Hammer Bullet Loads for 1886 Winchester

[Hawk in WY]

Is anyone loading for an original 1886 Winchester?

Looking at 250 to 400 gr shock hammers for elk.

Finding pressure signs is a challenge and published data is well below 2000 fps.

 

[Dmagna]

What cartridge?

 

[Hawk in WY]

Sorry. 45-70

 

[Seabeeken]

I dont know if I'd load an 1886 until I saw pressure. There is a reason those loads are held down. I'd consult a gunsmith before hot rodding a rifle that old. I used to load for a marlin 38-56 Win many yrs ago and it always brought home the meat with normal loads of IMR-3031 and cast bullets

 

[Chadp82]

If you look at Hodgdon or other websites you get different levels for 45-70 rifle. Trapdoor, lever, and modern.

Make sure to research what your rifle can handle and load in the proper category.

The lighter bullets and load offerings are usually for the newer rifles that can handle pressure better due to changes in metallurgy and design. Historically, the 45-70 was slow but delivers mass and a large diameter hole, so is very effective, albeit at shorter ranges than a bottle neck cartridge.