Strength of modern 1885

[mgrau]

I am considering the purchase of a Winchester 1885 (possibly the Creedmoor) in 50-90 and would like any comments about the strength of this animal. I know the 1885 is available in belted magnums but the 50-90 version is for "Black-power loads only". It would probably be used with black most of the time but I'm wondering if it would be any better (for hunting purposes) than the 50 Alaskan I already have on a Marlin.

Thanks for any input.
Mat

[6pt-sika]

I don't know about the 50-90 in one of the new Winchester 1885's .

But a year or two ago I had one in 270 WSM that I loaded up pretty good and it handled it quite well !

[6pt-sika]

I have a 50-90 Shiloh Sharps on order , but I have always wanted a 50 Alaskan as well ! And just so happens I have a NIB 1895G set aside for conversion to 50 AK !

[Charles]

I take it your rifle is marked "Black Powder Only". I would consider this to be CYA stuff from the maker. The action is as strong as any good bolt and will take high pressure rounds at stated. But there are no current standard specs for the 45-90 round and is is mostly a handloading proposition. It would be easy for some fool to stuff enough of the wrong kind of smokless powder in that big case to stress the rifle very bad. So when the fool does what fools do, the maker can point to the marking and say..." See...we told you not to do that!"

[KCSO]

The action is strong, but you are takinng a lot of meat out of the works with a 50 caliber hole. First I would check to make sure the firing pin is bushed and if it is the gun should be good for loads in the 28,000 psi range. That being more than my shoulder could stand from a 50-90. If the pin is NOT bushed stick to b/p pressures unless you like hot gas in the eyes.

[Jeff Quinn]

I am considering the purchase of a Winchester 1885 (possibly the Creedmoor) in 50-90 and would like any comments about the strength of this animal. I know the 1885 is available in belted magnums but the 50-90 version is for "Black-power loads only". It would probably be used with black most of the time but I'm wondering if it would be any better (for hunting purposes) than the 50 Alaskan I already have on a Marlin.

Thanks for any input.
Mat

Mat,
The reason for that labeling is because there is no SAAMI spec for the .50-90 cartridge. As such, most makers apply that warning, as some also do on the .45-90 and other older cartridges. If you stick with published load data, like that from Accurate Arms using 5744 powder, you will be just fine.

[Ben_Rumson]

This link will give you PSI data for BP http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerC ... %20369.pdf

[mgrau]

Thanks all for the feedback. Yes the barrel on these is marked "Black Powder Only" and I assumed it was legal-ese, but wanted to see what others thought/knew about the subject.

Mat

[1886]

I am considering the purchase of a Winchester 1885 (possibly the Creedmoor) in 50-90 and would like any comments about the strength of this animal. I know the 1885 is available in belted magnums but the 50-90 version is for "Black-power loads only". It would probably be used with black most of the time but I'm wondering if it would be any better (for hunting purposes) than the 50 Alaskan I already have on a Marlin.

Thanks for any input.
Mat[/quote

Mat,
The reason for that labeling is because there is no SAAMI spec for the .50-90 cartridge. As such, most makers apply that warning, as some also do on the .45-90 and other older cartridges. If you stick with published load data, like that from Accurate Arms using 5744 powder, you will be just fine.

I think Jeff is giving you good advice. 1886.