Winchester 1885 Traditional Sporting, 45-70, 28" Barrel

577-450

577-450

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I have been looking at these for a while does any body have in formation on these guns I will not be shooting black powder through it but I have 500 - 500gr Lyman#457658 cast I used to shoot through my 577-450 H.M. Since I sold that I was looking for another sinlge shot with easier to get reloading components and I like the looks of this gun Winchester 1885 Traditional Sporting, 45-70, 28" Barrel. I was wonder how well they shoot and handle any info would be great.:)
 
Have you checked the barrel twist to see if that bullet would stabilize ?
I have one of the original BPCR Brownings and if I remember correctly there is a difference in the twist between the two different rifles because the barrels were not the same with the Sporting model having a slower twist.
I might be wrong, wouldn't hurt to check though....
 
I have the 1885 in the standard model in 45-70. The only differences are the buttplate and the sights. I shoot a load of IMR3031 and 418gr cast bullets at 1950 FPS. More power than you'll want with the crescent buttplate for sure. I can't recall off the top of my head how they grouped but with irons I was satisfied and used it to shoot my first mulie at a little over 100 yards with iron sights. That 457658 bullet would be good but will be a stout kicker with anything but standard reloads, and even then it'll be a handful in a light rifle.
 
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Thanks Big Ugle Man I just thuoght I would use them because I had them. so you like your gun? No problems with modern loads? I looked at that traditonal hunter and ruger international both in 45-70 then I found this one so I think I will buy it. I would love shoot my bull elk this year with it. Did you try any jacketed bullets yet?
 
577-450 said:
Thanks Big Ugle Man I just thuoght I would use them because I had them. so you like your gun? No problems with modern loads? I looked at that traditonal hunter and ruger international both in 45-70 then I found this one so I think I will buy it. I would love shoot my bull elk this year with it. Did you try any jacketed bullets yet?
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I never tried jacketed bullets. Didn't interest me as I have a 458 WM for that. I wouldn't hesitate to use the heavier bullets, just ease off on the load. My load is a "strong action" load and the rifle handles it well. It's still my favorite rifle. If you don't have a copy of Pet Loads you should pick it up. Ken has some good loads with cast bullets.
 
41-45gr of Varget should run you between 1330 and 1450 FPS, maybe a hair more with the added barrel length.

I was thinking that you were using the 457125 500gr standard roundnose but when I looked at Lyman's site I see that the 457658 is the 480gr Schmittzer pattern.

I found a link to Ken Waters' pet Loads from 1974 which you might find interesting. https://www.box.com/s/c7b8c07ac012565fb110

Like I said, my 418 gr load is with 3031 and it's good and stout...maybe even too stout for my 1:30 cast bullets but if a guy was to slow them down by 150-200 fps I don't think they would come to any harm and might lead the bore a little less. All in all it's a slender rifle with plenty of power in an eminently portable package. You're going to love it.
 
I went to buy my gun on Friday and it was sold out and they will not be getting any more it was a limited run I guess I should not of waited.Not happy.
 
He who hesitates is lost.

Check some of the participating dealers. I bet if you call Darren at Prairie Gun Traders he could get you one from his supplier. He's a good guy.
 
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