Originally Posted by reenact12321
My overall question is, in a old dog of an 1873 trapdoor, would it be safe/advisable to load the above mentioned 54 grains of IMR 4350. If not, what would you suggest?

In an original 1873 Trapdoor, I would not use IMR 4350 or any other smokeless powder. Wouldn't hesitate to do so in a reproduction Trapdoor, but not a nearly 140 year old rifle. Real BP (or a sub such as Pyrodex) would be a lot safer, and more fun, in an old action.

That's just my opinion, without seeing the gun . . . If you trust the gunsmith, load some up and let him pull the trigger.

Someday I hope to be the person my dogs think I am . . .
The only true cost of having a dog is its death.
Someone once said "a nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves."
Shiloh Sharps . . . there is no substitute.
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