Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers 1876Winchesters

I'm about to buy an 1876 Winchester to shoot, either .45-75 or .50-95.

Who's best die maker for these calibers? Cheapest?

Where's a good source of formed cases for each?

Cordially,

Jim Stewart

Buffalo Arms is the best supplier I've found for cases and dies. For the 45-75 there are two die makers, 4D and RCBS. The RCBS are pretty high at 200 dollars plus. I was told that the 4D do not work for every rifle, whereas the RCBS dies do. I've not used the 50-95 but have shot my 76 SRC in 45-75 a decent amount. The cartridge originally used a 350 gr bullet and you would be advised to stick with the 300-350 gr range for accuracy. The 76 is not a particularly strong rifle, nowhere near the strength of the 1886 rifle. I'm not sure if you were planning on using blackpowder or smokeless. If you use smokeless, tread lightly...

Thanks, Steve.

It'll be real black powder and lead alloy bullets at 350 gr. if it's a .45-75.

Cordially,

Jim Stewart

My friend, Rick Bachman (Old West Reproductions) is a 76 fan. He says in the 45-75 you get the best crimp using an original Winchester loading tool.