"Trap Door" Actions – Black Powder Equivalent .45-70 Loads
We are excited to introduce our new low-pressure Black Powder Equivalent (BPE) .45-70 loads, developed in response to popular customer demand. These BPE loads are safe to use in Trap Door actions, assuming the firearm is in normal operating condition.
The original (1873) .45-70 Government ammunition was issued to the military for use in the Springfield Model 1873 rifle.
Pressure Guidelines
SAAMI sets the .45-70 pressure limit at 28,000 PSI, which may be high enough to damage Trap Door actions depending on the pressure curve of the ammunition. Most experts agree that 18,000 to 20,000 PSI is safe for all Trap Door rifles in good condition.
All three of our BPE loads operate at or below 18,000 PSI.
Historical Effectiveness
Historically, .45-70 loads at this power level were used to take down 2,000+ lb. bison. As bullet diameter increases, velocity and expansion become less critical to lethality. A .458-inch non-expanding bullet is large enough to be highly effective on big game, even at lower velocities.
Bullet Types
- One load features a jacketed bullet
- Two loads feature hard cast bullets
Hard cast bullets are slicker than jacketed bullets, allowing for higher velocity at lower pressure. However, they tend to burn dirtier. Additionally, smokeless powders at low pressures burn less cleanly, but they are still about 95% cleaner than black powder and remain non-corrosive.
Note: These BPE loads use smokeless, completely non-corrosive powder.
Real-World Velocities
- 1,284 fps – Marlin Model 1895, 18.5-inch barrel
- 1,324 fps – Marlin Model 1895, 21.5-inch barrel
- 1,407 fps – Browning 1885 High Wall, 28-inch barrel
