Home Forums Gear Free Classifieds WTT .45-70 Ammo

After recently acquiring an original '86 Winchester, I bought a box of Winchester 300 grain JHP ammo at Cabela's. After getting it home, I noticed the ammo has a muzzle velocity of 1,880 fps and, frankly, I'm reluctant to shoot it outta the old Winchester. I'd like to trade this factory Winchester .45-70 ammo for a box of milder .45-70 cowboy loads. Lemme know if you've got some ammo to swap and thank you.

Stay well everyone.

What year was your '86 made? I can't imagine that ammo would bother that rifle, they're quite strong.

Yeah IIRC the metallurgy of the barrels changed in 1906. A 86 manufactured after that would probably be OK, but not sure I would risk it either.

Thank you for your responses. The serial number on the lower tang of my '86 is nearly illegible, having been worn nearly smooth over the years. However, as near as I can read it, rifle was manufactured in 1887 or '88. Your thoughts?

Go light loads.....

Have it inspected by a qualified gunsmith, and if it passes his inspection then black powder or black powder equivalent loads only.