.50-70 in an 1866 (1867) Cadet Trapdoor

[Jimbo695]

Hi folks. First time here so happy to get to know everyone! Is it safe to fire cowboy / trapdoor .50-70 load in an 1867 Cadet? My research doesn't disclose that the chamber was reduced or weakened in any way from the 1866 rifle. Thanks!

[Dick Hosmer]

Congratulations on having a rare rifle! There should be no problem in chambering.

Cowboy ammo would be good - full power .50-70 would kick pretty hard as those arms are considerably lighter than the full rifle.

[Jimbo695]

Thank you Mr Hosmer. Consulted your excellent reference book; it says chambered for .50-70 but I wanted to double check ref. the pressure issue. Jim

[Tony Beck]

Weren't the '67 cadet and '70 carbines supposed to shoot the lighter 50-55 cadet/carbine cartridge, which uses a 50-70 case but loaded with less powder and a lighter bullet.

[Dick Hosmer]

Weren't the '67 cadet and '70 carbines supposed to shoot the lighter 50-55 cadet/carbine cartridge, which uses a 50-70 case but loaded with less powder and a lighter bullet.

Yes, absolutely, but the chambers were (as in the M1873 and later) full length. The only Springfield-made short-chambered .50 was, IIRC, the Navy cadet rolling block, around the same time. Different strokes for different folks, I guess....