Was given a 1865 Springfield breech loader. Anyone know where I could have it looked at? Don't know what caliber it is ? Would like it looked at as I would like to hunt with it. I'm in southern Wisconsin.
1865 Springfield
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308plinkerVT
Well-Known Member
I don't know who to suggest in your state. 45-70 or 50-70 should be your choices to the best of my knowledge, 50 being more likely. A caliper measurement at the bore should point you in the right direction. You will need to craft some (actual) blackpowder and pure lead loads for it. Also you'll need to download approx 10% due to modern powder being a tad more energetic (per my research).
Where can you get the brass ?
308plinkerVT
Well-Known Member
If 50-70 I think Starline was most reliable but they only produce it every so often and are out right now. Check Gunbroker and surf the web for a WHILE. Make sure to use the right key words and something in stock might show itself. There was a company making some loaded too but the $ was a bit inspiring to load your own if you intend to shoot it even semi regularly.
If 45-70 shouldn't be hard to find. Just DO NOT USE modern ammo.
Take it in to America's Gunsmith Shop, 300 S Pine St. in Burlington. 262-661-4349 It's an absolutely wonderful gunsmith shop and turn out exquisite work. The should be able to help you.
I have always wanted one of those, they are a really cool piece of history
Definitely don't use the modern 45-70 produced today.
I would reproducing the old black powder loads
98s1lightning
Well-Known Member
Might be able to load down some low pressure TRAIL BOSS loads. So you don't have to put corrosive black powder through it. Most likely gonna be using lead bullets instead of jacketed for low pressure loads.
Have to have it looked at though. Its probably so old its not safe for ANY smokeless powder period.
Have to have it looked at though. Its probably so old its not safe for ANY smokeless powder period.
308plinkerVT
Well-Known Member
Yeppers, these old gaffers need pure lead and black powder (I think memory says 10% "loaded down" due to modern powder is higher pressure). It's an experience (;
