50-95 1876

[Cessnapilot89]

Hi guys,

Does anyone here shoot the 50-95 cartridge out of the 1876 Winchester? I am being sorely tempted to sell things to get one of the Uberti or Cimarron models.

[wwmartin]

About ? years ago I won 80 rounds of loaded 50-95 winchester buffalo arms black powder rounds at the local auction house for $26. A few months later a new Uberti 1876 50-95 (rifle not the carbine) found its way to my care (~$1,500 ).
Dies were available and brass easly made from 50 Alaskan. I used 50-90 but it needs the rim turned to load from the magazine. The Alaskan doesn't.
Recoil with IMR 4198 data from cartridges of the world smokeless loads was surprisingly reasonable accuracy good for the first time out. It's an oddity at the range and a conversation starter.

Bill

[ATCDoktor]

The 50/95 is a neat old cartridge that’s easy to load and I’ve had a great deal of fun working with it in my 76 repro’s.

Granted, I started shooting the 50/95 cartridge back when brass was somewhat plentiful and was able to lay in a good supply but, as has been shared, making suitable cartridge cases from 50 Alaskan appears to be straightforward and not all that complicated if you can find it (back ordered at Starline right now).

I can echo wwmartins sentiments reference using IMR 4198 as it is my “go to” smokeless powder for use in my rifles.

I get very good accuracy and can get up to 1450 fps with a 350 flat nosed .515 diameter boolit without beating me or the gun up at all.

Here’s a pic of one of my 50/95 hand loads next to a 45/70 round:
https://i.postimg.cc/135XQNfK/8953A56A-D0D2-476F-AE26-C22CB1910B97.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Both my 50/95’s at the range for some ”offhand” practice:

Uberti Presidio on the left, Chaparral short rifle on the right
https://i.postimg.cc/B6CTLjDF/77846780-4974-42DB-B7BC-52077841BA19.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Here’s a 100 yard group off the bench with the Presidio:
https://i.postimg.cc/Vvx3smXY/IMG-1347.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Another when I squint real hard and get the front sight as clear as possible:
https://i.postimg.cc/9z3Jf2FB/IMG-1376.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

The Chapparal shoots just as well but its trigger pull is about 7 pounds and every once in a while I will get a fairly pronounced flyer that’s 100% my poor trigger control:

Five shots at 100 at yards:
https://i.postimg.cc/3W5z5Dy8/IMG-1375.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Another group here at 100 yards with that pesky flyer:
https://i.postimg.cc/BvMRbzPN/C997FD94-C42A-4AE2-AC8C-624B3D2D98F0.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I have used the 50/95 on feral pigs with a modicum of success and find it to be well up to the task at woods ranges:
https://i.postimg.cc/gc4KDmXh/162FC816-8DF0-4AA9-9FD6-CC29D4DB36A4.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/NFdry0Bq/8573E1E5-659F-4BBF-9CD6-6B70EC7CCE30.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

As long as you don’t have a problem with rendering 50 Alaskan brass into useable cases you should have a great time with the 50/95.

[veeman]

FYI, the Cimarron is made by Uberti, Cimarron being just the importer. I also have the Presidio 76 in 50-95.

[ndnchf]

I do!

https://youtu.be/W7yfHy4opS8?feature=shared

[veeman]

https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/render/00-Dhr2tlvawMSNFX4TrMAMCKr_1AnQ3pv5Eb7vbRPURMrnWa_4FQ IhohsfvFeqM7u3qCe7ffHDJpwno-pEcjtJnw?cn=THISLIFE&res=medium&ts=1686339220
https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/render/00-Dhr2tlvawMSNFX4TrMAMCKr_1AnQ3pv5Eb7vbRPURMpvpEHcLD Coy9SSHm5ismaHaAUrgnwgvQnZ_1RWb7NZPA?cn=THISLIFE&res=medium&ts=1686231261

[Cessnapilot89]

Wow those look fun. Now to decide what to sell to get it

[freakonaleash]

I have an Uberti. I use shortened 50 alaskan, a .513 bullet at 325 grains and a bunch of black powder. Lots of fun once you put good sights on it and work over the terrible trigger pull. A shotgun buttplate would be a nice option.

[Jeff Michel]

Be careful, it always starts with one. '76 Uberti's are pretty habit forming. I'll be using my 45-75 during antlerless season next week in WVa.

[Rockindaddy]

I love it! 50-95 Winchester! Have brass, dies, and a bunch of various boolit moulds. Have an original 1876 Winchester action. Bought a 50 cal octagonal barrel too. Just have to order a chamber reamer. My question is: I believe the original 1876 Winchesters had a larger threaded hole in the receiver to accept the 50 cal barrel with the big chamber. Does anyone know if the frames were different from the 45-60's and the 50-95's ?????

[Cessnapilot89]

Boy does it! I still have shot my NWMP one yet!

[ndnchf]

As much as I like my Uberti .50-95, I've been thinking about selling it. I'm at the age where I enjoy my lighter, smaller caliber rifles more.

[Cessnapilot89]

As much as I like my Uberti .50-95, I've been thinking about selling it. I'm at the age where I enjoy my lighter, smaller caliber rifles more.

Well, I may be interested!

[indian joe]

The 50/95 is a neat old cartridge that’s easy to load and I’ve had a great deal of fun working with it in my 76 repro’s.

Granted, I started shooting the 50/95 cartridge back when brass was somewhat plentiful and was able to lay in a good supply but, as has been shared, making suitable cartridge cases from 50 Alaskan appears to be straightforward and not all that complicated if you can find it (back ordered at Starline right now).

I can echo wwmartins sentiments reference using IMR 4198 as it is my “go to” smokeless powder for use in my rifles.

I get very good accuracy and can get up to 1450 fps with a 350 flat nosed .515 diameter boolit without beating me or the gun up at all.

Here’s a pic of one of my 50/95 hand loads next to a 45/70 round:
https://i.postimg.cc/135XQNfK/8953A56A-D0D2-476F-AE26-C22CB1910B97.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Both my 50/95’s at the range for some ”offhand” practice:

Uberti Presidio on the left, Chaparral short rifle on the right
https://i.postimg.cc/B6CTLjDF/77846780-4974-42DB-B7BC-52077841BA19.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Here’s a 100 yard group off the bench with the Presidio:
https://i.postimg.cc/Vvx3smXY/IMG-1347.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Another when I squint real hard and get the front sight as clear as possible:
https://i.postimg.cc/9z3Jf2FB/IMG-1376.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

The Chapparal shoots just as well but its trigger pull is about 7 pounds and every once in a while I will get a fairly pronounced flyer that’s 100% my poor trigger control:

Five shots at 100 at yards:
https://i.postimg.cc/3W5z5Dy8/IMG-1375.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Another group here at 100 yards with that pesky flyer:
https://i.postimg.cc/BvMRbzPN/C997FD94-C42A-4AE2-AC8C-624B3D2D98F0.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I have used the 50/95 on feral pigs with a modicum of success and find it to be well up to the task at woods ranges:
https://i.postimg.cc/gc4KDmXh/162FC816-8DF0-4AA9-9FD6-CC29D4DB36A4.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/NFdry0Bq/8573E1E5-659F-4BBF-9CD6-6B70EC7CCE30.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

As long as you don’t have a problem with rendering 50 Alaskan brass into useable cases you should have a great time with the 50/95.

Now if we could just figure how to get them piggies to stand one behind the otheer ----think of the ammo you'd save

[veeman]

Did you get one yet?

[doccash]

320239, Heck, Just get an original. This thing has a pristine bore and shoots to the sights in small groups. No British marks, a homebody short rifle. Dr.C

[veeman]

Sweet!

[freakonaleash]

Nifty! Haven't come across one I can afford yet.

[hpbear101]

320308

I lucked out and found mine on an online auction site a couple years ago for much less than the going rate. I believe it was unfired (probably couldn't find ammo for it), it had a little dent on the fore-end other wise NIB. Mine is a Uberti/Stoeger and I lucked out as the groove diameter is just under .512, it shoots quite well with RL7, BP, or Trippel 7.

[Cessnapilot89]

Boss bought me one for doing some side work. Should be here Friday!

[veeman]

Here it is Saturday and no pictures yet?!?!?! What's the world coming to??

[Cessnapilot89]

Our rural post office has to close early due to a family emergency. Picking it up tomorrow!

[shrapnel]

I have 2. One is a Colt Lightning special order 50 express with a 19 inch barrel and no British proof marks, although the gun was originally shipped to Bombay, India. I have killed some gophers and an antelope with it.

The second is a 1876 Winchester and I have only killed gophers and rabbits with it. Both shoot 300 grain gas checks very well. I use 5744 powder and get good results with it…



https://i.postimg.cc/YqKVnypm/IMG-6172.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BtpMtpPq)
https://i.postimg.cc/59S7g5tx/thumbnail-IMG-7950.jpg (https://postimg.cc/F11VsLcq)

[Abert Rim]

Wow, that's a handsome Lightning!

[veeman]

Very nice!

[Cessnapilot89]

That is some fine shooting!

[Rick B]

Very nice large frame Lightning. Original Colt Lightnings had some incredible workmanship. Hand polishing and bluing was superb.
Rick

[Cessnapilot89]

I am having a devil of a time trying to post pictures

[Gunslinger1911]

Bought an Uberti 1873 in 45 Colt last year, beautiful gun - shoots great !
Thought about the 50-95 to go along with it.
It seems the 1876 from Uberti was discontinued about 2 years ago.
There was one at a gun show a couple years ago, should have bought it !!
After much searching, I found a NIB 1876.
On it's way as I type - lol
Looking around the net I have seen anything from 0.502 tp 0.515 for a good boolet diam.
The consensus leans to 0.512 - 0.515.
I figure my best bet is to slug the bore when I get it, But would really like to get a mould on order.
What say you fine gents with an Uberti 1876 50-95 ????

[hpbear101]

https://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=51-350CL

The 51-350CL seems to be a very common choice, the L version hold a little more lube for BP use. I have this mold and it shoots fine in my rifle. My Uberti/Stoeger does fine with .512 to .514.

[Gunslinger1911]

hpbear101, Thats the mould I was looking at from my research, thanks for the conformation.

It's great that you can pick a diam with Accurate.

I'm going to powder coat and use smokeless (I know - sacrilege)

Hoping to coat and shoot as cast, I'm leaning to 0.512 as a spec as cast.

[FLINTNFIRE]

Bought a mold from Arsenal molds , works great in mine , fun rifle the 50-95 , bought alaskan brass from starline and dies from rcbs .

[Gunslinger1911]

FLINTNFIRE, same here - 50 Alaskan brass and rcbs dies on the way.
I did find some "real" 50-95 brass.
In Australia.
$145 / 20 and $100 shipping !!!!!!
So how can MiHec ship a mould from Slovenia for like $30 and these guys want $100 ???????

[veeman]

I'm leaning to 0.512 as a spec as cast.

That's gonna be too small, as your bore is going to slug at .513. Your going to want to cast at minimum of .514. I also use the Accurate 51-350CL mold for a slug that's .515 and it is very accurate.

[Gunslinger1911]

Thanks for that veeman, ordered a 0.515.

[Cessnapilot89]

Sorry to bump own old thread, but do you think a 76 in 50-95 will take down an elk?

[veeman]

Easily.

[veeman]

I say that with an added within range. 150 yards or so, and practice shooting at those ranges so you know haw and where your rifle is shooting.

[Bridger]

I love it! 50-95 Winchester! Have brass, dies, and a bunch of various boolit moulds. Have an original 1876 Winchester action. Bought a 50 cal octagonal barrel too. Just have to order a chamber reamer. My question is: I believe the original 1876 Winchesters had a larger threaded hole in the receiver to accept the 50 cal barrel with the big chamber. Does anyone know if the frames were different from the 45-60's and the 50-95's ?????

Funny you ask. I just posted a new thread on this and I would like to know myself. I am waiting for some contact info for a smith that does this sort of work. I will ask him and let you know. I have an Uberti 1876 in 50-95 also. So far not loving it. With .510, .511, and .512 it can't consistently keep shots on paper at 25 yards. With .513s it show big improvement but still not great. I have some .515s loaded up but have not yet had a chance to try them. Problem is the company that I bought them from is gone and I can't find a source for .515 cast bullets and I do not want to start casting my own. For this reason I too am looking to have it converted to a 45-60. Easy to make brass and lots and lots of bullet choices. I will keep you posted on what I learn.

[veeman]

Have you tried Montana Bullets? https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/50-rcbs-57921-450gr-fn/
https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/50-lyman-515139-330gr-bp-exp-fn/
They only go to .514, but still better than .513. I tried the 350 grainers, but there isn't a crimp groove. They shoot ok. But I like my own .515's better.

[Bridger]

Have you tried Montana Bullets? https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/50-rcbs-57921-450gr-fn/
https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/50-lyman-515139-330gr-bp-exp-fn/
They only go to .514, but still better than .513. I tried the 350 grainers, but there isn't a crimp groove. They shoot ok. But I like my own .515's better.

Hey, thanks a lot! I missed this. Depending on how the .515s do I may try their .514s.

[Gunslinger1911]

Woo Hoo !
1876 50-95 Uberti is due tomorrow (Thursday)
50 Alaskan brass, dies, Lyman 0.515 and the mentioned Accurate moulds all on the way.

Hot dang ! This is gunna be fun !

Just finished a marathon 10 page Google search on load data.
Some conflicting data here and there.
But here is what I am pretty confident of :

Below all with a 350g cast

I will try some holy black - just not really into the whole messy cleaning thing

Trail Boss seems good for light loads. 14-16g ; 1100-1200 fps

Someone quoted Mike Venturino that you can use IMR4198 with a 40% of black powder charge.
Call it 85g black X 0.4 = 34g 4198 for 1450 fps

Reloader 7 : 35.5g 1440 fps

AA5744 (unobtainium) 27g = 1250 fps

Edit to add Blackhorn 209 : load like black, cleans like smokeless.

Any words of wisdom out there ?

[FLINTNFIRE]

I do not find cartridge black powder loads to be that messy , water through the barrel and they are clean , brass into water and a tumble , I only load black with grease groove bullets in my 50-95 , and in my Sharps , less cleaning then some smokeless and copper jacket loads .

[Gunslinger1911]

Thanks Flint, I've only used black in a 50 Hawkin.
So, no real buildup in the action to gum it up or cause rusting ?
I may have to re-evaluate. Black seems much simpler for 50-95.

[FLINTNFIRE]

I do a wipe down and seems to be okay , have not shot hundreds of rounds at a time and it seems to be a non event .

[hpbear101]

I've had good luck with RL7 I was up a bit from that load and seemed to shoot good. BP works well the only problem I had is that it is so dry here the fouling gets pretty bad. Even with the 350CL bullet it seemed like it needed more lube. I intend to try some duplex loading and see how that goes. Triple7 FFG has become my favorite (for now anyway). A full case of it (about 55grs by weight) under the 51-350CL gets me over 1500fps. Triple 7 supposedly has 15% more energy by volume than BP and it seems to be true. I've also come to like it in my 1871 Mausers.

329360

[greyhawk]

I do not find cartridge black powder loads to be that messy , water through the barrel and they are clean , brass into water and a tumble , I only load black with grease groove bullets in my 50-95 , and in my Sharps , less cleaning then some smokeless and copper jacket loads .

I second that
have had my Uberti since 2015 - never shot anything other than straight black in it - too many guns so none of em get shot as much as they should, but its had 5 or 6 hundred in it. I have a coke bottle with a pouring spout of soft plastic tube fits the chamber - water down, couple passes with a patch - repeat that three times, dry patches, WD40 on a patch - the whole thing takes about five minutes - have never needed to clean the innards - just a bit of WD40 then oil.
Hold the gun upside down when you do the water thing - its critical to not get any down in the mag tube

[veeman]

Woo Hoo !
1876 50-95 Uberti is due tomorrow (Thursday)
50 Alaskan brass, dies, Lyman 0.515 and the mentioned Accurate moulds all on the way.



Well?!? Let's see it!!

[Gunslinger1911]

329441

Darn thing is way long to get a good pic on phone, but here is a good shot of receiver and case hardening.