Original 1876 45-60 smokeless loads?

[rpludwig]

New here, great board!

Not new to shooting & reloading (40+ years), but new to some recently acquired original Win relics.  I am not a BP shooter (yet).

One piece is an original 1876 in 45-60...in good condition. 

My first question is the subject line...is it feasible/safe to shoot specific smokeless loads in a '76, and if so some recommendations?

I see components available from Buffalo Arms and I would do a chamber cast, and have the piece thoroughly checked out before proceeding, of course.

Any/all advice most appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Ron

[Jake C]

I'm no expert, but I'm strongly inclined to say stick with just black powder.

[ndnchf]

Dusty Texian is a regular on this forum. He shoots a lot of 45-60 in original '76s. Take a look at his posts for solid, real experience. Have you read through the loading 45-60 pinned topic at the top? Lots of good loading info there too.

[rpludwig]

thx for the replies guys...

I've reviewed the stickies (great info there), and searched several other forums...no luck in finding smokeless recommendations....and plenty of recommendations against it....I would like to hear from dustytexian, if he has dabbled in this area though, perhaps he will chime in...

Thx in advance,
Ron

[dusty texian]

thx for the replies guys...

I've reviewed the stickies (great info there), and searched several other forums...no luck in finding smokeless recommendations....and plenty of recommendations against it....I would like to hear from dustytexian, if he has dabbled in this area though, perhaps he will chime in...

Thx in advance,
Ron

From one Ron to another ( I wouldnt!) .rpludwig, I cant offer any  smokeless load info for the original Winchester 1876 . In all honesty I have tried a very few smokeless loads in one of my 1876 45/60 rifles ,and found the loads to be accurate but very dissapointing in power. At the level of (power/ pressure ) that is limited by the old 76 action , the loads sound like ( PAP!) .If you have shot a 76 with a real Bp. load you know PAP is way out of character. So now when the idea of smokeless in one of my prize Winchester 1876 rifles comes along , I just remember the pic. posted of( Shrapnel's ruined  original 1876)  ,or what was left of his original Winchester 1876 fired with Smokeless loads. Not Pretty! I personally know folks that use smokeless in thier original 76 rifles ,with no ill effects so far! Not me ! Bp. serves me just fine . The cartridges for the 1876 Winchester were designed for Bp. as was the rifle . And I might add they perform very well with it. Congratulations on aquireing an original Winchester Model of 1876! They are fine rifles and can and will do everything a hunter or target shooter could ask of them. My recommendation is load them with what they like Bp. and experience what a real 76 is like . I look forward to hearing how your loading and shooting the old rifle works out for you. How about a pic. of the old girl?,,,,,DT ,,,, Ron.    PS. Shrapnel is not a novice ! From what I understand he is very experienced with antique firearms. I only mention him as proof ( It can happen to anyone! ) ,,,DT