I was reading a Stoeger book on deer rfiles, that I bought at Walmart. The author says: But despite its size the 1876 lacked the strength to handle pressures generated by the 45-70. I have read about the tests that Oliver Winchester did to the 1876 before wrecking one and it seems quite capable of handleling orginal BP loads compairable to the 45-70. The problem is more the action is not long enough to handle the 45-70.