Did some 45-90 loading today on Christmas Eve for the 1886 Winchester using the Lyman 457122 Gould Express HP bullet at 330gr. I cast these in 20:1 alloy to get proper expansion at the expected velocity of 1600fps. I decided to load some smokeless propellant this go around instead of the standard Black Powder loads. I have a little Accurate 5744 left over so I went with a 35gr charge. It is interesting to note that I had left the powder dispenser set to throw 30gr of Buffalo Rifle so I tested the A5744 before any adjustments. The same volumetric setting for the Buffalo Rifle dispensed 30gr of A5744 as well. I have heard it reported that the two propellants have identical properties, and they sure seem to match up. The look the same, smell the same, and weigh the same. They both chronograph identically with other charges in the 45-70 that I have tested.
Anyway, I loaded these up and seated the bullets so I could crimp just over the front driving band. This allows all three lube grooves to be lubed up with SPG. All the test cartridges performed exactly as expected turning an average velocity of 1650fps with an acceptable Standard Deviation. I haven’t put this load on paper yet but I suspect it will give minute of hog groups.
The shooting test went well. No leading visible, minimal fouling in the barrel (expected with 5744), and all cases popped right out of the chamber. Had a great time shooting the 1886 with these loads.
Got some nice pics of the rifle today too. Weather was great here in North Carolina! Still waiting for an elk or moose to wander by.
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