BPCR, for those uninitiated, is "Black Powder Cartridge Rifle"; those quasi-modern pieces from the latter 19th Century that use metallic cartridges but still use good old fashioned black powder instead of modern smokeless for a propellant. I've got a few now, and I'm hoping for more (a Rolling-Block Remington or a Trapdoor Springfield would be oh so cool.) Reloading for these is borderline mandatory, though. It's not like you can't get commercially-loaded ammo, it's just that:
1) .43 Mauser (11mm Mauser): $53.00/20
2) 11x59R Gras: $68.00/20
3) .577-450 Martini-Henry: $105.00/20
So, yeah. Yikes. And you thought your .300 Win Mag was 'spensive to shoot...
Well, at least the trapdoor should have reasonably inexpensive factory ammo. ( THat is assuming that I remember right and it is safe to shoot light smokeless rounds in the original Trapdoors) I'd assume the new ones are a bit stronger.
ReplyDeleteForget the money saved, you will just blow it on more rounds.
ReplyDeleteThe fun of reloading is in the hunt for the perfect load and the satisfaction of lobing those perfect lead rocks in your case into a nice to spectacular little cloverleaf group at 200 yards.
Its the hunt for the perfect load, not the pursuit of pulling the trigger.
The trapdoor is less than accurate with factory ammo. The Wolf's have decoded what made the original ammo shoot well and their book is essential for accurate reloads.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Loading-Cartridges-Original-Springfield-Carbine/dp/157579019X
Maybe this will work
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/25qawb
I don't think any of my old BP rifles are in any danger of shooting cloverleafs, no matter how perfect the load. :(
ReplyDeleteI reload for a 38-40 Peacemaker, manufactured in 1894, and I have had good luck using Unique powder for the older loads. I have known other people who have reloaded for older guns that have had good luck with it, since it was one of the first smokeless powders.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the cloverleafs are tougher down south. I find that one .17 pellet from my Chicom Gamo clone will take down any I encounter around here.
ReplyDeletetriticale, that's just plain mean. Heh/snort/recover keyboard. The southern ones, you gotta par-boil 'em first. The reason why I stopped shooting skeet.
ReplyDeleteYou've probably have already been to this site.
ReplyDeletehttp://castboolits.gunloads.com/
Tokarev
Flipping the subject a little, there are some odd guns about. A little bird told me (ok, everyone told me) you've got a Frommer STOP.
ReplyDeleteAnd today, I just picked up a Le Francais.
Might be time for odd gun shootin' day :)
If you can wait a little while(and promise not to abuse the cases) I've got a few .450/577 cases and a set of dies you can borrow. I just have to get down south to get them.
ReplyDeleteemdfl
Danger, Will Robinson!
ReplyDeleteBPCR is horribly addictive.
I spent this rainy afternoon making a couple dozen 500gr .45-70 BP rounds for my 32" Sharps Business Rifle. I'll spend even less time next weekend converting charcoal to noise and smoke.
http://mauser98.com/rainysundayammo1.jpg