Loads for 45 colt in 1873 Winchester Miroku

powdergun

powdergun

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
246   0   0
So I am starting to develop some rounds to try out in a new 1873 win in 45 colt. Right now just playing with dummy rounds for function.

I have some missouri lead 230 gr round noses and had to seat them waay down to just the bottom of the rounded part before they would cycle properly.

1) What would the best OAL for the round to cycle in the rifle ?
2) Would copper plated truncated cones bullets work better ?

What bullets do you fellows use in this specific type of rifle ?

Thanks in advance for all the help
 
The 230 grain are most likely for 45acp and won’t have a crimp groove. They’re best suited for a taper crimp.
45 Colt dies will apply a roll crimp (assuming you’re crimping during the seating step and not using a dedicated crimp die after seating).
Some will probably say to go ahead and use them but I prefer to use a bullet meant for 45 Colt.
My /73 in 45 was a Pedersoli, not a Win. Miroku but I used the OAL suggested in the Lyman Cast Handbook.
I only ever shot cast out of mine….from 180 grain up to 255. Never tried plated bullets.
 
powdergun: Your dies will produce a roll crimp. As Rooster59 already mentioned, the bullets you're currently using are for .45 ACP. Not really suited, for your rifle. A better choice: RNFP (round nose flat point). Either 200 grain. Or, 250 grain. Most cast bullet manufacturers, ie: Missouri, DRG, Bullet Barn etc., will list these. Or, you can cast your own. Lee, etc.

Nominal cartridge OAL: 1.580" to 1.600". Adjust as necessary, for smooth feeding in your rifle. Best bullet type for reliable feeding: RNFP.

Al

ps: Plated, tcfp bullets will work well too.
Note: 1.600" is max overall length. Every rifle has its own preferences.
 
Last edited:
Will the bullets I have work ? Is there any inherent danger or issues using them other than possibly accuracy ?
 
powdergun: They will work, BUT the round-nosed bullet shape is generally considered unsafe to use in this type of rifle. Due to the real possibility of bullet tips contacting and setting off primers in cartridges loaded in the magazine tube. The bullets themselves should deliver good accuracy in your rifle. If you wish to shoot them off, I would recommend loading them as singles, only. Otherwise, use a flat-nosed bullet design.

Hope this helps: Al
 
Thanks. That is valuable info to have. I will have to get some proper bullets and use up that supply of RN bullets as singles. Should of asked before I spent my money. lol....

Or i will have to get a Vaquero in 45LC. Geez now I have to buy another gun.
 
powdergun: Now.....that is a great solution to your problem! There's always room in the gun cabinet for one more. By the way, the Vaquero is an excellent revolver.

Al

ps: I also own Miroku-Winchester 1873 rifles. Excellent build quality and very reliable. Took only minor "tweaking", to make mine run fast and smooth for CAS competition. Would certainly buy another one.
 
Last edited:
alpining: I'll second that. Pietta is turning out very good quality revolvers, these days. Alessandro Pietta (Nice guy, and avid Cowboy Action competitor), has gone to great lengths to improve and modernize his manufacturing facility in Italy. Pietta revolvers are...at least in my opinion...every bit as good as their Uberti counterparts.
Where a Vaquero was just out of reach of my budget, a Pietta would certainly be next on the list. (Yes....I own both makes)
 
This bullet with as much fff or ff black powder as you can jam under it and compress about 1/8" and crimp
vDv1P99.jpg

http://www.biglube.com/BulletMolds.aspx?ItemID=5f0e63f2-27c8-40c9-bfa1-b2e167b680e5
 
I have a couple of Uberti M73's that I load with 200 grain LRNFP bullets, pushed by Red Dot propellant. OAL is 1.58" and all my rds are crimped separately using a Lee Factory Taper crimp die.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom