Shooting smokeless loads in rifles used for BPCR?

[Trey Veston]

I own an Uberti clone of a Winchester 1885 high wall in .45-70 govt. My dad gave it to me years ago to try my hand at BPCR (Black Powder Cased Rifle) matches in Arizona. I did pretty well and had a good time. It is the first firearm I ever reloaded for, and being black powder, there are a couple of interesting extra steps and guidelines to follow.

I have never shot anything other than custom black powder loads through it.

When my dad passed last year, I inherited his last black powder rifle. It is a Sharps rifle in .50-90 govt. He used it to take an elephant in Africa. He also left behind a few hundred rounds of custom black powder loads for it.

I have a couple of boxes of Remington .45-70 govt smokeless ammo. I would like to try shooting "regular" ammo out of the 1885 since shooting BP loads is much more labor intensive with the blow tube, running a patch every couple of shots, and the thorough cleaning after any range session.

Any concerns y'all would have with shooting commercial ammo through that Uberti? I'd like to develop some smokeless loads for it as well.

 

[troy fairweather]

The 1885 is a strong gun, sorry for your loss.

 

[ATCDoktor]

Any Remington factory loading will be safe in your Uberti 1885 reproduction.

45/70 ammo from Garret, Buffalo Bore, Underwood Ammo and other "boutique" manufacturers of 45/70 ammo may cause issue in your rifle.

As far as the Uberti 1885 is concerned, I've fired nothing but smokeless handloads in mine and find it to be supremely accurate with loadings that keep bullet speed in line with black powder velocities (1200-1450 fps).

5 rounds handloads at 100 yards:

 

[doubleh]

I am sorry for your loss. I can't tell you what ammo to use in your rifle. I would contact Uberti with my question. As the manufacturer they will know what is safe.

 

[.38 Special]

I think @ATCDoktor has it about right. There is plenty of "+P" type stuff out there, meant for strong lever actions and such, which probably isn't all that great for a high wall action. All of the "standard" stuff - including published loading data in the manuals - will be fine. (Jacketed bullets will wear the bore much faster; I personally would stick with cast. Honestly, though, I doubt many people would fire such a gun enough for it to matter either way.)

I will note that at longer ranges - say 500 or 600 yards and beyond - blackpowder likely will give you better results. It's awfully hard to get single-digit ES from smokeless...

 

[Speedo66]

I think standard .45-70 cartridges are loaded down to Trapdoor pressures, I used them in my Trapdoor with no problems.

They shouldn’t be an issue in your rifle.

 

[Jim Watson]

Uberti makes Highwalls in a wide range of calibers although they do not all show up in the US catalog.

Caliber:	30/30 – .30/40krag. – .38/55 – .44/40 – .45LC – ..348WIN. – .405W – .40/65 – .45/70 – .45/90 – .45/120

If it will handle .30/40 Krag, .348 Win, and .405 Win, I don't think anything below "Ruger only" .45-70 loads will strain it in the least.

 

[tark]

A Hi-wall replica, built from modern steel and properly heat treated, is probably stronger than any lever action.

 

[Jimster]

This is all blasphemy!
Just kidding.