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I have a chance this yr to go elk hunting in Utah and plan on doing it the old fashion way. I plan on taking my 1886 45/90. Is there anyone out there that loads 45/90 soft point or hollow point for hunting?
I know I could also use 45/70 Winchester Ballistic Silvertip loads. I realize the difference in rifling between the 45/90 and 45/70 barrels. Another option would be to use the 45/70 load in my short barrel ( 20 ” ) barrel 1886 vs the long 26″ barrel on the 45/90, but not sure of accuracy between the two barrel lengths.
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
I had an original 1886 .45-90 about 10 years ago and did some experimentation with various loads. My most accurate loads were as follows, using Starline 45-90 brass:
34.1 grains IMR 4198 under a 330 grain Gould bullet, mag primer, no filler for 1,562 fps
29.3 grains 5744 with one sheet of single-ply toilet paper loosely rolled and folded between powder and 330 grain Gould bullet, standard Winchester primer for 1,430 fps
32.2 grains 5744 with one sheet of single-ply toilet paper loosely rolled and folded between powder and 330 grain Gould bullet, magnum Winchester primer for 1,563 fps
If I recall correctly, all Gould bullets were sized to .458″
For comparison, original BP ballistics were a 300 grain bullet at 1,480 fps. measured some 50 feet down range … which suggests just over 1,500 fps at the muzzle.
I’m not certain but a friend of mine has an 86 in .45/90 and he got an American guy who hunts up here to bring him some from Buffalo Arms. I think they load it in both smokeless and black powder depending on the age and condition off your .45/90. I think it was priced around $60US a box.
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