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.50-70 in an 1866 (1867) Cadet Trapdoor
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:37 pm
by 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!
Re: .50-70 in an 1866 (1867) Cadet Trapdoor
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 5:06 pm
by 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.
Re: .50-70 in an 1866 (1867) Cadet Trapdoor
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 6:21 pm
by 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
Re: .50-70 in an 1866 (1867) Cadet Trapdoor
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 10:04 pm
by 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.
Re: .50-70 in an 1866 (1867) Cadet Trapdoor
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 6:05 pm
by Dick Hosmer
Tony Beck wrote: ↑Tue Feb 11, 2025 10:04 pm
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....