Modern 1886's

[LindenBruce]

LOL, yes the .50-110 offers more but I think a .45-90 will do me just fine. B.

[1859sharps]

If you really wanna go big, get a modern 1886 in 50-110, it can reach 6000+ ft lbs of energy.

50-110.... mouse farts....

if you want to go true big, go 45-120. of course that rules out a 1886, but hey go big or go home. Besides who needs a second shot if you hit it with a 45-120.

[Sandspider500]

Haha.....mouse farts .... Yeah

[LindenBruce]

Jesus!!! That's some power for sure. If you need to shoot a T-Rex that might just work. LOL. B

[1859sharps]

Haha.....mouse farts .... Yeah

LOL :P

[trailblazer87]

A modern 1886 in 45-90 is more powerful than 45-70, same bullet, longer case, more powder= higher velocity at the same pressure. If you really wanna go big, get a modern 1886 in 50-110, it can reach 6000+ ft lbs of energy.

Last I checked, traditionally the 45-90 and 45-120 used a lighter bullet than the 45-70. They used a different rifling twist that the heavier 45-70. Also, yes the black powder 45-70 can be fired from a 45-90, but will make a mess out of the chamber, DO NOT USED MODERN HIGH PRESSURE AMMO! The big 430 grain bear loads will wreck a 45-90 and are only safe in a modern 45-70. They are not even safe in all modern guns, check your manufacturer, the Ruger #1, Marlin and Henry can take it, not much else can.

[Sandspider500]

I just checked, and the "modern" Winchester in 45-90 uses a 1:20 twist barrel, same as their 45-70. Also, when talking about modern steel 1886 Winchesters, I do believe the action is stronger than a modern 336 action.

[LindenBruce]

And that's what caused me to ask the original question. EVERYTHING about a modern made 1886 should be stronger because of the better metallurgy. BUT, why do I see some that have the "BLACK POWDER ONLY" stamped on the barrel on a brand new modern made rifle? Those are only in .45-90 that I have seen thus far. Is it Because the .45-90 does not have a SAAMI spec? I know there is load data out there for using smokeless powder in the .45-90. But because it is originally a black powder cartridge the barrels are stamped that way? As a liability reason? B.

[Sandspider500]

I think that's correct, no 45-90 listed in saami.

https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ANSI-SAAMI-Z299.4-CFR-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf

It's the same rifle as the 45-70 version, just has a lengthened chamber and probably a different carrier and cartridge guides.

Also of interest, the boys over at buffalo bore consider a modern 1886 anything made after 1915, lol.

For the 45-70 magnum levergun ammo

Its use should be limited to the following firearms:

All Marlin 1895 (1895 Marlins are all model 336 actions, chambered in 45-70) iterations made since 1972, all Browning 1885 and 1886 copies, Rossi Rio Grande, New England Arms Handi Rifle, T/C Encore, ALL falling block actions made of modern steel such as Ruger #1 and #3, Shiloh, Christian and Pedersoli Sharps, Henry Lever Action Rifles, CVA Center Fire Rifles, all Winchester 1886 iterations made since 1915, CVA Centerfire Rifles and all Siamese Mauser bolt actions.

[NoHeavyHitter]

I have one of the Miroku "Winchester" take-down 1886's in .45-70. I will tell you to get it in .45-70 as other ammo isn't plentiful and is always expensive when found. This is if you want to shoot it.

I reload, and would not want to pay extra over and above the price of .45-70 brass. Furthermore, you will get far better performance when reloading for the .45-70. If all you're doing is collecting and no shooting, then the .45-90 will be fine. The only reason for the .45-90 was to get a little extra power - which is totally unnecessary when loading with smokeless powders.

However, if you're primarily into the black powder shooting scene, then ignore my above advice..

[Sandspider500]