Load Data for the 40/60

[Grizzly Adams]

At the suggestion of Postman63, I am setting stickies for load data.  If you have pet loads for the 40/60 WCF, please share them here.  As always, use caution when posting and when using data posted on this and any other forum.

[dusty texian]

40/60wcf BP. load. This load for the 40/60wcf  is one of three different loads that are used in an original 1876 Winchester 22"oct.barrel straight grip rifle.  The rifle has been modified from its factory 28" barrel that was cut down to 22" at sometime in its past. The bore was rough when I acquired the rifle and after many different tries at getting it to shoot with the old rough bore . The decision was made to re-line the old rifle. The ROT that was chosen is 1 x 22" . I felt that this ROT would give the ability to shoot the original 210gr. Winchester bullet and also allow the 40/60wcf to use bullets of greater weight . Bullets of 255gr. and upwards of 280gr. have been tested and found to be very accurate  in this rifle at distances out to 200yds.    The first load is one that I consider although not exactly like the original but is  very close to the original load used in these old 40/60's .The bullet is cast using soft lead in an original Winchester mould marked 40/60wcf. It is loaded as cast @ .406" and lubed with 50/50 bees wax and deer tallow into a Jamison case over 55gr. by weight of 2ff Swiss bp. NO wad . A std. large rifle primer is used CCI or Winchester work very well in this load. All of this is assembled using an original Winchester reloading tong tool marked 40/60wcf. I have not tested this load for velocity  or SD. Loads for my bp. rifles are tested  for accuracy and function. This load has proven to be great for both. This is a very mild load in this rifle that is pleasant to shoot at the range and has proven to be very effective on mid size game such as deer and wild boar. Although I load and shoot all four of the 1876 Winchester cartridges, This rifle barrel and load combo. has become the 1876 Winchester caliber that gets the most use by me for most of my target shooting and hunting. Easy on the rifle Easy on reloading components very accurate and deadly on game ,handy to carry makes this a favorite of mine. If you have ever considered getting an 1876 Model  40/60wcf ,,,,,Do So! you will not be disappointed .,,,,,,DT

[pinto beans]

Thanks for this write up Mr. Dusty!!  Original rifle loaded with original tools, don't get any better than that!

PB

[Slamfire]

 " FINALLY", Thank you "Dusty". ---- How much for the reline? ( if I may ask).







  Hootmix.

[dusty texian]

" FINALLY", Thank you "Dusty". ---- How much for the reline? ( if I may ask).

How Do Mr. Slamfire. Hope Y'all had a very Merry Christmas. The barrel reline cost in cash was very low . But cost me many hrs. standing at my lathe ,I  did it the hard way and turned down a new old stock barrel that one of my old friends had . But it was worth it .  Although something I would not want to do often. ,,,,,,,,,DT





  Hootmix.

[dusty texian]

One shot from the 40/60 M76 sent this wild hog to the smokehouse . Nothing like hunting with the old time guns,,,,,,DT

[Slamfire]

 Dusty o'l son that's ,,,,,,,cool! It looks like he ( she ) droped right there.







  Hootmix.

[King Medallion]

Very nice! Congrates!

[pinto beans]

Very well done!  That is the way to fill the smoke house!!

[dusty texian]

Hey fellows ,thats what made me dig up that pic. from last fall. Yesterday I was finishing the cureing of the hams on that hog. Time to go get a few more . Wish Yall the best ,,,,,DT

[Good Troy]

Good shot DT!

This little piggy went to the market,
this little piggy stayed home,
this little piggy went WEE WEE WEE, all the way to the freezer!

[OKDEE]

I know this is a kinda old, but very useful thread.  I recently came into a Winchester model 1876 in 40-60WCF.  Interesting rifle and caliber. I finally got all my brass, lead, primers and powder.  I have used the powder ACCURATE Smokeless powder 5744, before for my 45-60 and it worked  very well.  So, that is what I used for the 40-60 caliber.
Here is the information from my chronograph on 9/9/2016 :

Winchester Model 1876 - Caliber 40-60 WCF - Barrel length is 23.5" Oct - I bought two different weights from a fantastic outfit up in Montana - Montana Bullet Works.  Great people.

209gr Montanta Bullet Works .406 Dia - 19gr of 5744 - Win Large Primers - 40-60 WCF JBA Brass - OAL is 2.20"
Hi Vel - 1212,  Lo Vel - 1179,  ES - 33,  SD - 11.5,  AV Vel - 1200

243gr Montanta Bullet Works .406 Dia - 19gr of 5744 - Win Large Primers - 40-60 WCF JBA Brass - OAL is 2.25"
Hi Vel - 1206,  Lo Vel - 1165,  ES - 41,  SD - 13.4,  AV Vel - 1183

I only shot for the velocity information , and know that I will try to get the velocity up over 1300fps.  I will start with 22grains of 5744 next and see where that takes me.  I am going to put it on paper and see which weight bullet groups the best.

Nice recoil so far.

[Slamfire]

 OKDEE,,I just ordered the same ,,be here end of next week.  Don't have a chronograph,,so will be interested in what you find .





Hootmix.

[Slamfire]

It's been awhile,,,but i'v loaded some 210grs. w/ H 4198.

Chaparral-24" barrel______OAL  w/ 210gr.LFN. 2.35 --2.40,,Loaded w/1884 Ideal 40/60 tong's.
  started w/ 25grs._____H4198 no chro. no sign's of pressure.

  load w/ 26grs. _______H4198 "     "      "    "       "      "      .
 
More soon as I can .",, THESE LOADS ARE NOT FOR ORIGINAL 1876's",,Quoting the 49th Lyman Reloading Manual.

All other disclaimer apply.   Hootmix.
 

[Slamfire]

Yep!! back again,,

        Loading ,TB,,13.7 gr. don't have cohno.,,but loading by the book( 49th lyman) below max ,dead on at 100 yds.
       Shoots clean, 200 gr. cast,ww primers & cci primers and fed's ,all work ok!, 45/70 resized cases & starline some 40/60,,some 45/70. It don't make my chappie no never mind,,2.225 all the way to 2.250,. Working up 245gr. cast w/ TB,,will post info.

  These load's work smooth in my own rifle,,,use at your own discression,,all other disclaimers apply.


smoke'm if y'a got'm Hootmix.

     

[dusty texian]

Thought I smell 't powder burn in the air , What lube are you using there old pard ,   ,,,,,DT

[Slamfire]

 "SPG" ,I had ordered these bullets a while back from  "Buffalo Arms",,, have called several bullet co.'s,,no one has 200-205gr. in .406,,"BA"'s bullets are .50 ceents ea.,,,,,,,,whoa,,,,,bought a .406 mould w/handles,,looking at old blasti caster( 40# pot) to do my own,,,.





  smok'm if y'a got'm,,,Hootmix.

[Mike]

I got one. made in 1884 in 40-60.

[Slamfire]

 My hats off to ya' Mike  ,love shoot'n mine ,just made a short range tang sight for mine w/ 3 eye pcs. cut a steel 6" ruler 1/8" wide and used small brass rivets to attach on the side for elev. adj.  Loading some rds. to go try out the sight ,, after " Turkey-day  " .


smoke'm if ya' got'm ,, Hootmix .

[Mike]

The bore looks warn on this one, need to give it a good clean over the next week and see what we have. I have a Uberti in 45-60 as well but wanted a original
.