The receiver dates to 1880 and the Buffington sight wasn't used until the 1884 models. If you do shoot it only use black powder and lead bullets in it.

 

Hawg,
I appreciate the feedback. I generally shoot more modern firearms but would really like to shoot this one... Could you recommend a particular type/brand of ammunition that would be preferred for usage in this gun?

 

You're limited to shooting ammo that is loaded specifically for Trapdoor pressures. Most modern 45-70 is loaded for Lever actions, modern single shots or bolt actions. The box should have the warning, not for trapdoor Springfields. Do not use jacketed bullets.

They are easy to reload for. I use a hollow base lead .458 bullet of 405 gr and 55 grains of black powder, which is equal to the carbine load for the original 45-70 round. If you are not a reloader, there is a fairly inexpensive Classic Lee Loader that uses a mallet to do the various operations, size, deprime, prime, seat and crimp. The kit contains everything you need, except, powder, primers and bullets. Warning reloading is addictive.

 

You're limited to shooting ammo that is loaded specifically for Trapdoor pressures. Most modern 45-70 is loaded for Lever actions, modern single shots or bolt actions. The box should have the warning, not for trapdoor Springfields. Do not use jacketed bullets.

They are easy to reload for. I use a hollow base lead .458 bullet of 405 gr and 55 grains of black powder, which is equal to the carbine load for the original 45-70 round. If you are not a reloader, there is a fairly inexpensive Classic Lee Loader that uses a mallet to do the various operations, size, deprime, prime, seat and crimp. The kit contains everything you need, except, powder, primers and bullets. Warning reloading is addictive.

Thank you very much... Guess I'm going to get into reloading! Best source for the reloading tool(s) and supplies (primers, powder, etc.)? Also any sort of literature that would be beneficial? While I've never done any reloading, I consider myself to be relatively intelligent and a quick learner... But I'll be starting from a zero sum of knowledge on the subject. Any pointers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hawg gave you great information. Pre-1884 models didn't use the Buffington rear sight. The pre-1884 models used an arched-bottom breech block. Don't be fooled by how the bore looks - most of these Trapdoors need a good barrel scrubbing to rid the bore of polished lead coating.

I'd like to see the piece you found in the butt trap: without seeing it I'm guessing it is a stuck cartridge case removal tool. The early cases were made of copper, and the rims tended to strip off while attempting to eject the fired cases - so a stuck case tool was a common thing to carry in the butt trap. There was also a sectional cleaning rod carried there for cleaning in the field, as well as to be used to thread into the broken shell extractor to facilitate removal of the stuck case. Complete cleaning was done in garrison with a wooden barracks cleaning rod.

Bit of trivia: Troopers often bought cheap knives from Post Sutlers to extract stuck cartridge cases. I've read reports from the Custer Battlefield that many broken knives were found around the bodies of Custer's slain Troopers after the battle.

A brass front sight blade would be incorrect for your Carbine. As far as the Buffington rear sight on your Carbine, many of the early Trapdoors were upgraded with more modern parts by Post Armorers during their period of usage.

I wouldn't use modern sporting .45-70 jacketed ammunition in that Carbine for two reasons: One is that hard jacketed bullets are tough on the soft steel barrel rifling - and the other is that your sights are regulated (calibrated) specifically for lead bullets and black powder. If you do ever shoot modern hunting .45-70 ammo, you will find that your bullets will impact about 12" high at 100 yards at the lowest sight setting.

There were TWO seperate loadings for the Trapdoors: One for the long Infantry rifle (the early loads used a 405 hollow base lead bullet and later a 500 grain plain base bullet - both with a soft lead/tin alloy and a +/- 70 grain powder charge)) - and a second separately issued load for Carbine use (all with the 405 grain hollow base bullet and a +/- 55 grain powder charge). I don't know of anyone who makes proper/authentic .45-70 Springfield Trapdoor ammo today. I load my own to original specifications (the U.S. 1886 version - deeply seated to eliminate the need for a filler).

 

Best advice is to read a few books on reloading. One I remember is The ABC's of reloading.

Primers are in short supply right now and overpriced. You would need Large Rifle Primers for a 45-70. There are several online suppliers of reloading equipment and supplies. Don't discount flea bay for some equipment. Black powder can be ordered online as well but the hazmat charge is pretty hefty if you only want a pound or two. If you have friends that shoot it, buy a 25 pound case and spilt it. Smokeless powder and primers also have a hazmat charge added to the shipping.

There are several black powder substitutes that can usually be found at your local wally world. PyrodexRS and triple 7-2F. They are loaded to the same volume, not weight as black powder. They are both as corrosive as black powder residue and must be cleaned at the end of the shooting session with a water based cleaner or hot soapy water followed by drying and oiling. Brass also needs to be cleaned of the residue.

While the Classic Lee Loader is the simplest, it is not ideal if you plan to load a lot of cartridges. Most people start with a single station press that you do one operation on the cases, change dies and do the next. Usually three die changes. I went from a Lee Loader to a Dillon 550 progressive press. A progressive press has a rotating shell plate or turret and does all reloading operations simultaneously as you rotate the shell plate and pull the handle. You can reload several hundred rounds an hour with one.

 

I have one of these too. Someone shortened the stock to give a "Carbine" look, but the barrel is the original length. Slot in the forearm for the rod bayonet which came with the gun. I shot it a few times, but now a wall hanger. Despite the butchering the rifle is in very good shape.

 

That would be a good candidate for restoration. Stocks and parts are available.