Hi. I have a chance to pick up a 1886 Winchester in 45XL That is what the brass has on it. Anyone heard of these. Thanks for any info you have Al

My guess is that it is 45-90 is it an old gun or a newer one that some one lengthened?

Its an original And the case is shorter than a 45-70

How much shorter?
Is it a straight case? Could it be a 45-60???

Is it a necked down case? Could it be the 45-75 Winchester???

Might need to do a chamber cast.

what is the serial number to check the factory records?

Not a 45-75 wont fit!

I don't know that this is "the" answer, or even close to the answer, but in the late 1,800s and very early 1,900s, there were a number of different cartridges available with an "XL" suffix to the cartridge name. The XL stood for "Xtra Long", but it didn't necessarily mean longer than anything except some of the short cartridges then in play.

Seems to me the .38XL, .44XL and .45XL are all names I have seen back in the murky past. Most were target cartridges, and again most were chambered in single shot rifles, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to find a Winchester in any of them. At various times (and for certain people) Winchester would make special order guns for just about anything which would feed through the action.

I definitely would get in contact with the Cody museum and find out what they have to say on the matter.

I would also have a 'smith make a chamber cast, if you can't do that yourself, and compare it with all the cartridge drawings of that bore which I had access to.

All good points Thanks for all the input I will get hold of the Cody Museum. for there take on it Thanks Al

Is there a caliber marking on the barrel? I thought all the originals were marked, of course it could have been rechambered too.

I believe the letters XL stand for extra light.