Just wondering. I have an old Ideal reloading book somewhere, where I remembered I saw a load for the .45-90WCF doing 2000 Ft/sec with a 400grain bullet. I believe it´s about what the .450Alaska is also doing too.

I know in the end it may become beating up a dead reindeer because these two cartridges is on the general level very close.

Using a new moderne made 1886 both cartridges really has potential.

Hodgdon has published loads in their lever action section that push 400grain bullets 2000fps. The 45-90 should be able to do 2000fps at a little less pressure.

I had a Shiloh Sharps in 45-90. With the chronograph's aid, I got a 400gr up to 1800fps before I saw pressure signs.

Since both would be in an 1886 or clone, it is a moot point.

My 450 Alaskan in a repro '71 sends a 405 gr. bullet @ 2150 fps without pressure signs or wanting to kick the lever slightly open.

Dave Manson

Somebody correct me if I am wrong,the 45/90 is 90 GR case capacity,the 450 Alaskan is 97,I have been shooting a win 1886 TD in 45/90,getting 2200 with the 400 GR Speer is no problem at all,I just bought a new release win 71,lovely gun am impressed,if this gun had been offered in the 45/70,I would just ream it out to the 45/90,but it is a 348,so I will go for the 450 Alaskan.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:
Somebody correct me if I am wrong,the 45/90 is 90 GR case capacity,the 450 Alaskan is 97,I have been shooting a win 1886 TD in 45/90,getting 2200 with the 400 GR Speer is no problem at all,I just bought a new release win 71,lovely gun am impressed,if this gun had been offered in the 45/70,I would just ream it out to the 45/90,but it is a 348,so I will go for the 450 Alaskan.

If I recall correctly, the 45-90WCF used a 300 grain bullet and 90 grains of black powder (45-90-300) loaded close to or at the length limits of the 1886 win (2.81"). I think the heavier load was the 45-85-400, or something like that. Black powder cases were/are typically loaded to 100% load density. The 400 grain bullet would obviously take up more room in the case, hence the lighter load of black. I don't recall what the exact difference is in case volume between the 45-90 and the 450 Alaskan, but they are close, with the 450 being slightly more. With the 45-70 Miroku 86's, you can get 2100 fps with 400 grain cast bullets. My 45-70 Elk load pushes a 400 grain RCBS cast bullet at 1750fps. About as much recoil as I can stand with a steel butt plate. For those of you that like the recoil, or have the need for the added penetration 2000+fps gives, have fun. I'm sticking with my "pea shooter" load.

I just wondered if one has a new Miroku M1886 in 45-70 if it worth the action fitting trouble to make it up to a .450Alaska if a simple 45-90reamer job can do it over a cop of coffee with sucker and cream?.
Another thing. Bottlenecked cartridges tends to throw more thrust backwards, where straightsided cartridges tends to throw the thrust onto in the chamberwalls.
The chamberwalls on a 45-90 can also remain thicker versus the Alaska round. As I see it the 45-90WCF has it strongpoints versus the .450Alaska.

I dont think there is much difference between the two capacity wise and there are more advantages in going with a 45/90. For starters there is no case forming and most 45 cal bullets and moulds have the correct crimp groove location (ie same as 45/70). For cast bullet use the 45/90 is better as you keep the grease grooves out of the firebox so to speak (450 Ak has a short neck). Good brass availability (starline) and several options of readily available reloading dies at regular prices.

The other issue with the 450 Ak is that there seem to be a few versions. If you do go for a 45/90 it is better to base the conversion on a 1886 rather than a 71 as you have to swap out the shell lifter on the 71's as its lifter was designed for a 348 case.

I would go with the 45/90 as you can shoot 45/70 in a pinch.

My big problem is which 450 Alaskan do you pick? There seems to be a lot of variations of the cartridge.But if reloading it wont matter any way.

Doug,
Which one would you pick?

What 450 said +1
You can load a Miroku 1886 45-90 up from cat sneeze 45-70 loads to DG loads. I have shot lots of .45-70 factory ammo in mine and hand loaded some smoking .45-90 300 (2200-2600 fps), 405 Kodiak sp(2100 and a nice all round big game load), and 450 Kodiak FMJ(2150) loads for fun and DG. The heavy loads do recoil a bit, but if you just let them push you around, you can get back on target PDQ with the slick 1886 action.

Well mr. Shelton.

I hope you have shotgunbutt. 450grain @ +2100 ft/sec in a slick ´86 with crecent steel buttplate does bite.

Nice "take-down" x2 .

Nope, just the factory steel buttplate.



One soon learns where to place it to avoid serious shoulder injury. The video of the shot that dropped that running bison showed the rifle pushing me back but not up, as I never lost sight of the game and saw the bullet hit and the bison drop. The 450 grain FMJ Kodiak FP made a load whack" when it hit and shot completely through and was not recovered.

PS The rifle now has a folding Marbles barrel sight.


Also the front of the comb has been trimmed to allow the folding Marbles peep sight to tuck down out oif the way.

I just bought one of the new release 1886 short rifles,it has a 24" barrel,it is a 45/70,what would be involved in switching it out to the 45/90?
I wanted a light rifle,& this one comes in at a little over 8 lbs.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:
I just bought one of the new release 1886 short rifles,it has a 24" barrel,it is a 45/70,what would be involved in switching it out to the 45/90?
I wanted a light rifle,& this one comes in at a little over 8 lbs.

Just buy a new 1886 Short Rifle with a 20" already chambered in 45-90. Trade in the 45-70 if you don't want it.

Good suggestion,I did look for a short rifle with 20"barrel,but they seem to be hard to find.

Yeah. I found a 20" 45-70. Haven't looked for a 45-90 though.