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I recently took an original Winchester Model 1886 EX. LT., takedown 45-70 on a Wyoming Antelope hunt. Load was a 405 gr Cast Performance bullet, pushed by 50 grs of Varget. Accuracy with this load is suburb. I had mounted a vernier tang sight on this rifle to help precision shooting at greater distances.
I managed to close the distance on this doe to under 200 yards and get off a shot. Penetration was complete and the bullet kicked up a large dust cloud on the back side. Maybe still going.
Hunting with these old rifles adds challenges to a hunt and taking of any animal a trophy...especially on the wide open plains of Wyoming.
I also managed to take a decent buck with a modern rifle, but that's another story...
Way to go! That's my type of hunting rifle, too. I let my cousin try out my 1906 ELWTD .45-90 yesterday with some "light" loads of 50 grains IMR 4198 and 350 Laser cast LFN. The recoil banged him pretty hard and his shoulder is nicely bruised from the steel shotgun butt.
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Excellent shooting with an outstanding classic rifle. What range do you have it sighted in for and how much did you have to hold over for the shot? What load did you use?
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester. Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
I have an Axtell-Rifleman Vernier tang sight mounted on that particular rifle. I have sight settings defined by the numbers and I tape the settings to the side of the receiver for quick reference. The sight has enough adjustment that it can be dialed in to hit point of aim out to 500 yards or more. I wouldn’t dream of shooting at game at that distance, but do practice at steel gongs at those ranges. The problem shooting at much over 200 yards is the front sight can cover up a whole herd of antelope as you get way out there. So, I have a self imposed limit of about 200 yards and stick to it. For the particular shot at the doe, I had a friend with me you ranged the distance with a rangefinder. I dialed up the sight, held as best I could behind the front shoulder and managed a hit to the vitals. Practice, knowing your rifle and having the right sighting equipment is the key when using rifles with less than flat trajectories. I also shoot Black Powder Cartridge Rifle and we regularly hit silhouettes of various sizes and shapes out to 1000 yards using the same type of sighting equipment.
The load for this hunt was 50 gr of Varget pushing a 405 gr gas checked Cast Performance bullet. A fairly mild load but it shoots exceptionally accurate. It will regularly hold 2-3” at 200 yards. Even at moderate velocities, these lead bullets will shoot sideways through any animal in North America. I know as I have done it on a 2400 lb buffalo as well as smaller game.
This particular 86 is a favorite, the most accurate original Winchester I have ever owned. Most with good bores shoot very well but this one is exceptional.
3855, that is a very nice rear sight you have. Sounds like you would have no problem with a 200 yard shot. I have an original '86 45-70. My loads give around 1,350 fps. With the rear ladder sight flipped up and the slider in the lowest position, it shoots right on at 200 yards. Thanks for posting. I enjoy hearing these kind of details.
You might want to post this on the Winchester Collectors shooting and hunting forum http://www.winchestercollector.org/foru ... um.php?f=5 I'm sure the boys over there would also like to hear about your hunt with a beautiful old '86 extra light.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester. Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
Mark,
Nice picture dude! Yes, there is great satisfaction using an old rifle to claim your prize.
Like you, I also have the self imposed limit of 200 yards on game----but...............like to shoot them out to 500---on steel. We think the same------------Sixgun
1st. Gen. Colt SAA’s, 1878 D.A.45 and a 38-55 Marlin TD
