435 Grain Cast bullet, is 32 Grains of IMR 4198 too much for an original Winchester 1886? I don't have any resources for Cast Bullet load data on hand.

Thanks

Ryan

You should be plenty safe; that load is more in line with 1873 Springfield data. Lyman lists approximately your charge weight as a max load for a 500 grain bullet in the Springfield. You might consider a Lyman cast bullet book or Ken Waters PET LOADS.

I agree, I need to get the Lyman book but just got back into cast bullets. Have a bunch of TL-460-425 GC bullets I cast several years ago and wanted to try them. That was about the best charge weight I could extrapolate from research. I am not looking to hot rod anything and the GC is probably overkill but its what I have on hand.

I haven't used IMR4198 or heavy bullets in a .45-70 in a long time, but did get good accuracy with 4198. With the Lyman 420 grain flat nose, muzzle velocity with 31 grs. was just under 1300 fps in a 22" Marlin.

The JMB designed 1886 is probably the strongest lever gun ever. The originals may not be as strong as the Miroku with more modern steel, but are still plenty strong.

IMO, that gun will stand more than you will be comfortable shooting...

My guess, you'll holler UNCLE before it does...

DF

Looking at Lyman Cast Bullets #4, interpolating, it looks like you are good to go...435 gr not listed but 450 gr in the TRAPDOOR shows 31 gr 4198 for 15,400 psi. In the 1886 the heaviest bullet is a 405gr with 40.5 of 4198 for 27,500 cup. Looks like you have a comfortable safety margin there. You might end up somewhere in the 1300 to 1400 fps range...if you have the blackpowder sight, you are darn close to the original sights. Wouldn't that be sweet?

Oh, by the way, check your 435 gr in your chosen case to be sure you can achieve a functional c.o.a.l. Win brass has a stop ring and the 435 is a little long and heavy for the '86. If the brass stop ring deforms the base band of the bullet..you got heartache and woe on the target.

Apologize for tagging on but have a can and 2/3 of IMR 4198 if anyone in NE Alabama area wants it. Make a heck of a price.

I figured they were quite robust but wanted to double check. I used to push my Marlin to the limit but these days I just want something accurate and fun to shoot. I have a great load with the same bullet design but lighter at 360 grains using 24 Grains of SR 4759 but it is my understanding that is no longer available so I want to make it last.

I will have to check that, thanks

Here's wbat they can look like, pushed just a tad beyond the "limit"...

Don't think you 'll see an 1886 looking anything like that.

In the .45-70, it's pretty thin in certain places, due to the large case.

DF

I have seen that picture.

I should clarify that I pushed it to my limit, not the guns. I have never tried loading over book max but that will get your attention....

I've posted it before.

No reason to push those fine guns. A good solid load will do what needs doing.

DF

Starting a 405 grain bullet from a 45-70 isn't the hard part, stopping it is. There is no need to hot rod a 45-70. You can pick up some speed by adding more powder, but I have shot clear through more than one buffalo with a 45-70 and a faster bullet will only hit the dirt harder on the other side...

Nice trophies, YOUNG Shrap...

Oh well, you're still a handsome devil...

DF