Sharps 1874 in 45-90 - Smokeless Load Development 

StarlineBrass best brass you can buy, I just ordered Starline Brass for my 45-90!

Starline brass is my go to brass for my 45-70 and 45-90 ! It’s the best !

I wish it was cheaper.2$ A case in Canada.

@@paulchandler9646 i know 100 bucks for 50 4590 is crazy. But gd Trudeau paying for his theiving

It's easy but ya better start watching video's cause YT is taking a lot of them down. Buy RCBS gear cause they back everything no questions asked. Good Luck.

Speer manual #14 has load data specifically for 1886 Winchester pressure levels of 28,000 CUP for a 45-70. You'll need a chronograph to measure velocities, the velocities are determined by pressure for a specific powder and bullet combination. A load for a 45-70 can be increased a small amount (a few grains) because the larger case volume of a 45-90 will result in lower velocities with 45-70 load data.

snoman003 Yes I’ll post my results. I’m using 20 to 1 for my lead.

I feel that even with a 3/8's gap between powder and projectile there has to be deviation in the rate of powder burning and, performance of the round down range as to overall accuracy and consistency. With the cartridge lying flat in the chamber, the powder will spread, and burn at different consistencies. In lieu of old school cream of wheat; I have not heard that since "North-South Skirmish" days of the 50's and 60's. Cotton, if not fluffed will also ignite at some rate of burn, usually beyond the bore but, will "impact" the rate of burn and, muzzle velocity. You may also use hollow fill wadding as well that does not impact the rate of burn and, all but vaporizes at point of burn, and muzzle discharge. A 3/8's wad between powder and projectile would be better.... With different loads, different sizes of wadding will have to be used. There is some discussion of over compressing powders but, I think it is minor with the limited amounts in these cartridges and the range of loads.. Great coverage and, compliments of the very organized work space.... Clean usually means organized, safety, and consistency....!!!

Lots of smokeless loads do not fill the case in many different calibers, not usually a problem. A Black powder cartridge is different and there can be no air gap between powder and bullet.@@stephenbrown2567

Bill Fletcher I have shot BP in my 1886 Gras but it stinks :). My Sharps is from C Sharps in big timber MT Big Timber is home to 2 sharps rifle companies. The other one, whose name I cant remember, made the Quigley guns. Booth are good but C Sharps has a shorter lead time.

Clinton Caraway Off to the right is a lathe for turning bowls. There is a video of a simple bowl of my home page. The dust collector is used when sanding the bowls.

I would be very careful and stick with published data from reloading books. Older rifles can’t take the same forces as the newer ones. Sorry, I wish I could help

Dont load hot stick to lower end older steel not as good as newer gun mine is built 3 years ago mirouko japan modern steel. If i may suggest buy something newer dont wreck an old origanal

snoman003 I have used the Lyman reloading book with great success. Today I had issues with my Mgnetospeed so I don’t have results for my barrel. I used a 400gr bullet with 41.8 gr of 5477 and got 1934 FPS Hope this helps.

@@Sharps-im4lb TY sir. I will continue to check in from time to time and see how your work unfolds.

mud runner all I can say is I have a very heavy barrel and a strong receiver. I have gone hotter. Too hot and you’ll get lead issues. Experiment carefully. Be safe

@@Sharps-im4lb thanks for the info buddy

I load gas checked 400 grainers to 2350 fps in my 1886 no leading issiuesbut hard cast to 24 BH