Can you fire factory loads out of a pedersoli trapdoor 45-70

I have. Remington and Winchester, both 405 gr if memory serves. With the Rem, about every 3rd shot the latch would pop open. Win didnt do this, though the accuracy was sad. Minute of pie plate, at best. I wouldnt use any of the modernised or enhanced velocity stuff in it though, the action is too weak. I went back to mild handloads. - dan
 
I shoot reloads in .45-70 but I have always known that regular factory loads
are safe in any .45-70 even the trapdoor , in good shape of course.
In my ammo. supply I have 2 boxes of Rem. .45-70 , Both are with
405 grain SP bullets & Product code " R4570G".
One box says ( For Use In All Rifles).
I have heard , in the past , of Trapdoor Repros having their bolts jump loose on the shot
but no other issue.
 
The breechblock opening on trapdoor reproductions was limited to the H&R reproductions for the most part and in most cases with factory ammo.In this case it had to do with H&R s design of the latch on the breech block as it differed from the original guns by using a separate block latch design with a round shaft with a set screw which could work itself loose.The Pedersoli trapdoors use a separate shaft as well but theirs is square and held in place by a set screw so not as likely to come loose as the H&R.I have read that the H&R reproductions that popped open were mainly ones in late manufacture made from left over parts after H& R shut down but that could be just a rumour
 
Here is a link to the Pedersoli instructions. You'll find this line in there for the trapdoor models:

LOADING AND FIRING
1) Use only factory loaded .45-70 ammunition C.l.P ruled or reloaded with black powder (or
Pyrodex, if allowed in your Country). Ammunition used should not exceed 18,000 C.U.P.

That's pretty low pressure. Lower than the SAMMI max pressure for the .45-70. Assuming factory ammo is loaded to SAMMI pressures I wouldn't risk it unless the ammo gives you pressure data.

Chris.

https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/storage/app/uploads/public/628/3a4/389/6283a43892f98831799297.pdf
 
There are three pressure ratings for the 45-70. The first one is at 18,000 cup and that is for trapdoor actions be it antique or modern reproductions. When buying commercial ammo always check to make sure it is in this bracket. Most loading manuals will show a section for 45-70 Trapdoor. Exceeding this max pressure 18,000 cup may blow your door open.
 
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Trapdoors are made to run black powder loads
Or equivelant.. That being said. Remington 405gr
Jacketed SP on boxes i had..said safe
In all rifles.. However... Id be loading for it..
Id use lead bullets...and black powder/pyrodex.
Now there are reduced smokeless loads
( cowboy loads) that would be fine.
The rifles were made during a time where 1250fps
Was ( fast) compared to muskets and other cartridgesof the period...theres no issue in my opinion
That the Remington 405gr sp factory load would hurt the gun, unless its in poor cond.. Or worn
 
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