.351 and 45-70

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jaygjf

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I just inherited a number of guns and the most interesting to me are a .351 hunting rifle my great grandfather used for deer and moose, and a 45-70 that my grandfather says was manufactured in the late 1800's. Now, what I'm curious to know is didn't they stop making .351 in the 80's? Is anyone making it? The gun CAN be a permanent safe queen, but what fun is that? Maybe someone has brass and an idea for a safe bullet to load in it? The other thing is the 45-70. Being that it's around 115 years old it was obviously designed for a black powder cartridge am I right? Is there a smokeless load that's safe to use with it? Like a factory load? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
You'll have to provide more info on the 45/70 before anyone could suggest loads, need to know action type, model, etc.
 
That's a good question. I haven't actually picked them up yet, but I'll see what I can dig up.
 
All it says on the list is that it's a "single shot rolling block army rifle in 45-70" honestly I'm not sure what that means.
 
Scared me for a minute there. I thought you meant it would be a muzzle loader. I already have several of them. If I'm understanding correctly it still takes a cartridge albeit a black powder cartridge. So, I'm back to my original question. Is there a smokeless load that's safe to use in these?
 
Go to the Blackpowder and Antiques discussion section. There is a Sticky on there called 'Smokeless in Antiques'........lots of great information. To answer your question.....Yes.....lots of shooters are doing it. Use caution and common sense.....after educating yourself a bit.
 
Check around I believe there are factoty smokeless powder loads manufactured by Winchester and Remington that are loaded at low pressure so they can be used in the old black powder rifles.

You can at times pick up .351 WSL cartridges at gun shows.The Handloaders Manual of Cartrigde Conversions states that cases can be made from.357 Max cases.Turn rim to.407" dia.Cut new extractor groove.Trim to 1.38" and F/L size.Chamfer.
 
"...Is there a smokeless load that's safe to use in these?..." Yep. Trapdoor Springfield loads should be fine. Look in your manual.
Epp's list .351 SL brass. I have data whenever your ready for it. Catch is the bullets. None of the major bullet manufacturers makes one. Lyman does make a mold though.
 
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sunray said:
"...Is there a smokeless load that's safe to use in these?..." Yep. Trapdoor Springfield loads should be fine. Look in your manual.
Epp's list .351 SL brass. I have data whenever your ready for it. Catch is the bullets. None of the major bullet maanufacturers makes one. Lyman does make a mold though.
Click to expand...

Sounds like fun. I've never casted before. Can it be done in anything but lead?
 
"...anything but lead?..." You wouldn't want to use anything else in a vintage rifle. Casting lead is safe as long as your casting room is well ventilated. Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook is the place to go.
 
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