Loading 45-70 in a 45-90 chamber- 325 gr FTX

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HankBC

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A buddy picked up a Winchester 1886 chambered in 45-90 recently. Cool looking gun but heavy with the big octagon barrel.

I seen we can sling 45-70 through it so he grabbed a box of leverlution and printed a 2'' group at 100.

Since I can actually locate dies / brass for the 45-70 We're planning on going that route.

Components;
Reloader 7
Hornady 325 FTX
Brass? Starline?
WLRP

Anyone have starting loads / recommendations? I see other have load data at 49.1 gr of R7 so we'd load up to that from 47. It's also noted that some folks are trimming cases a bit shorter to accommodate the bullet, I don't think that will be required since we'll have extra length available anyways.

Welcoming your thoughts / opinions! Cheers,
 
The 45-70 dies can be used for 45-90 brass, which I would keep an eye out for before buying a lot of 45-70 brass, it’s out there. I like reloder 7, it’s given me excellent accuracy out of both my 45-70s. That FTX bullet is wasted on that load/powder. I’d get cheaper 350 grain hollow points or a mold and some wheel weights.
 
HankBC said:
A buddy picked up a Winchester 1886 chambered in 45-90 recently. Cool looking gun but heavy with the big octagon barrel.

I seen we can sling 45-70 through it so he grabbed a box of leverlution and printed a 2'' group at 100.

Since I can actually locate dies / brass for the 45-70 We're planning on going that route.

Components;
Reloader 7
Hornady 325 FTX
Brass? Starline?
WLRP

Anyone have starting loads / recommendations? I see other have load data at 49.1 gr of R7 so we'd load up to that from 47. It's also noted that some folks are trimming cases a bit shorter to accommodate the bullet, I don't think that will be required since we'll have extra length available anyways.

Welcoming your thoughts / opinions! Cheers,
Click to expand...

Pick up a manual.

There are three load limits.

1. Old guns that can blow up.
2. Modern levers
3. Ruger #1.

You should state whether you are using #1 or #2
 
The problem with the win 1886 is the twist rate, I believe it’s quite slow. I did see that they’ve made a newer version of it, so I’ll have him confirm if it’s 1:36 or 1:20. I didn’t think we could stabilize larger bullets if it was 1:36.

Hickstick why do you prefer the cast bullets? I’ve never loaded for a lever / straight wall before hence all the questions. Interesting you can double up the dies as well!

I’ll double check my rcbs book for 45/90 - 45/70 info.
 
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HankBC said:
The problem with the win 1886 is the twist rate, I believe it’s quite slow. I did see that they’ve made a newer version of it, so I’ll have him confirm if it’s 1:36 or 1:20. I didn’t think we could stabilize larger bullets if it was 1:36.

Hickstick why do you prefer the cast bullets? I’ve never loaded for a lever / straight wall before hence all the questions. Interesting you can double up the dies as well!

I’ll double check my rcbs book for 45/90 - 45/70 info.
Click to expand...

I would check that twist with a cleaning rod, in agreement with the others.

Those loads you’re listing and the powder your using, is for medium lever gun loads. 4198 or lever evolution is more suited to that hornady bullet you plan to use. That 325 grained is made for guys with a scoped marlin guide gun who are trying to wring out an extra 50-100 yards a range out of their gun.

Your 10 lb 1886 with buckhorn sights is a long ways away from that. You’re already compromising accuracy by trying to use shorter brass. Get a Gould hollow point mould, paired up with proper brass and you will have all hunting accuracy a gun like that will ever need.

I have one of those 1886s in 45-70, but it’s the ultralight. They work nice, are better made then a marlin but no scope means no sense wasting money on fancy bullets. Cheap 350 grains jacketed or hollow points will group tiighter then you can hold.
 
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