Making a long story short--- I bought the Miroku Winchester 1886 .45-90 TD because I planned to experiment with heavy big game loads for Afrika and wanted the security of knowing it was up to the job. both mechanically and weight wise WRT handling recoil. It weighs 9.5 pounds empty and once I learned how mount the crescent butt plate, it has never bruised me.
Ironically, the 450 grain bullets at 2150 fps loaded by Grizzly Cartridge never generated enough pressure to be a concern. The 1886 can handle way more pressure (and heavier bullets) if needed.
Since the 450 grain North Fork and Punch bullets performed as planned on the ele and buffalo, we concluded the is no need for heavier bullets or higher velocity.
Insurance comes with a price in weight and $.
CRS, NRA Benefactor Life Member, Whittington Center, TSRA, DWWC, DRSS
Android Reloading Ballistics App at
http://www.xplat.net/
