Originally Posted by
scruff
Thanks for all of the advice and your PM's!
The rifle is still on its way. I've already received my Hornady dies, and the shell holder will come on Tuesday.
Thanks X Hunter for the tip on Moyer's Cast Bullets. I've got some 405gr and 500gr bullets on order.
Noah Zark was kind enough to sell me some brass. He's also giving me some thin sheets of dental wax. He puts a sheet of wax over the case and punches through with the bullet to create a disk of wax that acts as a gas check and also helps reduce leading. It's an interesting idea, and I'm looking forward to trying it out.
I'd really like to try hollow-base bullets, but the only ones I can find are a buck apiece at Midway. Not ready to make that splurge yet. Lee also has a hollow-base 405gr mold. I might consider casting my own someday, as much to give casting a try as to make bullets for this particular gun.
DucatiRon thinks that would be more trouble than it's worth, especially since I won't want to shoot the gun much after it near rips my arm off lol. At least it's the 32-1/2" infantry rifle, not the carbine, but that steel butt plate DOES look unforgiving. Ron has offered me the use of his melting pot if I want to give casting a try. It's nice having an expert nearby.
As for powder, Ron has offered me some Trail Boss. I think that's my best option to start with. Noah, Duke Conner and Cephas have also recommended Unique, which I have a little of. I was surprised to see online that numerous people use 2400 in their trapdoor loads. Apparently some older manuals listed it, including Lyman. I have a lifetime supply of 2400, but if I ever try that, I'll be very cautious.
I am going to start by slugging the barrel. I just found that I can pancake a 45 ACP bullet with an anvil and big hammer to expand it out past .459", so I have my slugs. I'm off to Lowes to buy a 3/8" x 36" aluminum rod to use as my ramrod.
I'm really looking forward to this. I think it's great that the Trapdoor is so similar to the 1861 musket. Same stock, trigger group, barrel, even the ramrod has been converted into a cleaning rod. That makes the gun that much more interesting to me, that aside from the trapdoor and firing pin, it's nearly identical to the Civil War infantry rifle. Very cool.
Anyway, thanks again for the help. Any other comments and advice will be greatly appreciated! I'll keep posting my progress.