Springfield Model of 1868 50-70.

[ligonierbill]

I picked this up a few months ago, and finally got her to the range. This rifle is the first model following the Allin conversions, featuring a purpose built receiver. Mine was built in 1869. I have been shooting 50-70 from a Remington Rolling Block built on an original action, with a new barrel and stock, so I'm not new to the round. The original military round was a 450 gr cast bullet over 70 gr holy black, which the Lyman 515141 duplicates. I must have a bit too much tin in my pot, because mine come out at 420 gr. I loaded these over 60 gr Alliant Black MZ. That powder is no longer sold, but I have a good supply. My experience is that it is about 15% "hotter" than FFg, hence the reduced load. The original went about 1,450, mine is only going 1,300. Maybe a few more grains next set. In any case, once I figured out the sights (I was shooting the "battle" sight) I was putting them in the black (8" bull) at 100.

Makes you appreciate those ordinance guys nearly 160 years ago.

[eastbank]

i have had several over the years and sold them to friends, one of them reloads for it and i have shot it with him. they were true early indian wars rifles. i read some where that the government gave or sold them very cheap to western settlers and i think they were used to shoot buffalo.

[ligonierbill]

I've heard the same. In fact, I understand that Bill Cody shot a lot of buffalo with one. Also given to Indian tribes.

[Hawg]

I've got an original Remington 50-70 rolling block. I use 70 grains of Swiss 3F and a 500 grain bullet.

[Mike Irwin]

The US Government issued them to contract buffalo hunters, but my understanding is that most were surplussed to Francis Bannerman, along with lots of ammo, who then sold them unbelievably cheaply.

Bannerman also purchased tons of parts and apparently had his gunsmiths assemble them into completed rifles.

Bannerman was also the main outlet for many of the original 1866 rifles.

[105kw]

The other advantage to having a .50-70 in the 1870s, you could get ammo from the Army.
Supposedly, at low prices.
Yes they were very popular buffalo guns. And I can testify, they do a great job on 1200lb Hereford steers.

[Hellgate]

I have a trapdoor 50/70 and I'm half scared to shoot it lest I blow it up. Where do I find a decent gunsmith that can say "go ahead and load up some 50/70 rounds and have at it? I have two other TD in 45/70 that I have shot and am not worried about doing any harm. Should I just start with some 40 grain powder loads and work my way up? The lock plate says 1863 Springfield on it.

[Hawg]

If it's in good working order load that puppy up and shoot it.

[eastbank]

hawg, is your roller a new york natinal guard rifle.

[ligonierbill]

Hellgate, these are simple, well-made rifles. If the barrel looks halfway decent, and most importantly, if the "trapdoor" latches solidly, I would shoot it. I doubt you will find a gunsmith who will declare it "safe" - too much liability. That said, your best bet is blackpowder. There are smokeless loads, but you'll need to put some fill in that big 'ole case to keep the small charge on the primer. As I said, I'm shooting a substitute right now, but I generally find holy black to be more consistent. Notice Hawg is shooting a 500 over FFFg. My "hunting" load in my RB is a 500 gr paper patched bullet over 70 gr 1 1/2Fg. Good luck!

[Hawg]

Originally Posted by eastbank

hawg, is your roller a new york natinal guard rifle.

No sir it is not. It went to a Central American country or Mexico. It was a pretty rough project gun missing some parts and I made a sporter out of it.