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  1. #1
    Legacy Member MTwoodsman's Avatar
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    New to me Trapdoor

    Hello everyone.

    I've perused the info and impressive rifles here for a while, and I recently purchased this Model 1884 Springfield. It has an inspector's mark and serial number production year of 1888. Looks good overall, although the inspection mark seems almost too clear compared to what I have seen on other rifles.

    Rifling looks good, and at some point I plan to hand-load some rounds to put through it. I've looked at developed loads elsewhere (the Trapdoor Collector website, most notably). Anyone here have any favorite loads they'd like to suggest?






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    Last edited by MTwoodsman; 04-18-2017 at 07:01 PM.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Welcome to the forum, you should have a look through a few books and see what they recommend, some will come to you here but check them against verified information. Nice looking rifle. You say the barrel is good?
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member MTwoodsman's Avatar
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    From what I can see, yes. I don't have my good bore light on hand, but I can't see much (if any) sign of pitting and the rifling looks reasonably sharp.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Nice. I've never been so lucky.
    Regards, Jim

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    Contributing Member mrclark303's Avatar
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    I have to say it's a very crisp looking example, lovely piece for any collection.

    I'm not too up on these trapdoors, surprised they were still being made at that point, were they directly replaced by the Kragicon?

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    Quote Originally Posted by mrclark303 View Post
    I have to say it's a very crisp looking example, lovely piece for any collection.

    I'm not too up on these trapdoors, surprised they were still being made at that point, were they directly replaced by the Kragicon?
    They are a lovely rifle John, mine is on Gunstar at present at a very low price.....

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    Quote Originally Posted by mrclark303 View Post
    surprised they were still being made at that point
    1888? The Kragicon didn't come into service for some time...5 years is a space age in the military and government.
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
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    Before handloading, slug your bore as most shooters require a .459 dia bullet for best results. If loading black powder, a drop tube is nice to use for the powder.

    Some late trapdoors were made in 30-40 Kragicon caliber but did not work out, these actions were very weak compared to the Martini of the same period

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    Legacy Member MTwoodsman's Avatar
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    I've heard of drop tubes, but never seen one. How difficult are those to come across? Also, I've heard of people using a blow tube during shooting - what's that for?

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    Legacy Member P246's Avatar
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    1+ on slugging, mine requires a .460 bullet to stabalize. ..458s went sideways through the target. I used a Black Powder compression die instead of a drop tube. Either method gets you there. Best advise is no air pocket between powder and bullet. Couple good books on the topic is 40 Years with the 45-70 by Paul Matthews and Loading Cartridges for the Original 45-70 Springfield Rifle and Carbine by J.S. And Pat Wolf. Skip experimenting and read the books first then get your loading stuff and take off. I did it backwards, can't recommend that. Mine is very similar to yours but born 1 year later.

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