Simple to the point question; REF 45-90-300 WCF

[J Miller]

What is the original velocity of the 45-90-300 EXP round as made for the 1886 Win.?


All my books are still packed away and I've found everything but the original specs when searching on the net.

TIA

Joe

[crs]

According to Phillip Sharpe, the fastest hand loads were just over 2050 fps.

Cartridges of the world states that the .45-90 factory high velocity 300 grain ammo topped out just under 2000 fps.
COW also lists the 3031 load at the same velocity as Sharpe, just over 2000 fps.

FWIIW, My 1886 .45-90 300 grain bullet loads have been up to 2600+ fps and at these velocities, you need a sturdy bullet to not tear up on impact with game. I personally like 300 grain velocities at 1800-2200 fps, again with bullets that will hold together if hitting game.

[claybob86]

1905 Winchester catalog says 1,925 fps at 50' out of a 26' barrel for the .45-90 W.H.V. 1,480 fps for the standard velocity .45-90.

[M. M. Wright]

I have an 1886 from 1916. 26" octagon, full length magazine. Very plain and the bore is a little dark so it likes jacketed bullets or gas checks best. I shoot mostly a case full of Goex ffg behind a 300 grain gas checked bullet and it will put 2 into almost the same hole at 100. At least it did back when my eyes were a little better. My cheap chrony says they are running just under 1800. It is the slow twist so it doesn't like it's bullets to be much heavier. 5744 is the berries for smokeless powder in it. 34 grains about equals black but 38 grains may be a little more accurate and I can't find my notes for the velocity on that load.

[J Miller]

Hmmm, maybe I'm asking the question wrong. Perhaps it's not the "express" version I'm thinking of. Near 2000 FPS for a black powder round seems like more than it should be.

What I'm looking for is the original specs for the 45-90-300 black powder lead bullet load as used in the 1886's.

Joe

[claybob86]

1905 Winchester catalog says 1,480 fps at 50 feet for the standard velocity .45-90, 300 grain bullet, 26" barrel, Winchester 1886. The ammo section of the catalog shows both black powder and smokeless loads and both jacketed and lead bullets. No distinction is made in the ballistics table as to any of that, just bullet weight and velocity. Guess this doesn't help.

[J Miller]

1905 Winchester catalog says 1,480 fps at 50 feet for the standard velocity .45-90, 300 grain bullet, 26" barrel, Winchester 1886. The ammo section of the catalog shows both black powder and smokeless loads and both jacketed and lead bullets. No distinction is made in the ballistics table as to any of that, just bullet weight and velocity. Guess this doesn't help.

claybob86,

Actually it does help. That is the specs I was trying to remember.
Several times in the past people have commented that with modern powders, brass and guns you can duplicate the old 45-90-300 velocities with the .45 Colt. I just could not remember the velocity or the barrel length.

Thanks.

joe