Cool.
A little over 20 years ago I nearly obtained a Browning 1886 carbine in .45-70 but unfortunatly the nature of events prevented the sale. I'd still like to get an 1886. I'd still prefer the .45-70 caliber version though.
A buddy where I used to work in Connecticut had a real old 1886 in .45-90 that was in decent shape. I did a little research for him and was able to tell him a little more about his rifle, including the year it was made.
Back in March I bought a Miroku produced Winchester 1892 Delux limited edition takedown in caliber .32-20, with a 24" octagonal barrel and pistol grip with checkering.
It's one of my favorite rifles now. But boy are those rifles more "nose heavy" than the carbines! One might not expect that but the steel up there does add weight fast.
If you're reloading .45-90 I might start off with 2F blackpowder. It's a bit less potent than 3F. The one thing about the 1886 design is that it is a very strong design. You'll likely have to experiment with charges until you find what your rifle "likes." If you need a little more velocity you could try 3F.
If I remember correctly .45-90 (as well as .45-70) were originally balloon-head cases (like the modern .22rimfire) and modern brass is not going to hold the true full 90 grains of powder.
Anyway, you sound like you have plenty of experience reloading .... so I'll stop preaching.
Gotta clean the drool off my keyboard anyway!
BTW --- if you
do use .45 -90 on a squirrel, don't expect there to be much more than a single strand of fur left after the blast.....
EDIT: COOL--you added a photo! Now I'm REALLY jealous.
And I need to clean off my keyboard ......
again....