Who did the work on your 1885 Highwall? That is exactly what I thought mine needed to make a better woods hunting rifle. Plateau Hunter

As to pressures and the Uberti, I wouldn't go hotter (either pressure or thrust) than the cartridges they offer. Stick to SAAMI pressures of 28 ksi or less for the .45-70; there's no reason to assume they've used steel any better than they have to. According to drawings I got from the older uberti.com, they use a modified (Mann) type of firing pin, which is safer than the original design. The only flat spring 1885 I've handled (a Ballard) was noticeably stiffer than the Brownings, which cycled very smoothly. How was the Uberti?

JPH45 - I have a Browning 1885 (non-BPCR) that I've also loaded to the "Ruger" max without any difficulties. Mine is quite accurate and is very comfortable to shoot with mid-power loads. I have a friend with a BPCR that I have shot that really hurts with even moderate loads because of the curved, metal butt plate. I did not know that the #1 Ruger has a long throat (they seem to have long throats in most calibers). I would be interested in a throating reamer job for my 1885. Can you recommend anyone?

Plateau, the gunsmith who did mine is now retired ,he was local NYS. The project is not major.Cut barrel, recrown,polish to 400 grit {I hate shiney ! ],reblue.I had engaved the receiver since those large flat surfaces just call out for engraving . An eagle on one side , bison on the other [the 1885 is tough steel so I kept it simple and that suits my talent level].I removed the stock shine with 600 grit paper and water. At 22" with 1x4 scope and strap it's 8 1/2 lbs, a good weight for hunting and though I use factory [Win 300 Partition] enough weight to handle hotter loads with comfort.Total length is about 37".Perfection !!