Caliber Choice

[sass2924]

I'm looking to get an Uberti 76 and I'm debating calibers.  Started off looking at the 45-60 because I have brass and dies.  Then started thinking maybe I need something with a little more punch.  Then I went to the 50-95 because of the boom factor.  But then started to think maybe it was not the most vesitile.  Now I'm leaning toward the 45-75.
So what do you think??? What is your favorite caliber for the 76???  Don't let difficulty of reloading bias your choice.  If you could have just one caliber what would it be?

[Grizzly Adams]

Howdy, sass2924, and welcome the the fire!

Great question, and one that everyone who contemplates the 1876 stews over!   I chose the 45-60 because it is easy to reload, and my primary use will be for CAS related activities.   Now, if I could only have ONE, I guess it would be the 45-75 because it is the historical flagship caliber for the 1876, and has lots of punch for anything you care to do, including hunting any North American big game. 

They are all great choices, and I think the only reasonable thing for a fella to do is  to have one of EACH!   It's a great "problem" to have!

[OKDEE]

Well, I will voice my thoughts!

I am working toward getting all the calibers!    I have the 45-75 and it was the first and so far, the best.  I really like that bottle neck brass!

Next, I am thinkin of getting the 45-60, just for something kinda, different.   

Then the 40-60. 

An then the big one!   

Aw heck, you just cannt go wrong in any of the calibers!  It's rich, all of it!  We are blessed to have choices!   

Oklahoma Dee

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[kurt250]

my friend rick backman at old west reproductions collects and hunts with original 76 wra's he took a buffalo with a 45-75 last year. on shot and the beast when down like a stone. for hunting i would think about 45-75. i have a chapperal 45-60 and it is easy to load for. kurt250

[Grizzly Adams]

Check post #9 on this thread.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,18134.0.html

[Colonel Buckshot]

I got the 45-75 a very capable round.

[Buck Stinson]

I really enjoy my .50 Express guns but I still think the .45-75 is a better hunting round, with all the boom and thrill of the larger Express caliber.  I must admit that just saying the words .50 Express conjure up all kinds of excitement,  but for me the .45-75 WCF does the same thing.  When I was 15 years old, I bought my first '76.  It was a great carbine in .45-75.   I also bought from the same man, my first "Centennial" box of Winchester .45-75 ammunition.  I shot that gun for many years using .348 brass,  but when my wife and I got married we needed the money, so my carbine went down the road.  I still have that original box of ammunition. 

As a hunting round, it is very capable for any game you can find in North American from coyotes to moose.  However, it is NOT a long range cartridge and you must stay within the ranges it was designed for.  I shot my first buffalo with a deluxe pistol grip gun in .45-75 about 10 years ago.  I loaded ammo with an original Winchester mold and tong tool and used 69 grains of 2F black.   My brass is reformed .348 cases and this is about all they will hold.   I took one off hand shot, which hit the animal low and just behind the left elbow.  The bullet cut through the top of the heart and stopped just under the hide, low on the right shoulder.  The buffalo took one step, dropped like a rock and never moved a muscle.  The shot was 124 yards on a range finder.   That was the first time I realized what a potent cartridge it really was. 

Adios,
Buck

[Hobie]

I am pleased with the .45-75 WCF despite the cost of ammo production because it is both capable and comes in the carbine.  The 1876 is a BIG gun and can weigh quite a bit.  I like the lighter guns. 

[sass2924]

Thanks for everyones input.  I went ahead and ordered a 45-75   Looks like it will be fun to load for and shoot.  Bought the 50-90 formed brass for the 45-75, some 350 gr bullets and the Lyman Die set.   I talked with Louis (the Lyman distributor) and sent a check for the 457192 mold.  And while I was at it I ordered a Waage casting furnace.  My little Lee is on its last leg so I thought I would try ladle pouring some bullets.

On a side note...does any one have a reproduction label for the 45-75.  I would like to use some old paper cartridge boxes to store them in.

I'll keep you posted on all the fun I'm having with it

[Harve Curry]

Buck Stinson,
Enjoed your story of the buffalo shot with a plain old lead bullet and it's effect. I've found the same results on bear and deer. Seems when aimed properly at the vitals you don't need a 3000fps supe sonic shocker. This year I'm hoping to hunt elk with my 45-75 and oryx with a 56-50 Spencer.

[Buck Stinson]

Harve,
That should be a great hunt.  I hope you'll show us some photos when this takes place. 

Adios,
Buck