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I have a 44WCF first Model 1873 manufactured with a couple special order features that I shoot only black powder in in the sake of caution.
I am now building an 1873 from parts and pieces. The upper tang is from a "1890’s" rifle , the lower tang is from an 1890 gun. Other parts and pieces are a mix of old and new. I just purchased one of the new barrels made for homestead parts.com. I know this is obviously modern steel. What are your thoughts on the strength in regards to black vs smokeless when using a modern steel barrel? Does this make it "more" safe for smokeless? Either way, I plan on keeping my reloads mild. It is going to be a shooter.
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Rick,
The weak link (pun intended) is not the barrel… instead, it is the toggle links. If you load and shoot hot-rodded 44-40 loads, the toggle links will eventually crack or break. The original barrel can easily withstand much higher pressures than those generated by any reasonable smokeless powder load.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I wouldn’t run "Hot Hot" Loads in 1st Models 73s due to the receiver being made of Iron, on top of the matter of the toogle links. But I have shot smokeless cowboy loads in them all day long.
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
Blueliner said
Bert,I’ve had good luck with Winchester and some others for the 92, but somewhat concerned for the 73. 38 same thing.
The 45-75 I found was made by Captech-Jamison@ $2.74/rd and TenX @ $4.24/rd. Both are 350 gr. Is that a safe grain for the ‘ole 76 ?
Bill
Howdy Blueliner, the 45/75 wcf was designed to use a 350gr. bullet. I have loaded many rounds of 45/75wcf using the original 350gr. bullet over black powder to be used in original 1876 Winchesters. The 350gr. bullet has performed very well for me in this cal.for hunting and target shooting. If your ole 76 is in good condition the 350gr. will probably be the bullet it will like the best. One other place you can purchase loaded 45/75wcf ammo is Buffalo Arms Co.very pricey and usually on back order . But what isnt now days. Have fun with the Ole 76! Dusty Texian.
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