45-60 WCF Loads for a Cimarron 1876 Tom Horn Rifle

[pbcaster45]

As much trouble as it was to find data for the 45-60 WCF I decided to create a separate thread and post my results. Maybe I can save somebody some trouble. These are for modern 1876 replicas - it's probably better to stick to black powder in the originals.

The obligatory gun porn...



I tried the RCBS 45-325-FN-U first, but it didn't feed that well. I think it's just too blunt, but it did work.





Bullet: Buffalo Arms RCBS 45-325-FN-U (.459/SPG/1-20)
Powder: IMR-4198 24.0 grs. (Onionskin Paper-Wad/Dacron Wad 1/2 gr.)
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Starline Converted 45-70 Government
LOAL: 2.25

I decided to quit using it and save the rest for my 45-70 Shiloh Sharps 1874.

Next, I worked up a load with the RCBS 45-300 Flat Nose Gas-Check from GT Bullets. This bullet fed like greased lightning!




It shot well but while adjusting the front sight blade for windage I noticed I was running out of room to tighten the screw that holds it in place. I didn't have a brass punch to move the rear sight in its dovetail, so I called it a day.



Two five shot groups at 30 yards.



This is a load recommended by Mike Venturino. I started low and worked my way up.

Mike Venturino Cimarron 1876.pdf (648.95 KB)

Bullet: GT Bullets 325gr FN (.459/GT Lube/Hornady GC/96-2-2)
Powder: AA 5744 24.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Starline Converted 45-70 Government
LOAL: 2.230
Avg. Vel.: 1255 fps
ES: 19
SD: 7

If anyone wants to share their load data, please do.

Final sight-in at 30 yards.

[pbcaster45]

Keeping my test loads together...

Five shots at 30 yards.




Bullet: GT Bullets 325gr FN (.459/GT Lube/Hornady GC/96-2-2)
Powder: IMR Trail Boss 13.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Starline Converted 45-70 Government
OAL: 2.230

[bigmuddy]

Very nice rifle and great pics.

I’d share my load, but you already have it. 24 grains 5744 and 300gr lead RNFP is about all I ever use. I get single digit ES’s.

I did use s 410 gr bullet with 50 grains of 2f Goex Select to take a Bison a few years back. I was told by a BP Long Range shooter that my 300 grain bullets probably wouldn’t hold their accuracy much beyond 100 yards and he was correct.

Really fun cartridge and rifle. Mine is a Chaparral, and I also have an original that doesn’t get fired very much.

Dan

[LeverGunner]

There is an article about the 76 with a bit of data in the Lyamn 49 Edition handbook. I can upload pics if it helps you any.

[pete]

Nice rifle. I can't add any load data, but I'm going to watch the thread, the older guns are pretty interesting.

[pbcaster45]

May 18, 2023 0:37:52 GMT -5 LeverGunner said:

There is an article about the 76 with a bit of data in the Lyamn 49 Edition handbook. I can upload pics if it helps you any.

Thanks! I already have it...

[pbcaster45]

Here are the chronograph results using Trail Boss.

Bullet: GT Bullets 325gr FN (.459/GT Lube/Hornady GC/96-2-2)
Powder: IMR Trail Boss 13.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Starline Converted 45-70 Government
OAL: 2.230
Avg. Vel.: 1106 fps
ES: 41
SD: 15

[pbcaster45]

I have to eat crow... turns out the feeding problems I've been having were from operator error! Gasp!

I was shooting some Trail Boss loads with the GT Bullets 325gr FN and having feeding problems. I was stumped and then I had a hunch what the problem was. I was working the lever with my hand over the ejection port to catch my empties (muzzle up with the stock resting on my thigh). I would then work the lever as I lowered the muzzle and sometimes a cartridge would hang up. As soon as I started operating the rifle horizontally it started feeding like snail snot! D'Oh!

I'll have to give those RCBS 45-320-FN-U bullets another chance! I think they will probably work fine.