[StrawHat]

Kevin,

Here is my favorite site for learning about the Springfield Single Shot Rifle,

The U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle Information Center

THIS SITE SPECIALIZES IN: (1) TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD RIFLES & CARBINES, 1865-1893; (2) INDIAN WAR & SPAN-AM WAR: U.S SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR ARMS; (3) 1865-1893 MILITARY: BAYONETS, KNIVES, ENTRENCHING TOOLS/TROWELS, MILLS & PRAIRIE BELTS, MCKEEVER / DYER POUCHES & CARBINE BOOTS.

www.armscollectors.com

I have been buying, selling and shooting trapdoors for nearly 1/2 century. I like them but prefer the 50 calibers.

Having said that, the small bores are fun also. Wolf Spence wrote a book on recreating the 45/70 ammunition of the day. Some of the information is dated but it is still interesting.

Enjoy your Springfield.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

The 45-70 may have been introduced in 1873 but the big 50 did not disappear overnight.

Here is my very slightly modified Model 1866,

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

A couple of things. Experienced casters will tell you to NEVER use an aluminum pot to melt lead. They have a bad tendency to burst and spew lead around the table, stove, etc. Not sure why as I believe the meting point of aluminum is higher than lead but it happens to new guys frequently enough to be noteworthy. Also, the companies sell iron or steel ones. I made mine from a cut open propane tank.

Editing a post. In the upper right corner of your post are three (3) vertical dots. Click on that icon and choose edit from the drop-down menu. After that, you are on your own!

Kevin