1866 Chaparral rifle

Dave45-70

October 05, 2012 08:36

I recently purchased a Chaparral 1866 Winchester replica with a 24 " barrel in 45 colt.The cowboy loads I use for a pistol seem really mild and I would like to hunt deer.Will the hotter loads listed for the Ruger Blackhawk be safe to use in this rifle? The instructions that came with the rifle don't mention anything about this.I'm thinking in the neighborhood of 1100 to 1200 FPS with a 255gr jacketed or SWC lead bullet. Thanks

0

• 

  ruger41

  October 05, 2012 09:50

  In the 1866 Models any standard factory load is safe. I would not shoot +p .45 Colt loads through it. The Ruger Blackhawk style heavy +p stuff I would leave for the Rugers. If it were a 1894 replica then ok but don't think I'd use them in the 1866 action.
  
  Buffalo Bore does offer some great non +p loads that would be perfect for your rifle. You might try the Hornady Leverevolution loads too. Out of your rifle standard pressure .45 Colt is going to be plenty fine for deer.
  
  The Cowboy loads aren't really meant for hunting..they are for target shooting. Get some regular factory .45 Colt and you will be all set to hunt deer out to 100-150 yards.

  0
• 

  navc130

  October 07, 2012 13:54

  Since no one with experience answered your question, I will give my input. The 1866 action is the weakest action Winchester built. It is a toggle-link lock-up and is NOT the same as the Browning designed 1886, 1892, and 1894 actions. You should read up on and undestand the relative strength of the 1866 action. The Lyman Reloading Handbook, ed. 47, gives data for .45 Colt rifle loads. The maximum loads show 1100+ fps.
  I have read that these actions can be strengthened by installing heavier links and larger diameter pins of appropriate strength steel.

  0
• 

  tsr1965

  October 07, 2012 14:33

  The 1866 Winchester, is Winchester's rendition of the 1860 Henry, and the predescessor to the 1873 Winchester. By modern stndards, the 45 Colt, is not loaded down to safe levels, for these rifles, as they were in fact never chambered for them, when in production.
  
  Yes, I do understand, that your's is a modern reproduction, using modern materials, and machining methods. However, it is better to err on the side of safety, and shoot the lower pressure modern loads for the 45 Colt, which would be rated for the old black powder framed 1873 Colt SAA. It shouldbe able to drive a 250 grain bullet to around 1000FPS, and will work out to50-75 yards, for best results. For taking of medium sized game with this type of weapon, and ammunition, 100 yards and over, area bit optimistic.
  
  If this were a Winchester 1892, that was converted to 45 Colt, or a new Japanese manufactured one, I would say, have at it.
  
  Best

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.