I have a hankering for a Winchester 1873 in 45 Colt. But since I began my research I've learned it's a delicate action and CUP pressures for the cartridge must be observed carefully.
However, it's also the case that with lower pressure cartridges, gas and debris flow back into the action, gumming up the works. This is because higher pressures cause the bullet case to expand in the chamber, creating a seal that allows the gas and unburnt powder only one way out: the muzzle.
But with lower pressure cartridges, no such seal is created hence, a lot of garbage in the action. And it's a real pain to clean that out.
Plus, with the 45 Colt, there are loads for the Ruger Blackhawk, loads for the Colt SAA, and then loads even lower for the 1873.
Are there any lifetime collectors and shooters of the 1873 here? The gun I'm thinking of buying is a new repro Winchester/Miroku that utilizes the latest steels and metallurgy.
However, it's also the case that with lower pressure cartridges, gas and debris flow back into the action, gumming up the works. This is because higher pressures cause the bullet case to expand in the chamber, creating a seal that allows the gas and unburnt powder only one way out: the muzzle.
But with lower pressure cartridges, no such seal is created hence, a lot of garbage in the action. And it's a real pain to clean that out.
Plus, with the 45 Colt, there are loads for the Ruger Blackhawk, loads for the Colt SAA, and then loads even lower for the 1873.
Are there any lifetime collectors and shooters of the 1873 here? The gun I'm thinking of buying is a new repro Winchester/Miroku that utilizes the latest steels and metallurgy.