12"-18" at 50yds!

[jon_norstog]

Glock,

my own thought is that you should lose the smokeless and use what the old girl was meant to shoot: black powder. That and no less than 16:1 lead to tin for the bullets. try that and see if it doesn't help.

Good luck!

jn

[DRAGONFLYDF]

I use a 405gr cast from lee mold 90374 over 55gr of Tripple 7 FFG, Both my trapdoors love it

[ebeeby]

I use a 405gr cast from lee mold 90374 over 55gr of Tripple 7 FFG, Both my trapdoors love it

I'm surprised a non-hollow base 405gn at .457 would engage the rifling of a trapdoor. What sort of groups do you get at 100yds? (I'm having a devil of time dialing in a good load for the trapdoor)

[wstrayer]

Hope I am not too late. I use SR4759 under a Lee 405 HB sized to .462" For many years I shot 25 grains as per Spence Wolfe. However this summer I went to 26.5 grains. It actually tightened up groups a bit as well as raising impact point.
I hate BP. Not shooting it, but cleaning the cases. Never the less, it might be worth a try for you. I live in northern York County, near the PA Trunpike so I might be close to you. If you want to try some Goex cartridge grade and some of my cast bullets let me know via email

[DRAGONFLYDF]

With my rifle I have no trouble hitting a head sized target at 200 yards, with my carbine it is not as accurate, but it has very little rifling left.