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Really thinking about a Winchester 1886 45-90 at the lgs...

Are there any smokeless recipes for reloading?
I have IMR 4895, IMR 4320 and 4064. Thinking of a 400 or 405 jsp bullet.

Why should I avoid this rifle?

There's quite a bit of info on the 1886 45-90. There was an article in a Handloader quite a while back. and I think that Ken Waters wrote an article on it besides that one. I have a 45-70 in a 1886 and a 45-90 in a 1885 Winchester.
If you're going to shoot black powder, then the 45-90 would be the best choice, IMO. The 45-90's had slower twist in the old 1886's, better for cast bullets, not sure about heavy jacketed bullets though.

My old buddy used 3031 in mine with 400’s before he passed it to me.

I'm still on the fence. History tells me not to pass on something that is there...

Components, especially brass are tough right now for the 45-90 from what I can find.

Grafs has 45-90 Starline in stock tight now

Enabler.

My Miroku/Winchester 1886 45-90 has the same twist as the 1886 45-70. I have actually shot more stateside game with .factory 45-70 ammo than with 45-90 ammo. My 1886 went to Africa with hand loaded and custom 45-90 ammo and took an elephant with 450 grain solids at 2150 fps. Shoots through Cape buff easily.


Yes, search on Internet for 45-90 Express and you will find some such loads.

Jorge,
I just love the way an Internet search can find the answers to so many "hard to answer" questions.

I have answered many questions by just recommending an Internet search on "45-90 express" . That type search reveals many other helpful pieces of information.

Thanks! I've been looking, but like to ask sometimes.

Haven't decided yet - although your input is very influential.

R&M
If you buy a standard Miroku made1886 you have a very good 45-70.

If you buy a Miroku made 1886 in 45-90, you have two very good new rifles. 45-70 and 45-90. Both cartridges are accurate in my 1886 45-90.

And do not listen to jealous comments that you should not shoot 45-70 in a 45-90! What ignorance - of course you can, why else would Winchester have designed the 45-90 1886 that way?
In fact, you can intermix the two different length cartridges in the magazine. Also ignore the comments saying that a 45-70 can easily equal the top velocities of the 45-90! Not logical.
The 300 grain bullet leaving a 45-70 case enters the 45-90 barrel before it exits the case. Go measure it like I did. Same for longer bullets. There is no "jump" from case to barrel.

Best wishes on your search and buying decision and please post pictures of whatever you buy.

Ken Waters article on the 45-90 in an 1886, it was in the Handloader March 1986.
Mike Venturino wrote an article on the 45-90 which I found in “Big Bore Rifles and Cartridges”. I’m not sure of the date of the article but he looks young in the photos.
There was an earlier article in either the Handloader or Rifle. If I can find it, I will share info on it.

Bugger,
That 45-90 article may be the one Ken put on page 637 dated March 1986 in his big red book "Ken Waters Pet Loads". A book worth the money.

I saw the article from Mike V long ago but before I had my .45-90.

Always enjoyed both writers.

Bugger,
That 45-90 article may be the one Ken put on page 637 dated March 1986 in his big red book "Ken Waters Pet Loads". A book worth the money.

I saw the article from Mike V long ago but before I had my .45-90.

Always enjoyed both writers.

All else being equal, the larger-capacity case can either equal the velocity of the smaller case with less pressure, or have higher velocity with equal pressure.

I like the concept of a .45-90 with a twist tight enough to stabilize something like the (defunct?) Beartooth Bullets Piledriver.

Vic
Thank you for a good job clarifying my statement for the slow witted among us!

Also, for modern rifles made by Miroku the twist is the same as the 45-70. Is that not 1/20 twist? What twist would you need to stabilize the Piledriver? I have loaded Beartooth 325 grain bullets in my 45-90 but never needed a bullet heavier than the 450 grain Punch or 450 grain North Fork solids. Care to elaborate?

You're welcome, and I was not implying slow-wittednes on your part.

That physical property came to me in an epiphany while experimenting with the .30-06 AI. I had a certain velocity in mind and was skeptical of getting it and being comfortable with the pressure being generated once I started.

It occurred to me the .300 WinMag could do it with ease. Duhhh....

I unscrewed the AI barrel, put a new one on, and chambered it in regular ol' .30-06, then bought a .300 WinMag. Afterwards I sold the .300, wasn't needed because the .308 had become my favorite. Haven't used my '06 in a while. At one time, I had rifles in .30-30, .308, .30-06, and .300 WinMag. I guess you could say all I was missing was a .30 Carbine.

That's how I think/do.....But I have fun...(grin)

RE:bullet twist. 1-20 is quite sufficient for the Piledriver, but given the bullets you are using, there is no need for it, the ones you are using have proven themselves sufficient. I found the Piledriver Jr (advertised as 425 grains, weighed 436) to do anything I wanted or would want to do with a .45-70 and I favor that weight more.

My 1886 45-70 may someday be a 45-90, IDK. I think the 45-90 could possibly the ultimate Bison cartridge.
My 1885 has fast enough twist to stabilize 500+ grain cast bullets with long ogives. I have not shot much jacketed bullets in the 45-70 and none in the 45-90 - there’s no need for jacketed bullets in the 45’s, IMO.

I think the 45-90 could possibly the ultimate Bison cartridge."

Indeed. Left over African loads - 450 Kodiak at 2150 fps from 1886 45-90. - used at hill country ranch on a running bison at 45 yards- shot through both shoulders and dropped Bison. bullet exited off side and not recovered.. Hats in the air from spectators. Took a while to process carcass, but was good meat.

Gentlemen, I'm sorry to disappoint.

I went with A M94 30-30 sporter. Determining factor for me was the availability of components - I have most of what I need already for the 30-30. I'll run 170 partitions and be happy. Also, The price difference between the two rifles was about 1400. Just not in the cards right now for the 45-90. It'll remain on the radar though.

And recoil is a lot less than that 45-90