New Uberti 45-75 range report

[pinto beans]

Greetings All.  After posting here under a separate heading of getting a new 76 Uberti in 45-75WCF and the setup for reloading, I finally had a chance this weekend to head to the farm for load testing.  I thought it might be of interest to some to see the results of the loads put across the chronograph.  As with all reloading posted, here are the mandatory cautions/warnings:

The following is posted for information only and I assume NO responsibility for its use.  The information here is the results of reloading and use in my rifle and is Not intended for use beyond information only.

How is that?  Not sure of several things I observed in this new endeavor, but will point them out for what they are worth.  Here are the basics of the components and materials used:
Caliber: 45-75 WCF
Case: Rocky Mountain Cartridge
Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
Powder: Accurate Arms 5744
Bullet: Lyman 330 grain (457122)
Filler: Puff-Lon ballistic filler and lubricant
Rifle: Uberti 1876 with 28" barrel
Chronograph: Chronoy brand with remote LCD readout – readings taken 10 foot from muzzle

In developing the loads I used the Lyman 49th reloading handbook for the min and max loads of 5744 powder.  Starting with the min load, I loaded 2 rounds each and increased by .5 grains for the next 2 rounds until I reached the max listing.  Here are the results recorded during a range session Saturday March 16, 2013.  Mostly sunny day with temp right at 70 degrees F and winds 8-10 mph.

Load of AA5744    in grains   Chronograph Readings (FPS)

22.0            1197
                  1204

22.5            error – no reading
                  1209

23.0            1242
                  1242

23.5            1278
                  1255

24.0            error – no reading
                  1287

24.5            1333
                  1325

25.0            1354
                  1353

25.5            1385
                  1388

26.0            1412
                  1399


I should mention that the goal during this development was to find a load that was as close to possible to the advertised original performance of around 1380 fps for a 350 grain bullet.  The 25.5 grain load pushing the 330 grain bullet right at this level seems to be the load.  I have 20 more rounds loaded with 25.5 grains and will put them across the chronograph next outing to see how consistent they are.  Didn't try for accuracy this time, just seeing where the loads fell in the velocity department.  The loads did produce some real close groups but the target used behind the chronograph was only 25 yards distance.

I noticed that the highest load of 26 grains was right at 50fps faster than that listed in the Lyman manual results.   One wonders why, but right off some variables come to mind.  My rifle is a Uberti with a 28" barrel and the one used in the Lyman article was a Chaparral with a 26" barrel.  I used the Puff-Lon filler, and the Lyman development didn't indicate any filler of any type.  Differences in case brands as well as primers too.  Did these variables make the difference?  Have No idea, but I do think it underscores the need to test Your rifles performance and not to take at face value what to expect as published.  Another reason for disclaimers like the one I put at the start of this range report.

Last of all this is the first 20 rounds out of a brand new rifle and I couldn't be more pleased.  These things are even more fun than I had imagined.  I confess to having wanted an 1876 from the time many years ago when I had the privilege of examining an original in same configuration to my new replica.  This new one had lived up to the expectations!  I do apologize for no pictures, nothing much to see this time.  My Dad was doing the testing with me and all there was to show was two old farmers having a blast with a big Winchester lever rifle!!

Hope everyone enjoyed the range report, I admit to not being much of a writer but if you are interested in this project as it unfolds let me know and I will post up future outings.  Thanks to all here on this site for their help and sharing their experiences, it made mine much easier!!!

[larryo_1]

Pinto Beans"
Good job.  I got my '76 about 5 or so years ago.  I first started using 348 brass which works really good but it has to be fire-formed and trimmed.  I got two 100 round packs and figgured I was ready to go.  then I did a very stupid mistake and got a box of Bertram brass.  With the first round fired I got a split case and saved it for "Show and Tell."  Since then I have gone trough about a dozen or so different powders and loads.  I use RCBS dies and went and got a HOCH custom mold that cast a perfect 350 grain bullet.  I know that is bit spendy bit I feel it was worth it.  I make my own allow and am using what the original ammo makes used that is 16:1.  Lately I have been drawn to Swiss 11/2 black powder.  It shoots pretty clean--much so more than GOEX or any of the others. I also found that I can get 76 grains in a case and that turned out to be a real kick in the pants.  It is pretty accurate at 50 and 100 yards too.  I have had alot of fun with mine.  i scraped off the factory finish and put on my own and fiddled with the trigger pull and now it is where I like it.  I broke tradition and put on a fibre optic front sight cause my eyes are not too good any more.  For my 45th wedding anniversary I had a massive heart attack so am not going to doing any shooting for awhile--maybe for a long while!  Anyway, I figgure that some of my tidbits may help you.  I also use an RCBS Trim and File die for case trimming.  Have fun.

[Silver_Rings]

Howdy Pinto Beans,

Thanks for the update.  Have you checked your fired brass as compared to the unfired resized cases?  My Chappy I bought new last September is chambered for the original Uberti 45-75 chambering which is bigger than the original Winchester round.  I don't mind as it holds more powder and I'll just neck size the fired cases.

As for the difference in velocity you obtained vs the Lyman 49 book,  all the things you notice may b the reason.  Also the testing in the book took place with temps in the teens which can make a difference.  The filler will definitely make a difference from my experience.

The 1876s are a lot of fun to load and shoot.

Silver Rings

[pinto beans]

Howdy All,

Sorry for delay in responding here, been out of pocket.  Mr. Larryo 1 hope the good Lord gives you a speedy and full recovery and are back burning powder soon!  On the brass, when I started pulling together the components for the rifle I had ruled out Bertram from reports on other calibers.  Jameson showed out of stock and never responded to any emails, but the folks at Rocky Mountain Cartridges responded quickly and I splurged with the custom made brass.  So far it has lived up to the expected quality and it is pleasing to have the correct head stamp. The jury is still out on how it will preform in the long run, but time will tell.

Mr. Silver Rings, comparing the fired to the un-fired brass shows the Uberti rifle I have has the traditional 45-75WCF chamber.  There was no signs of shoulder moving forward in a fire forming manner or other issues.  Using the RCBS legacy dies the resizing was minimal on the 20 load development rounds, even the max loads.  So far the 330 grain Lyman cast bullets are showing promise and I am looking forward to round two testing accuracy.  I am at a disadvantage in that I do not cast myself and have these made from Montana Bullet Works - good folks there too.  At two and half years from retirement I may take up the bullet casting in couple of years.  Hate to disappoint some but right now I don't plan to try the black powder, at least not yet.  So far the AA5744 has cooperated.  The amount of residue reminds me of the Unique loads in my .45 Colt single action, not clean but not bad, no unburned powder.  The Puff-Lon is taking some getting used to as it goes against training and experience to place something in the case after the powder other than the bullet but the results are good.  This also offers the advantage of supporting the bullet in same manner as a full case of black powder, or similar to it.

It is good to converse with you gents, I have followed your postings over the years leading up to getting this rifle and as noted it has not disappointed at all.  There is something about these rifles that is just plain pleasing.  Showed this new one to two hard core AR shooters, both agreed it just brings a smile to your face and sticks to your hands!  Pretty positive feed back!

I will keep you all posted on the next round of testing, but I can tell ya that it is already the front runner for whitetail season this fall.  Thanks again for the feed back!!

[Rafe Covington]

Enjoyed the article and test, thanks.

Rafe