I don’t shoot black powder guns. I do have a 1873 Springfield 45-70 trap door rifle (made in 1882) and the bayonet. It belonged to my dad’s grandfather, who was in the Spanish American War (my dad died in March at 95.). He gave it to my father when he was 3 years old. For past 40 years is was over his fireplace mantle. It is at my home now. We are deeding his home to my niece, nephew and my daughter.
I do not have black powder, but the 45-70 was originally loaded with 70 grains of black powder and a 405 or 500 grain cast lead bullet. I will be loading it with smokeless powder. I have a 405 grain 45 caliber bullet mold, that works with it.
Best Regards my FRiend,
Dave K.
I’m not a black powder guy myself but my friend got me to sign up for the muzzleloader tag for elk. Last year, 100% draw success for this unit. We had four people sign up and I was the only one who drew. Fortunately, my friend went for a mule deer tag and got one or I would have been Jeremiah Johnson.