I don't know how many of you read my recent post about my vintage 1906 Extra Lightweight Takedown .45-90 Model 1886 rifle, but I finally got around to shooting it yesterday. This was originally posted under that thread in the Big Bore Leverguns section. I thought it would be better suited to this part of the Forum, so here it is, again.
I took the old rifle out to the ranch yesterday afternoon and ran ten rounds of not so hot and some very hot loads through her. My first 5 shots consisted of 40 grs IMR 3031 and 300 gr LaserCast LFNs. These passed over my Beta master Chrony at 1588, 1582, 1583, 1583, and 1580 FPS. These were low recoil rounds that hit the target high and to the right, and in a 3 1/2" group at 50 yds. I'm sure it was me because the temp was hovering around 100º and I was sweating profusely sitting in the sun.
The second group was another story entirely and a real eye opener and shoulder wrecker. YOW!! According to the charts, this isn't even a top load for the nickel steel barreled 1886s. Well, if it isn't maximum, I don't know if I'd go any higher. This one was 52 grains IMR 4198 under 300 gr Barnes Original Jacketed FPs. These smokers crossed the Chrony at 2454, 2447, 2437, 2443, and 2451 FPS!
There were absolutely zero problems with either load. The cases ejected easily and showed no indication of excess pressure. No sooting, protruding primers, nothing. Aside from the serious recoil and bruising from the steel shotgun butt plate it was all good.
This morning, I went ahead and removed the bullets and powder from the other 20 rds I had loaded a few weeks back and will think long and hard on the load for the 250 gr Barnes TSX bullet. I think that even 60 grs 3031
will be a tad on the hot side. The all copper bullets leave the muzzle at a higher velocity than jacketed lead with the same powder measurement, so I don't want, or need, 2600 FPS from the .45-90.
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I took the old rifle out to the ranch yesterday afternoon and ran ten rounds of not so hot and some very hot loads through her. My first 5 shots consisted of 40 grs IMR 3031 and 300 gr LaserCast LFNs. These passed over my Beta master Chrony at 1588, 1582, 1583, 1583, and 1580 FPS. These were low recoil rounds that hit the target high and to the right, and in a 3 1/2" group at 50 yds. I'm sure it was me because the temp was hovering around 100º and I was sweating profusely sitting in the sun.
The second group was another story entirely and a real eye opener and shoulder wrecker. YOW!! According to the charts, this isn't even a top load for the nickel steel barreled 1886s. Well, if it isn't maximum, I don't know if I'd go any higher. This one was 52 grains IMR 4198 under 300 gr Barnes Original Jacketed FPs. These smokers crossed the Chrony at 2454, 2447, 2437, 2443, and 2451 FPS!
There were absolutely zero problems with either load. The cases ejected easily and showed no indication of excess pressure. No sooting, protruding primers, nothing. Aside from the serious recoil and bruising from the steel shotgun butt plate it was all good.
This morning, I went ahead and removed the bullets and powder from the other 20 rds I had loaded a few weeks back and will think long and hard on the load for the 250 gr Barnes TSX bullet. I think that even 60 grs 3031
will be a tad on the hot side. The all copper bullets leave the muzzle at a higher velocity than jacketed lead with the same powder measurement, so I don't want, or need, 2600 FPS from the .45-90.
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