I have a Springfield Model 1873 (a late 19th Century Assault Rifle) in .45-70. It is in beautiful condition, and the rifling is very good. I would love to take it out to the range to see how she does, but I want to be very careful not to damage it. I know that jackted bullets are a no-no, so I will be hand-loading lead bullets. My question is: Do I have to be careful with the hardness of the lead bullets that I load in it? If this is the case, does anyone know a source of soft lead 500 grain bullets I could buy?
Does anyone have any advice or recomendations about shooting this relic?
For the record, I am well aware that most loading manuals have data for the Trapdoor rifles that is separate from the newer lever guns and single shot rifles.
Does anyone have any advice or recomendations about shooting this relic?
For the record, I am well aware that most loading manuals have data for the Trapdoor rifles that is separate from the newer lever guns and single shot rifles.