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Reloading obsolete cartridges is a hobby of mine. I recently took on the old .40-60 WCF using black powder for use in an original Winchester Model 1876 rifle.
I had some resized WW 45-70 brass in my stash that I got from Buffalo Arms years ago. I recently found some Jamison .40-60 brass so did a comparison with the resized WW 45-70 brass. The Jamison brass has a slightly larger rim but not quite as big as an original Winchester make .40-60 cartridge in my collection. Not sure why, maybe they had to make them fit the reproduction guns.
I don’t have reloading dies so I use an original Winchester Model 1880 loading tool. It works great for this. The fired cases didn’t need resizing so after cleaning and de-priming I re-primed them. I used Winchester large magnum rifle primers.
I found the WW brass must have thinner walls as I can get 55 grains of Goex cartridge powder in them. On the other hand, the Jamison cases will only hold 50 grains and still have enough room to seat the bullet with light compression.
Bullet used was from original Winchester .40-60 WCF mold which drops a 210 grain bullet with two grease grooves. I didn’t resize them, just lubed with SPG and used the loading tool to do the seat and crimp operation. Just like the boys did in the ranch house back in the day.
The .40-60 WCF is a neat cartridge, sort of like a super .44-40
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
November 7, 2015
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Bill-
Good job, shot them yet? 20-1 or something harder?
Mike
Mike,
Here are the results using the resized WW .45-70 brass. I have not tried the Jamison brass yet. This was 23 rounds fired from 50 yards using a rest.
The rifle is an 1892 production gun so probably parts clean up. It has a 30 inch octagon barrel, set trigger that works and excellent bore. Otherwise, a standard Model 1876. Lyman #4 hunter’s sight and standard Winchester sporting rear sight. With a 30 inch barrel this rifle could benefit from a tang sight. I do see some evidence it had one earlier in its life.
Bullets are 20/1 lead to tin.
Special thanks to Mark Douglas and his videos shooting “old iron.” He inspired me to do some reloading and head back to the range. After all, why should he be having all the fun?
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
Bill Hockett said
Special thanks to Mark Douglas and his videos shooting “old iron.” He inspired me to do some reloading and head back to the range. After all, why should he be having all the fun?
That’s great to hear, Bill. I enjoy hearing about these old girls getting dusted off and out shooting.
Hopefully we can inspire the next generation to get interested in collecting and shooting these old beauties. 
Mark
I have a Whitney-Kennedy in 40-60 win that is in good shape and I would like to shoot it deer hunting! I came across a couple boxes of Jamison Legacy Grade Ammunition 210 Gr RNFP 1,475 FPS velocity and 1,015 FT/LBS energy. Is this to Hot to shoot in this old of a gun? According to what I have found about the original 40-60 win. load it was actually a little hotter! Any thoughts from you more experienced guys sure would be appreciated! Thanks!!
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