Win 1886 .45-90

[Old Shatterhand]

Were any mod 1886 in .45-90 WCF equipped with nickle steel barrels? I am trying to negiotiate a 1903 vintage rifle into my cabinet, and am considering what to feed it with.

Having browsed the threads here at Leverguns, I easily realise, that loading this cartridge in this rifle needs some sense, some attention and a lot of caution. I have understood that the barrel steel determines which load level to use - however, a level 1 28,000 Psi load should be quite sufficient for my hunts.

Pete

[Mike D.]

All of the Extra Lightwieght 1886s had Nickel Steel barrels, the standard models not very often. Most post-1900 .45-90 rifles had older Bessemer Soft or Ordnance Steel barrels. If the barrel is not marked on the left side below the rear sight it most likely has the milder steel and loads should be kept to standard SAAMI specs.

My ELTD .45-90 has a NS barrel and is so marked.

[M. M. Wright]

My 1886 is from 1916 and it too is in 45-90. I shot a lot of ffg and a 300 grain cast bullet but could not get it shoot a good 5 shot group. The first 2 would be to point of aim but then start to wander up and left. Finally went to 5744 (30 grains duplicates black powder ballistics) and it was much better. When I went to jacketed bullets, EUREKA! Shot a 2.12 group at 100 yds. Killed a deer with it a week ago last Saturday at about 100 yds.

Just remember the twist is slow and will only stabilize a 300, maybe 350 grain bullet.


M. M.

[Old Shatterhand]

Thanks for your replies!

The facts about the barrel twist are not quite encouraging. I do not have any objections against slow bullets, but I would prefer to shoot 350 or 400 grs, as I 'd like to use the gun for moose.

@ Mike: what bullet weights does your gun shoot well? And, BTW, it looks like a take-down.

Next time I talk to the owner, I will discuss the barrel steel.

Pete

[crs]

OS,
Though my 1886 .45-90 is a modern replica made by Miroku for Winchester, I have had good performance with 300 grain bullets. There are many excellent cast and jacketed bullets from 300-325-350 that should prove to be very effective at the original .45-90 velocities. Even the factory .45-70 Winchester loads with Nosler Pretected point Partition bullets with a muzzle velocity of 1800 + fps are accurate and devastating on game.

There are also many sources of loads on the Internet and in print. Part of the fun of using an "obsolete" cartridge is the research and testing of loads.

May you have great sport with your 1886 and slay many moose with it.

[Mike D.]

@ Mike: what bullet weights does your gun shoot well? And, BTW, it looks like a take-down.

Yes, as my post indicated it is an Extra Lightweight Takedown made in 1906. The barrel length is 22" These rifles have a much faster twist rate than the older ones have. I believe mine is 1 in 22", not 1 in 32" like the standard rifles.

[kimwcook]

Like CRS, I have a Miroku '86 in 45-90. I haven't gotten around to hand rolling any for it and believe it or not 405 gr. 45-70 factory loads shot better in it than some 45-90's I got. I'd love to have an original '86, but it's hard to justify the cost.

[Mike D.]

They do tend to be pricey, and I am weak, so when a great one turns up, well......you know.

[geobru]

The original barrels of the old 45-90's will handle bullets up to 375 grains. I tried 405 grain bullets, but they just keyholed. They are too long to stabilize. My gun actually did stabilize some 407 grain bullets that were shorter due to the alloy they were made of, but one of the five test rounds never hit the box, but flew off into space.

[Old Shatterhand]

Now I have seen the rifle. Straight grip stock with shotgun steel plate, uncheckered, half length magazine, round barrel, circa 24-26" long, front sight dovetailed into the barrel, rear sight with slide, swivel rings, nice blued reciever and barrel, barrel marked .45-90 without proof stamp, tang inscription "Model 1886".

It remains to see if I am good enough at negotiating!

Pete

[Nath]

OS. Surely a 350grn bullet is good for moose!

Nath.

[KirkD]

I had an original Winchester 1886 45-90 for a while and found it to shoot a 300 grain bullet at 1,500 fps quite accurately. This would be fine for Moose.