Range Report: 118 year-old 45-70 Springfield 1888

Scar270 said:
I might have to try the cream of wheat thing, I have an original 1888 as well, it's in almost as good of shape as yours based on the pic.

I've been using 40 grains of varget under a 530 gr cast bullet from the guy over in Prince Albert, they shoot quite well. I've been trying the same load with my own cast bullets and have had trouble with leading. I'm going to try gas checked bullets, if that doesn't work I am going to try using pure lead, right now I'm using straight wheel weights.

They sure are nice rifles, with an amazing sighting system. I just hope I can get some of my own bullets to shoot well.
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Trapdoor bore size can very greatly ( I've measured them from .457 up to .463). The best bullet to use is a pure lead hollow base so that it bumps up to fit groove dia. upon firing.
 
Now go out and let the old girl eat some Shilo Sharps.
They may be a bit rich for it's diet but I am sure you will work it off her.
Fantastic groups!!!!!!!
Good shooting!!!!!!!!
 
Alonzo said:
Now go out and let the old girl eat some Shilo Sharps.
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I'd love to have a Shiloh Sharps and have drooled over them for a long time. However there are two problems: 1) The are pricey and 2) they are not a legal antique.

I've never had an old time rifle shoot like this one. I'm loading up a bunch more to try next weekend. If this old girls shoots like this on a regular basis, then I'm moving over to the 200 yard range.
 
I can remember at our range a few years ago, a shooter was using tapioca (uncooked) pudding as a filler in his Springfield loads. Had a precular smell indeed on the firing line......

Cream of Wheat is more affordable I'm thinking........:)
 
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