Full Pressure Loads with Browning 1886

[Richard Tarr]

I've just acquired a Browning 1886 SRC and before I start reloading 45-70, I'd like to try some factory ammunition. Unfortunately, the only 45-70 ammunition I can get my hands on is Remington "High Performance Rifle 300 gr, SJHP, in 45-70 Government, FULL PRESSURE LOAD.
Having followed some of the discussions here on the Browning 1886, I'm inclined to believe that the Browning can take this loading; I would however, welcome the advice and reassurance from forum members on the suitability of this round for my precious Rifle.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Yes- It's fine.

Welcome to THR!

 

[Scooter22]

Welcome to THR. Yes your ok with the 1886. They put that warning on there for weaker designed actions like the trap door Springfied and earlier lever action designs. Post some pics of it. You don't see a lot of the SRC. Mostly SR and rifle lengths. Enjoy it.

 

[Llama Bob]

You're 100% OK. You can run ammo MUCH hotter than that in a Miroku/Browning 1886.

 

[Charlie98]

My Browning 1886 is The One Rifle I Regret Selling... they are a heck of a rifle and I really miss mine. That action is like a bank vault door. It will handle any standard .45-70 load...

 

[earlthegoat2]

The hottest loads offered by the usual suspects (Buffalo Bore, Grizz, etc.) are still not even the hottest that gun can take. The shooter on the other hand.....

 

[Richard Tarr]

Welcome to THR. Yes your ok with the 1886. They put that warning on there for weaker designed actions like the trap door Springfied and earlier lever action designs. Post some pics of it. You don't see a lot of the SRC. Mostly SR and rifle lengths. Enjoy it.

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll post some pictures in the next few days.

 

[az_imuth]

Welcome from across the pond!
That is one of my favorite rifles that I own. I've had one for about 6 or 7 years now and it's a frequent flier whenever I head out to the range. They are very well made and nicely finished on both wood and metal, and surprisingly accurate to boot.

Congrats on a fine rifle and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine!

 

[Richard Tarr]

The hottest loads offered by the usual suspects (Buffalo Bore, Grizz, etc.) are still not even the hottest that gun can take. The shooter on the other hand.....

Well, I have two shoulders but just the one 1886

 

[Richard Tarr]

Yes- It's fine.

Welcome to THR!

Thanks, much appreciated.

 

[Richard Tarr]

You're 100% OK. You can run ammo MUCH hotter than that in a Miroku/Browning 1886.

Many thanks Bob

 

[Richard Tarr]

Welcome from across the pond!
That is one of my favorite rifles that I own. I've had one for about 6 or 7 years now and it's a frequent flier whenever I head out to the range. They are very well made and nicely finished on both wood and metal, and surprisingly accurate to boot.

Congrats on a fine rifle and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine!

Thanks for the reply. I'll put the 1886 through it paces on Wednesday.

 

[SwampWolf]

Welcome to the High Road, Richard Tarr. As an aside, I've always been curious how the Winchester/AKA Miroku action compares in strength to the Marlin equivalent (336 variants).

 

[Charlie98]

As an aside, I've always been curious how the Winchester/AKA Miroku action compares in strength to the Marlin equivalent (336 variants).

The 1886/71 action is much stronger than the 336, or even the Marlin 1895 action.

 

[StrawHat]

I would lump the 86 and the Marlins together. The biggest difference is weight. The Marlins weigh about as much as the lightest 86. They can handle the load but the shooters shoulder is the weak link.

Having said that, they are a hoot to shoot. Personally, I am more fond of black powder loads but have loaded the Gould bullet to express velocities. In the 86, they are easy to shoot.

Richard Starr, enjoy your new purchase! In Great Britain, you can use this rifle for targets shooting and what else?

And, welcome to this forum and the world of lever actions.

Kevin

 

[Llama Bob]

The 1886/71 action is much stronger than the 336, or even the Marlin 1895 action.

This is correct. There is no functional difference between the 1886 action as made by Miroku and the Model 71 actions they make. The '71 is chambered in .348 Winchester, which has a CIP max piezo pressure of 46KPSI. Note that that's a case with the head diameter of a .50-110, not a .45-70. So the bolt thrust is in line with a 55KPSI .45-70. And in fact, with a suitable barrel you could shoot such a load without endangering the action, but it might prove very difficult to extract given the lack of taper on the .45-70. 50KPSI is a much more sensible limit with extraction in mind, somewhat lower than that may be required to give extraction margin for temp sensitive powders, and of course if your stock is not suitable for high recoil loads that's yet another limit.

The Marlin's weak spot is the cut for the magazine tube. Baring receiver modification, you're best staying below 40KPSI in a .45-70 cartridge, and being very cautions with various larger bore wildcats.

The Marlin and Miroku 1886/71 are NOT equivalent, although you will never get into trouble loading an 1886 like a Marlin. You can get into trouble the other way...

 

[GooseGestapo]

An aquaintance has an 1886 Browning.
The gun can take FAR more than you can tolerate!!!

He wanted to use th3 Hornady 325gr SST’s. Recoil is brutal.
He settled on my l/a Marlin load of a RCBS 300gr FNGC (322gr as cast) over 30.0gr of #2400 for ~1,700fps. Accurate, shoots reasonably flat, kills amazingly. Price is right! (cheap! Cast from soft scrap lead).

 

[Richard Tarr]

I would lump the 86 and the Marlins together. The biggest difference is weight. The Marlins weigh about as much as the lightest 86. They can handle the load but the shooters shoulder is the weak link.

Having said that, they are a hoot to shoot. Personally, I am more fond of black powder loads but have loaded the Gould bullet to express velocities. In the 86, they are easy to shoot.

Richard Starr, enjoy your new purchase! In Great Britain, you can use this rifle for targets shooting and what else?

And, welcome to this forum and the world of lever actions.

Kevin

Kevin, In my case, its going to be predominantly target. In theory, I could shoot large game - Deer but in reality, I'd only be welcomed on a deer shoot with a .270 or a .308.

 

[Richard Tarr]

Welcome to the High Road, Richard Tarr. As an aside, I've always been curious how the Winchester/AKA Miroku action compares in strength to the Marlin equivalent (336 variants).

Never having fired a Marlin Lever Action, I'd have to defer to the more knowlegeable members of this forum for an opinion.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Well, I have two shoulders but just the one 1886

Yeah, I had two shoulders... once.
Have fun with the Browning and Welcome to THR.