I know this topic is hardly a long range hunting question, but I have a Winchester 1885 chambered in 45-70 Govt. I have two other 45-70's and just kind of want a bigger shoulder killer I guess. Would it be possible to rechamber the 1885 in 45-70 to something like 450 Nitro Express? I have considered cartridges like 458 Win mag and 458 Lott but I'm not sure the extractor will work with the rimless cartridges.
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45-70 Govt to 450 Nitro Express
- Thread starter N8Nobull
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fseaman.js
Well-Known Member
Not 45-110?
wvbearhunter
Well-Known Member
Turnbulls can turn it into a 50-110 I believe. Also I think they do 50 Express.
wvbearhunter
Well-Known Member
Guess I completely spaced that out. Used to only seeing that in black powder I suppose.
fseaman.js
Well-Known Member
Is your 1885 modern?
Can take smokeless powder chamber pressures?
I believe my 1885 Winchester High Wall is quite old. I don't know exactly, I'd have to find date of manufacturer by serial number. It has double set triggers, Pedersoli sights, long and not oem barrel.
Most folks on this site know that I am a fanatic fan of .45-70's I've been shooting and hunting with them since Marlin re-introduced their M1895 in 1972. Before you start fooling around with exotic calibers, try "souping up" your 1885. If, as, you suggest it is of modern steel, it will safely withstand pressures in the 45,000 psi range. The load I've been using in my Marlins (I have all seven variations/barrel lengths) is 54 grs. of AA2015, shooting a 400 grain Speer bullet. In my 26" barreled "Cowboy edition" Marlin, it clocks just over 2,000 fps., will group 1 1/2" at our 100 meter range, and is a sure killer out to 300 yards. It also should satisfy your macabre interest in having a "shoulder killer".
Yes it's modern. It's actually a newer Miroku Japan produced 1885 which is also why I don't mind fooling with it.
I would've figured upwards of 62k psi beings how some are chambered in 300 Win Mag. Mine is a newer Miroku Japan produced 1885.
fseaman.js
Well-Known Member
My serial number is 6 digits 11xxxx. I believe this is after 1913 but before 1923. Edit: DOM 1915
I don't know if that is "modern steel". The loads I use have always been for "old steel".
My 1886 is 1888 vintage. Same deal. Not sure so I use "old steel" class loads.
An "old steel" load is still quite potent.
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it might be possible. the 450N.E. runs at 44236 psi. that won't be a problem for a modern steel action the issue might arise with the rim being .020 larger and the base being .039 larger and having enough material to enlarge safely. best to call manufacture and talk with them.
