Winchester High Wall ammo
Hello All,
I just purchased an 1885 high wall in 40-60 WCF with a Cody date of 8-22-1895. Am I limited to strictly blackpowder or blackpowder substitute cartridges, or can I use any 40-60 Win cartridges? I see Ten-X sells both. I also have reloading dies and am considering that route. Any other info on this caliber would be greatly appreciated.
I just purchased an 1885 high wall in 40-60 WCF with a Cody date of 8-22-1895. Am I limited to strictly blackpowder or blackpowder substitute cartridges, or can I use any 40-60 Win cartridges? I see Ten-X sells both. I also have reloading dies and am considering that route. Any other info on this caliber would be greatly appreciated.
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Hello,
The 40-60 WCF cartridge was commercially loaded as a black powder cartridge only. That said, it can be loaded with light loads of smokeless powder. IMR 4198 is a great choice if you want to load your own and use smokeless powder. A good starting load is 21 - 23 grains under a 210-grain bullet.0 -
Bert,
To start out, I guess I would like to use some factory loads. ( I also need to gain some brass anyway ). My local sports store has a box of Ten-X 40-60 Win w/ 260 gr RNFP for sale. I see on the Ten-X website, there is also a 40-60 Win BPC version, but the ballistics don't look much different. Would it be safe to use the one they have available?0 -
The 1885 is a strong action.
The .40-60 was originally introduced for the big but not extremely strong 1876.
Any load meant for the 1876 repros now coming in will be safe in an 1885 in decent condition.0 -
Thanks Bert and Hawk for the advice. I guess I will try the standard 40-60 win ammo that I can get here in town and possibly try reloading after that. I just thought I better ask before I put something in it that was unsafe.
I'm excited to go shoot it, but I just realized that the firing pin may have a broken or missing spring. When the rifle is cocked, there is no spring tension to the pin. It just slides back and forth freely. Would that be easy to take apart and replace, or does it require a gunsmith?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=196364008
Cartod - here are the pics from the auction0 -
Can you post a photo of the gun, I'd love to see it. 0 -
Hello pdog,
As Hawk Carse stated, any 40-60 WCF ammo you can buy is perfectly safe in an orignal high-wall. When you start reloading your own, you can load them considerably stouter that the original specifications for the Model 1876.
You bought that rifle for conisderably less than what the restoration cost[:0]. I am somewhat surprised that the seller let it go that cheaply. I personally know Roger Kurtz, and I have spent a fair number of hours in his shop... he does absolutely first rate restoration work, but he is not cheap. The cost to restore that rifle was 2X what you paid for it... you got an exceptionally good deal on that rifle[^].
Serial 72331 is listed as follows;
Date received: August 22nd, 1895
Type: Rifle
Caliber: 40/60
Barrel: 30" No. 3 octagon
Trigger: Plain
Sights: Not listed (it has standard Rocky Mountain sights)
Date shipped: August 22nd, 1895
Order No: 186880 -
Bert,
I really thought that I got it for a good price. I was actually shocked that it didn't bring twice that amount. I am so pleased to know that you ( our resident Winchester expert )think I came out so good on it as well.
Any advice on the spring question I had from above? It's almost like the spring may be missing. Does the firing pin come out very easily to check and see if the spring is gone or collapsed? It looks like such a simple action, that maybe I could do it myself. Anyone have any ideas??0 -
quote:Originally posted by pdog72
Bert,
Any advice on the spring question I had from above? It's almost like the spring may be missing. Does the firing pin come out very easily to check and see if the spring is gone or collapsed? It looks like such a simple action, that maybe I could do it myself. Anyone have any ideas??
The Model 1885 does not have a spring for retracting the firing pin... it is supposed to operate exactly as you see it on your rifle.0 -
Ok, well thats a sigh of relief. The only other 1885 I have to compare with is a newer Winchester (USRA) 1885 low wall I own, and it has a spring loaded pin on it. I actually had found a parts breakdown of a High Wall action showing a spring, but it's very possible that it was for one of the more recent production copys. Thanks for steering me in the right direction, once again.
Bert,
Could you, or anyone else, give me any kind of valuation on this rifle? Your previous comments have me very interested in what my 85 is truly worth as is. I actually thought it was nicer than what the pictures could show, and the action locks up so tight I can hardly believe it's 115 years old. I have a fairly extensive collection of Winchesters, but this one quickly has become my favorite since sliding it out of the box. I now know why you have a particular interest in the single shots. I can email you on the side if you would feel more comfortable. Thanks again.0 -
quote:Originally posted by pdog72
Ok, well thats a sigh of relief. The only other 1885 I have to compare with is a newer Winchester (USRA) 1885 low wall I own, and it has a spring loaded pin on it. I actually had found a parts breakdown of a High Wall action showing a spring, but it's very possible that it was for one of the more recent production copys. Thanks for steering me in the right direction, once again.
Bert,
Could you, or anyone else, give me any kind of valuation on this rifle? Your previous comments have me very interested in what my 85 is truly worth as is. I actually thought it was nicer than what the pictures could show, and the action locks up so tight I can hardly believe it's 115 years old. I have a fairly extensive collection of Winchesters, but this one quickly has become my favorite since sliding it out of the box. I now know why you have a particular interest in the single shots. I can email you on the side if you would feel more comfortable. Thanks again.
Contact me at Win1885@msn.com0
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