FLATWOODS FRED
Inactive
George,
The answer is yes and no. Yes, CAREFULLY loaded smokeless loads can be created for the 45-60. However, its user beware especially if, as in your case, the firearm is an original. Big cases intended for black powder loaded with little charges of smokeless have destroyed many a fine original. Yes fillers can be used but then you run the risk of a rung chamber.
These guns were designed for black powder and shoot the safest and (arguably) the best with it.
The big problem with the 76 is the toggle link. Its not that strong of a design to begin with. Being an original, take off the side plates and make sure BOTH links are in place before even considering firing it.
A good starter load is cutdown Starline 45-70 brass, Federal 215 Primer, 60 grains of Schuetzen 2F or, if your wallet can stand it, Swiss 2F under a .030 veg fiber wad and a Saco 300 grain flatnose. Now your shooting and experiencing that fine old gun as it was intended.
A bore snake and good hot water with a little Murphy's Oil Soap will make cleaning a snap. Just make a cradle for the gun that allows the ejector port to be down and any water to drain out the muzzle.
Enjoy!
The answer is yes and no. Yes, CAREFULLY loaded smokeless loads can be created for the 45-60. However, its user beware especially if, as in your case, the firearm is an original. Big cases intended for black powder loaded with little charges of smokeless have destroyed many a fine original. Yes fillers can be used but then you run the risk of a rung chamber.
These guns were designed for black powder and shoot the safest and (arguably) the best with it.
The big problem with the 76 is the toggle link. Its not that strong of a design to begin with. Being an original, take off the side plates and make sure BOTH links are in place before even considering firing it.
A good starter load is cutdown Starline 45-70 brass, Federal 215 Primer, 60 grains of Schuetzen 2F or, if your wallet can stand it, Swiss 2F under a .030 veg fiber wad and a Saco 300 grain flatnose. Now your shooting and experiencing that fine old gun as it was intended.
A bore snake and good hot water with a little Murphy's Oil Soap will make cleaning a snap. Just make a cradle for the gun that allows the ejector port to be down and any water to drain out the muzzle.
Enjoy!