I recently purchased an 1885 in 7mm Rem mag. It's generally in very good shape, however the bore has seen more than a few rounds.
I'm wondering what my options are down the road. Would a 7mm STW be possible? These (1885's) are chambered for a lot of low pressure cartridges as well as .270 & 30-06, which have a smaller bolt face and thrust. and 7mm Rem mag. which has lower sammi specs than some other magnums do, including the STW. I know they're strong and solid actions, just wondering if they're strong enough. Thanks, Ron.D

I posted a summary of a conversation I had with Ernie of Badger Barrels about a year ago...he had the contract with USRAC to make the barrels for the BPCR High Walls. Miroku sent him a video tape of pressure testing his barrels....as I recall at something like 140,000 psi they couldn't keep brass together to go any higher. Apparently, they had to beat the action open, scratch out what was left of the brass, and try again.

Me thinks plenty strong for what you're talking about doing....

Fireball, you shouldn't have said that ,now you'll have people loading it to 140,000PSI !! Mine in 45-70 works well without trying to make it a magnum.

Ron,
I have a Browning 1885 in .375H&H (converted fron 7mm Rem Mag) and no pressure problems also a mate has one in .416Rem Mag and no problems except heavy barrel! The action is plenty strong enough.

Steve

I used to load my 45-70 to 2500 FPS with 350gr Speers inn the 1885. It will stay together longer than your shoulder.

Thanks for the info guys. 140,000, WOW. Don't worry mete, I plan to die with all my fingers, that's why I asked. Nice to know that what you're doing doesn't have problems with more than twice the pressure though. Ralph, just reading your post left a bruise, lol.
I was thinking (dangerous, I know) that a 30" STW barrel would be great on an 1885. Thanks again fellas. Ron.D

The old Winchester 1885 High Wall in thinwall casehardened version would hold anything. The new one is essentialy the same design but of better modern steels. Probably stronger than any Mauser derivative.

I think I've got 5 of these things. My favorite is a 22/250AI with a 8" twist barrel to shoot those 80 grain sierra like a streched rubber band. Never tried 140,000 PRi though. Maybe with a whole case of blasto #5??