45-70 Loads for Uberti 1885

[JSimpson65]

Hello All,

I just acquired an Uberti 1885 replica in 45-70 and would like to start trying a few loads. My question is how strong is this action considered? Reloading manuals show 45-70 loads for Trapdoor, Modern Lever Actions, and Ruger #1, but I haven't seen anything specifically regarding the Uberti 1885.

I'm not going to load this thing to the max, but would like to know if I'm limited to trapdoor loads, lever action loads, etc.

Any advice or information would be appreciated.

Joe

 

[rcmodel]

I would consider the Winchester 1885 High-Wall single-shot to be at least as strong, and probably way stronger, then any modern lever-action.

Whether or not an Italian replica 1885 is as strong as a Ruger #1 though?
Probably not.

I think the modern lever-action loads are probably all your shoulder will care much for anyway.

The Ruger #1 loads are getting into T-Rex game control territory.

rc

 

[Balrog]

I would like to know a definitive answer about this also, as I reload for the same rifle and have never seen a good answer. I would not use Ruger data, but I have loaded similar to modern lever action data, without a problem (so far).

 

[rcmodel]

I don't think there is a definitive answer.

Beretta/Uberti isn't going to tell you anything, other then they sell them as black-powder rifles.

And there aren't enough of them around that have been converted to belted magnums & blown up to have a jury verdict yet.

The Browning / Winchester 1885 High-Wall design is very strong.
The metal, heat treatment, and proof-test pressure they use in Italy is anyones guess.

rc

 

[JSimpson65]

RCModel,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like it is likely safe to load to lever action levels, but I'll probably keep to the low side of that as a max anyway. I'm not really looking to shoot buffalo, elephant, TRex, etc., so that probably gives me a pretty useful range.

 

[rcmodel]

Here is an interesting Pedersoli link I just found.
How it might apply to Uberti I cannot say.

http://www.bpcr.net/site_docs-resul...li_proof_rules_and_allowable_limits_09-04.htm

They note a 45-70 limit of 25,000 CUP BP & 29,007 CUP Smokeless.

In the USA, "Trapdoor" loads are limited to 18,000 CUP.
"Modern lever-actions" to 28,000 CUP.
And "Ruger #1 only" to 40,000 CUP.

I believe I would fer sure stick with the Lever-action loads .

BUT, that is not a recommendation from me saying it is safe to do so!

rc

 

[Jim Watson]

I believe the Pedersoli statement would apply to a Uberti rifle.
They are both Italian and in Europe proof testing is done by a government agency, not the maker.
Also consider that Pedersoli is using Uberti actions for their 1885. (And makes Sharps for Uberti.)