1876 strength

[Colonel Buckshot]

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. 

[Grizzly Adams]

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. 

I agree, in theory .  The length of the action is the primary limiting factor.  The frame of the 1876 is already at the extreme end of practical, and making it longer would have made it weaker due to the corresponding length of the toggle links.

It ain't an 1886, but it is certainly strong enough for it's intended purpose!