M71
05-29-2015, 10:53 AM
Hello, As you may have read I decided on the Pedersoli "Long Range" 1874 in 45-70 instead of another roller because I wasn't interested in modifying the hammer when reaming the chamber to 45-90. Now comparing the new "Long Range" 1874 and my old "Super Match" Roller there is a significant difference in the throat or "leade" dimensions. My currently loaded paper patched and grease groove bullets for the roller will not fully chamber in the new 1874. The measurement between the end of the case mouth and where the land starts is much much closer than the older roller. Free bore has been reduced to almost zip. I prefer PP bullets so I'm going to seat the bullet more to compensate. It's kind of disappointing that I can't use the same rounds in both guns, however after rechambering it won't matter. I need to discuss with the gunsmith how much free bore his reamer will cut. I like the longer "leade" because I can seat the bullet out a long way, allowing for more powder capacity without compressing like crazy. It's going to be awhile before my gunsmith can perform the task so I'm going to familiarize myself with the gun. On a side note I ordered a matching Soule Sight base so I can easily use my current sight on both guns. When I removed the butt plate there was a huge cut out area. I filled a freezer bag with 45 Colt bullets and tightly filled in the space. The gun weighs about another 1 1/2 pounds and balances in the middle of the forearm now. She weighs in a touch under 14 lbs.