Winchester levers chambered in 45-75

[Bearskinner]

My uncle has a ( I thought it was an 1886) winchester lever gun in 45-75. I remember looking at the cartridges, with their tapered case. As they live across the state, I can’t just go examine it. I know it’s Not a 1876, with the side plate cover, but everything I look up shows only the 76 centennial. I know it’s not a “popular” cartridge, as I can’t find reloading dies or info on it. So I’ll put it out to you gentlemen here, what winchesters were chambered in 45-75?

[Drawdown]

Bearskinner, I'm certainly no authority on the old Win, but according to a special edition magazine I have, only the Mod 1876 was, and from a quick scan only, a good portion of those where a special order by Canadian Northwest Mounted Police in a Carbine model. There's no mention of it in the 1886.
It appears the 1876 was chambered in the 45-75 right from the start!

[Drawdown]

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[Ysabel Kid]

I'm not sure why the 1886 would have been chambered in the .45-75 WCF, as it is an inferior round ballistically to the .45-70 Government. Well, not as a standard offering. But back in that era, Winchester (and Colt and other major arms makers) seemed to be more than willing to do custom orders for anyone willing to pay. So it is possible.

[cj57]

there are 5 45-75s listed in the Winchester 1886 records, so if you were to find one! It would be very special!!

[Bearskinner]

I’ll have to run down and take some really good pictures, and get the numbers off of it. I wanted to find a set of reloading dies, and load some very light loads and shoot it.

[CowboyTutt]

I agree with the board members here that an 1886 chambered in 45-75 would be highly unusual and very rare if they ever made them. It could be very valuable! -Tutt

[cj57]

Here is a table of all calibers listed in factory records for the model 1886

[CowboyTutt]

5 of them??????? -Tutt

[Grizz]

Here is a table of all calibers listed in factory records for the model 1886

This is a very interesting bit of information. Thank you.

[cj57]

Here is a table of all calibers listed in factory records for the model 1886

This is a very interesting bit of information. Thank you.

you are welcome! I think a lot of the one offs are experimental or cartridge room test guns or just special order like the 5 45-75s may have been ordered for folks who had model 76s, Who knows! if you find any of them, you've got a rare bird!!!! $$$$$$

[Bearskinner]

I knew someone would have more info than I could find. I’ve heard sometime in the 1880’s there was a fire that destroyed a lot of records of firearms sold. There is also a 1876 Centennial in 45-75 that is a very early example as well. A 3 digit serial number. Pre dust shield model, that one has a letter of authenticity.
How would an 80% trail boss or similar load be to use these old black powder rifles? A light 300 grain lead bullet with a light load, to use them, but not stress them.

[CowboyTutt]

Well, the 1886 action is strong as Hell, and much more so than the 1876 action. Please confirm what you have, thank you, -Tutt

[Bearskinner]

Yes, in 45-75, both models 1876, and 1886. They are family members guns. I appreciate all the information on them. I know my uncle tried 3 of the very old rounds ( factory BP loaded ammo) about 10 years ago, and none of them fired. I wanted to attempt to create some very light loads so he can fire the guns one more time. He said they have not been fired since the 70-80’s. (1970-80, not 1800’s)

[Grizz]

Yes, in 45-75, both models 1876, and 1886. They are family members guns. I appreciate all the information on them. I know my uncle tried 3 of the very old rounds ( factory BP loaded ammo) about 10 years ago, and none of them fired. I wanted to attempt to create some very light loads so he can fire the guns one more time. He said they have not been fired since the 70-80’s. (1970-80, not 1800’s)

THIS might help: https://gunsmagazine.com/discover/colla ... gentleman/

there is a lot of information on the webs, and i think there was some discussion on this forum. they only need to be propelled fast enough that they won't stick in the barrel. this load could be shot by anybody. i think. would this work?

a round ball, another possibility, is around 144 grains.

grizz

[veeman]

I wouldn't call a 45/75 an inferior caliber, it does have it's limitations for sure. It's able and has taken every game species on this continent. Roosevelt certainly praised it. I love my Uberti 76 in 45/75. Finding one in an 86 would be awesome.