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Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: RattlesnakeJack on July 05, 2007, 07:19:27 PM

Title: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on July 05, 2007, 07:19:27 PM
Well, friends, just yesterday I discovered, quite unexpectedly, that the long-awaited NWMP (North West Mounted Police) carbine version of the Chaparral Arms' reproduction Model 1876 Winchester rifle is now actually in production.  When I first learned some months ago that this project was going ahead, I made up my mind I had to get one when they became available. 

I also learned that the very few carbines in the first shipment have long been sold, and that a second shipment of only six more of them is on its way to the exclusive U.S. distributor - Scott Meyer/'Sixgun Shorty' of Nevada Western Firearms (http://www.nevadawesternfirearms.com:80/ (http://www.nevadawesternfirearms.com:80/)) ..... and I was able to score one!  :D  8)

These carbines are apparently a very faithful recreation of the original NWMP carbines (except for the earliest few, which had some weaknesses and problems corrected in later shipments) - these repros are in the original .45-75 chambering, and have a proper round barrel with "Spanish Meter" rear sight, musket-style forestock, with serial numbers in the same range as the original NWMP carbines, and they are even marked in the appropriate location on the buttstock with a NWMP cartouche ... here are a few images of a sample carbine (click on each thumbnail to enlarge) -

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal01.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal01.jpg)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal02.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal02.jpg)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal03.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal03.jpg)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal04.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal04.jpg)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal05.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal05.jpg)

Well .... that's the good news - the bad news is that I and the only other Canadian purchaser so far (who is the person who alerted me to the availability of the carbines) will likely be waiting in the order of two or three months before we actually receive our rifles ...  :(     (Lest you assume that this delay is the result of Canadian gun laws, I should note that it is actually almost entirely the result of U.S. export restrictions on firearms which came into effect after 9/11 ...   :-\ )
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Hell-Er High Water on July 05, 2007, 07:43:11 PM
Rattlesnake Jack,

I received my M'1876 NWMP carbine late last week from Scott.  He called a week ago Monday morning and said that he was in the middle of shipping it and packing all his wordly possesions that he and his wife could get into his cars and getting ready to evacuate the Lake Tahoe blaze if need be.  Fortunatly he made it through OK.  Much luckier than a lot of folks.

When I shot with him, and purchased it, at the Western States Shoot in Fernley, NV at the end of May, Scott indicated that only a small amount of these were going to be built (approx 100) and that they were being built for him exclusivly.  He apparently did all the footwork at getting the details to Chapparal and may have even sent them an original as a pattern (I don't know this for a fact but I suspect it may be so).

The fit and finish are good and the wood, although very plain, looks to be real walnut with a dull oil finish.  I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but dummy cartridges cycle through the magazine and action without any problems.  The details that you note in you post are all there.

When I get a chance to get out and shoot it I'll report back. Right now I am assembling dies, components and loading data.

HHW
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: River City John on July 05, 2007, 10:42:19 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Deadeye Don on July 06, 2007, 06:41:14 AM
Very nice looking carbine indeed.  That looks much more manageable to carry around than the full size 1876.  I am guessing it wont be too long before Uberti jumps on the band wagon and produces their own version.   Safe shooting.  Deadeye.
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on July 06, 2007, 10:41:44 AM
If I have not mistaken what I've been told, Chaparral will likely be adding this carbine configuration to their regular line, though then it will be minus the "special features" of these early production models (i.e. at least they won't be serial-numbered in the original NWMP range and won't bear the NWMP cartouche) ....

It'll be hard to wait for this new toy!   ::)  Especially since I'll probably be in possession of all the makings for loading well before having the carbine in my hands ....   :-\

The fellow in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, who alerted me to the fact that these rifles are now finally in production (as opposed to our Cas City pard Sir Charles deMoutonBlack, who first let me know that they were going to be made)  followed up with an e-mail alerting me to an eBay auction for two sets of new Lee .45-75 "Very Limited Production" loading dies for the very reasonable "But It Now" price of US$30.50 - when I got there, one set was sold and I snapped up the other set.  (I then checked and found that the first buyer was also a Canadian, so I assume it was him - couldn't tell for sure, and I haven't yet heard back from him on my e-mail query to that effect when I thanked him for the "heads up".

Also, I was just talking to a local cowboy action shooter last night, who believes he still has a suitable bullet mould available for sale .... he used to have a .45-75 rifle (original Winchester) but balked at the US$110 (or so) price of the only dies then available, and thus eventually let the rifle go.

And brass is certainly now being made again by Jamison, and also possibly by Starline (haven't checked that out yet), though I gather it sells out fairly fast when a run of it is made, undoubtedly due to the .45-75 repros now on the market ....
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Bull Schmitt on July 06, 2007, 12:16:49 PM
I noticed a warning posted on the SASSWire about the front pin that holds the toggle links shattering. As I understand it this not only can release the front ends of the toggle links but also release the piece the keeps the firing pin from coming out the back of the breech block. I have not heard of an fix or replacement for the pin but it should't be too hard to fix.
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Icebox Bob on July 09, 2007, 12:39:10 AM
Well I'm the other guy   :D

Scott at Nevada western Firearms has a fix from Chaparral and details were posted, but I will have to check where. Basically new better quality pins.  Its not clear if the problems are limited to a specific batch or what. 

I just sent off the information to get the US export Canadian import started on My '76.

Icebox
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on July 09, 2007, 12:54:06 PM
Howdy, Icebox!

Are you new to Cas City, or is that single post just indicative of "lurker" status?   ;)

Yes, pards ... Icebox Bob is the fellow who alerted me to the fact that these NWMP carbines are now in production, and gave me the lowdown on Sixgun Shorty's Nevada Western Firearms being the exclusive distributor ....  Not only that, but he also later e-mailed me the "heads up" about an eBay offering of two sets of Lee "Very Limited Production" .45-75 loading dies for a very decent "buy it now" price of $30.50 each, which I promptly acted upon!  (Well, actually, it was only one set by then, 'cause Icebox had snagged the first set already ... :D ) 

Haven't met Icebox in person yet (he's located at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, which is about 300 road miles northeast of Medicine Hat) but he definitely seems to be an hombre to ride the river with!

Bob, I got all my info off to the import/export outfit (... assume you're using Questar, also?) on Friday ...   Let me know if you locate the information on the "fix" for that problem ... if it even is still a problem ...
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Icebox Bob on July 09, 2007, 08:13:22 PM
The details on the pin is here - http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=72417&hl=76
The topic title is "WARNING, serious problem with Chaparral 1876, Must read if you own one of these guns".

And yes I have sent everything to Questar that I can, at this point in time.  Now the courier people and government agencies must grind away.

Doesn't look good for me to get to Fort Kush on the long weekend but three of our local compadres have been planning to go for a long time. It will be their first exposure to a full SASS event.  I'm thinking about your Thanksgiving event....

Hobie, on Leverguns, has been nudging/hinting/prodding  :D for as many pictures as possible of '76's in use and I have a couple more links I will be posting there shortly.

I have a printout from a couple of years ago of the price for a set of 45-75 dies that had to be special ordered - over $200.00.  Nice that some things have become more available for them.

Back later,
Icebox
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Hell-Er High Water on July 09, 2007, 08:52:39 PM
Here is the answer from Scott Meyer of Nevada Western Firearms to my question regarding the forward link problem.

"The whole matter of the forward toggle link pin has been greatly overblown..it has happened on only 5 guns out of 1000+.  Absolutly continue to shoot your carbine... IF the pin breaks, all that will happen is that the action will sieze up.. NOT EXPLODE!!!  I had it happen..the pin will only break, if it does, and I doubt it will, when you try to lever the gun and find the lever will not move.  This problem has been addressed to the factory in Italy.  ...........if you want to have an extra on hand..........at Charter and he will send you one.  Roscoe Coles, in his post, greatly exaggerated the consequences of a broken pin....the firing pin will not explode in your face..!"

I have been shooting my NWMP carbine with no problems and will continue to shoot it.  I have requested a spare pin as I like to keep spare parts on hand for all of my firearms and will also order parts that are subject to loss or breakage like small screws and springs.

HHW
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Hobie on September 20, 2007, 09:17:25 AM
Good morning.  Not usually one to revive dead topics, I felt this was best in this situation.  I've been cruising the net looking for updated links on the subject of 1876 .45-75s and stopped by here.  I've accumulated some information (http://home.comcast.net/~parslowb/labels/45-75.html) since buying my NWMP SRC last March (!) and thought I might share with those who don't visit the Leverguns forum. 

BTW, the original forum is back.  Come visit! (http://leverguns.sixgunner.com/active.asp)
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Steel Horse Bailey on October 01, 2007, 01:02:37 PM
Hobie, I wish your links worked.
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Top Kick Ken on October 01, 2007, 01:44:53 PM
Hey Pards,



For those who can't get the links to work..Man they were messed up...I really don't know what I did..but these will work. 

"Accumulated Information  http://home.comcast.net/~parslowb/labels/45-75.html%22

"Temporary Quarters  http://sixshootercommunity.com/leverguns/viewforum.php?f=1%22
Hope this helps,

Top Kick Ken
Sergeant Major, Department of the Pacific
Grand Army of the Frontier
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on October 01, 2007, 09:48:23 PM
Unfortunately, I still can't seem to get into the comcast site .....

On the other hand, thought I might post that my NWMP carbine arrived a while ago - just the day before I departed for my trip to the GAF Muster in Iowa so, what with last minute preparations and packing, I only had a brief opportunity to fondle it.  And I've been too darn busy since getting back!  However, this evening I took a few pictures of my li'l darling -

(Click to enlarge)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal.jpg)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal_rightbutt.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal_rightbutt.jpg)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Chapparal_rightside_map.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Chapparal_rightside_map.jpg)

In case anyone is interested, this is the full title of the map used as background  -
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Map03.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Map03.jpg)

... and a detail from it, showing Medicine Hat and environs ....
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_mapdetail.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/mapdetail.jpg)
Title: Re: Chapparal M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Hobie on October 19, 2007, 02:45:39 PM
Hobie, I wish your links worked.
I fixed it.  The forum software apparently attempts to write code for me and inserted additional http:// in the url.  All works now!
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on October 20, 2007, 01:58:43 PM
Although this particular configuration of the Model 1876 Winchester is generally known as the North West Mounted Police carbine (and Chaparral's repro's are specifically marketed as such) it is not so well known that the same rifles saw military issue in Canada, as well.  During the North West Rebellion of 1885, these repeating rifles were issued to the Cavalry units serving with the North West Field Force (replacing their standard-issue single-shot Snider-Enfield carbines) and also to volunteers in various mounted provisional militia units raised in the Territories, such as the Rocky Mountain Rangers, Boulton's Mounted Infantry, French's Scouts, etc.

Here is a period photograph of a tent squad of an Ontario cavalry regiment, The Governor-General's Body Guard (still in existence today as The Governor-General's Horse Guards), in camp at Humboldt, District of Saskatchewan, in which several of their '76 Winchesters are clearly visible .... (click thumbnail to enlarge)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/th_Governor-GeneralsBodyGuardAtentsqua.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/Governor-GeneralsBodyGuardAtentsqua.jpg)
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on October 25, 2007, 11:50:56 PM
I have a bootleg photocopy of SMALL ARMS OF THE MOUNTED POLICE, by Phillips & Kirby of the Museum Restoration Service.

It says that 846 Winchesters were actually issued to the Force.  A bit more than 500 were issued to the Militia.  After the Winchester was retired in 1914, an estimated 200 were disposed of to the Alberta Provincial Police and The Legion Of Frontiersmen and may be also marked "APP" or "LOF".  Some carbines actually issued during the Northwest Rebellion to the force were not stamped in the haste to get them in the hands of the mounties.

I have had my carbine for awhile but have been waiting for CH to run off some more dies.  Apparently they are at the heat treating sevice now.  Meanwhile, LEE has theirs available & I will get a set from Higginson Powders Inc. for $40  CAD.

Where do I get cases?  .348 WCF cases have .0 70 thick rims.  Can I merely resize .348 cases or do the rims have to be thinned.  What about the Buffalo cases?  Starline have NOT stepped up to the plate yet.
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on October 26, 2007, 12:47:49 AM
Sir Charles:

I got my cases from Gad Custom Cartidges, trimmed to length and formed for initial loading (they will fireform
to the final configuration):
http://www.gadcustomcartridges.com/ (http://www.gadcustomcartridges.com/)

As I understand it the difference in rim thickness is not a problem - at least I don't think that has been altered on
the cases I received, and they chamber just fine with no difficulty in locking up the action.  If anything, I understand that
the somewhat smaller rim diameter of the .348 (i.e. 0.610" as opposed to 0.620" minimum through 0.629"
maximum for the .45-75 can result in the odd problem with positive extractor engagement.

I also gather that the very slightly smaller base diameter of the .348 (i.e. 0.553" just ahead of the rim, versus 0.563 for
the .45-75, so the difference is only a hundredth of an inch) may result in an apparent slight bulge ahead of the solid
web of the head, once fireformed to the ,45-75 chamber, but that is at most a cosmetic thing only .....

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/45-75specs1918.jpg)

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/348Win_lge.jpg)
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on November 08, 2007, 11:43:51 PM
I finally got my dies for the 45-75.   They are LEEs through Higginson Powders in Hawksbury Ontario, (formerly Ammomart)

So.  I had some .348 cases partially converted to .43 Spanish.  I made up a couple to .45-75.  The stock .348 rims seem to work in my carbine, but they don't fit the #23 shellholder that comes with the dies.  I substituted the #8 holder for the standard .45-70 and that seems to do the trick. 

The lightest .458 cast bullet I have is the Gould hollow point.  To make the 2.25 oal required I would have to crimp over the front driving band.  To fit the crimp groove on the Gould bullet the case would have to be shortened to 1.76 from 1.86. What works?   Should I get the short flat base LEE mould?  How long can I make the oal?

Is anyone going to make proper cases, or do we have to use converted .348s?
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on November 09, 2007, 11:53:49 AM
Experienced exactly the same problem (and found the same solution) with the shell holder ...  :-\

I seem to recall reading that the cartridge OAL is fairly critical in the 1876 action but, in the hope of avoiding both 'overshortening' the cases and crimping over the front driving band, I'd just try to load a few with a greater OAL and see how they cycle (and if they chamber fully, which could be another issue with a longer cartridge.)  If not, just pull the bullets and you haven't lost much but a little time ....

On the other hand, since the minimum case length given in the above specs is 1.80", I can't see that shortening the cases to 1.76" would be too problematic.  Alternatively, since that is only a 0.04" difference, maybe you could 'combine solutions' (i.e. shorten to 1.80" plus seat the bullet as deep as possible without actually crimping on or over the driving band) to stay within the 2.25" OAL limit ....

Ideally, getting actual .45-75 brass would be very nice.  However, as far as I am aware, Jamison is still the only manufacturer currently set up to do them, and they are apparently still tied up with their government contract ....  Mind you, it has been reported on the British Militaria Forums (by the moderator, who set up a group buy through Ten-X Ammunition, of Jamison-made .577 Snider and .577/.450 Martini Henry cases) that he gathers from his ongoing contact with Ten-X that they were rather fed up with some quality control issues at Jamison, as well as the supply problems arising from the government contract, and are turning to some other manufacturer for future case production.  Since Ten-X manufactures loaded .45-75 ammo (in both smokeless and black powder loadings, and both .458" and .456" bullet diameters, I see) perhaps we could try to find out from them if they have another source for .45-75 brass.

Unfortunately, I suspect that it is not an option for us to try to get loaded ammunition from Ten-X shipped to us in Canada ... otherwise we could "bite the bullet" and buy some, in order to have the cases for re-loading. I wonder if any of our U.S. pards who shoot .45-75, but don't load their own, would be willing to sell us their once-fired cases??   ;D   :-*   ;)
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Icebox Bob on November 10, 2007, 10:34:52 AM
I spent yesterday at the Saskatoon Hobby and Gun show.  Some of us local CAS types are working on a registered provincial non-profit association to promote our hobby in Saskatchewan and we had a booth set up.  (S.A.W.W.S. = Saskatchewan Association of Wild West Shooters)

As soon as I get the time  (tonight or tomorrow) I will do some close up photographs of the five 45/75 cartidges I bought; all with different headstamps (four unfired and one fired).  I'll get out the calipers and measure them as well.

I chatted with a NWMP collector/afficianado who mentioned that the oldest cases are the ones with no headstamp.  I have one of those but I am a little suspicious it may have been reloaded, not an unlikely possibility.  That fellow has bought and sold about 10 NWMP carbines over the years  and was quite impressed with the details of my Chaparral. 

There was another collector with an original NWMP there.  I did take pictures but had to borrow a camera, so it may be after the weekend before I can get those pictures.  It was the same pattern as our Chaparral.

Regards,
and in rememberance,

Icebox Bob
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on November 10, 2007, 12:28:14 PM
I currently have one loaded original .45-75 cartridge headstamped D.C.Co. (Dominion Cartridge Company) and another without any headstamp.  At one time I also had a loaded example of one of the only two years of D.C.Co. NWMP contract cartridges which were identifiably marked as such.  As you may know, during the years 1899 and 1900, Dominion marked the cartridges they sold to the NWMP with numbers flanking the primer - '9 9'  and '0 0', respectively.  I had an unfired  '0 0' marked cartridge, but in a moment of weakness sold it to a NWMP collector ... for which I now regularly (and quite soundly) kick myself, of course.     :-\   :'(   ::)

However, one fascinating little artifact which I do retain is a slightly flattened original .45-75 cartridge case (unmarked, fired) which was kicked up  by a friend over 20 years ago, on a local golf course built on part of a local feature (an area formed by a very large loop in the South Saskatchewan River) known since the founding of Medicine Hat as "Police Point" because it was the site of the original NWMP post, from 1883 through 1891.  Among other things, they had a firing range at that post ... which I believe they continued to use after they moved the barracks to the same side of the river as the rest of the town, in 1891, so this cartridge admittedly could have ended up there somewhat later than that date.  Interesting "souvenir", in any event.

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/NWMP%20carbine/OrigCase03.jpg)
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Steel Horse Bailey on November 10, 2007, 07:50:15 PM
A golf course!!!
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Grizzly Adams on November 10, 2007, 10:37:28 PM
Hi, Jack.

Here is a pic of an original WW 45-75 round.  Case length is 1.89 and OAL is 2.25.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/45-75WCF.jpg)

I reload  the 45-75 for an original short rifle (as made "for the English trade.).
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/1876%20Short%20Rifle/15.jpg)
 
I have found that I can shorten the brass (cut and reformed 348) to 1.85 and seat the 457122 bullet out to 2.295 and still have it function in my action
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/DSC01019-1.jpg)
.

I don't know if that is true of the Chaparral 76. 

I do have a Uberti 76 in 45-60, and it will only function with an OAL of 2.25.  It is a simple enough matter to seat the bullet over the crimp band, and with BP, it is no problem.  For smokeless I use a Lee Factory Crimp die.

FWIW, the original Winchester reloading tool, which was non-adjustable, will seat the bullet for an OAL of 2.25 in both the 45-75 and the 45-60.

Good luck
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Icebox Bob on November 10, 2007, 11:15:33 PM
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I picked up 4 unfired rounds stamped: W.R.A.CO., U.M.C., D.D.CO.,and an unmarked one Friday night. The fellow I talked to indicated that the unstamped one is likely the oldest as they were issued in the 1880's.  He also mentioned that the DCCO ones without the 99 and 00 that Rattlesnake Jack refers to are older than 1899.

I have measured them and the fired round.  I measured;
W=base to top of rim (Rim thickness),
X= base to shoulder,
Y= base to bottom of neck,
Z=base to top of neck (overall length of brass) and
OAL of complete round. 
I also measured;
A= the diameter of the rim,
B= diameter of the base (at the rim),
C= diameter at the shoulder,
D= diameter at the base of the neck and
E= diameter at the top of the neck (not the crimp). 
I have also included the measurements from the technical diagram in Rattlesnake Jack's post above for reference.  (I'm going to have to learn how to properly post a table sometime)

              W      X         Y        Z         A         B         C         D         E   OAL
UMC   .0585   1.073   1.307   1.853   .6195   .558   .543   .481   .477   2.240
WRA   .059   1.076   1.262   1.881   .626   .562   .548   .479   .474   2.268
DCC   .061   1.071   1.261   1.878   .621   .561   .540   .478   .478   2.248
Unst   .057   1.100   1.281   1.858   .626   562   .543   .482   .482   2.236
Fired   .059   1.087   1.293   1.881   .623   561   .548   .481   .477   ---
Tech1   .058   1.038   1.338   1.880   .620   562   .549   .481   .472   ---
Tech2   .062   1.042   1.342   1.885   .629   564   .551   .4832   .476   ---

(By the way there is an error in the dimensions on the 45/75 diagram in Jack's post.  The diameter at the base of the neck is probably .481-.4832 and not .581-.5832.)
And here are the pictures of the four complete rounds.
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z112/IceboxSask/4575Heads3.jpg)
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z112/IceboxSask/4575Cartridges1.jpg)
I suspect that the unstamped one has been reloaded.  There is a distinct bulge on one side at the base of the bullet that you may be able to see in the picture. 
The base of the unstamped one and the DCCO one are rounded.  The edges of the rim on the DCCO and the WRA are square whereas the rims of the other two have a slight angle.

Hope this is useful
Icebox
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on November 14, 2007, 09:10:20 PM
OK;  So I have the .348 cases.  I used the smallest size of tube cutter to shorten 5 to about 1.9+".  Next I straigtened the "turn-in" left by the tube cutter with a C-H .30 to.375 expanding stem. 

Now I am getting nervous!  At $1 per case I don't want to lose any!

What is the recommended next move?

I plan on annealing with a propane torch very soon.  Do I size to .45-75 and fire-form, or do I try to expand the neck with progressively larger neck expanders?
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Grizzly Adams on November 14, 2007, 11:51:22 PM
Sir Charles.

Your next move is to progressively expand the neck of the cases.  FWIW, C&H Tool and Die can provide a set of three expander plugs that do this nicely.  Make sure you lube the inside of the neck and expand in steps or you will split cases.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/DSC00996.jpg)

This is what you will be looking for.  After expanding the neck, you simply shorten and run the case through your 45-75 FL sizing die.   
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/DSC00997.jpg)

Cut them long, at about 1.90+ or so, as they will shrink a bit with the first firing!  Final length should be 1.89.

A good fire forming load is 21.5 grains of 5744 - or a full case of the Holy Black.  Whatever you use, you will get a little bulge in the case about 1/4 inch above the rim.  This is one of my reloads with the original factory round.  Note the bulge!

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/DSC01003.jpg)

It is not a problem, and will eventually go away with subsequent firings.  The 348 brass is pretty tuff stuff, and will last you a long time if you process it properly.
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on November 15, 2007, 08:52:45 AM
Thanks Griz;  I have the .30-.37 expander, and will try to complete the set.

Your short rifle looks fine.  I've seen a John Rigby marked '73 with extra length round barrel.
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on November 15, 2007, 10:19:03 PM
I just noticed that my LEE dies seem to size the neck down to .466.  When a .457 dia. Gould HP bullet is seated the neck diameter stretches out to a normal .480.

This sounds like excessive neck sizing?  By about ten thou' 

How are others doing?  Should I contact LEE?
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Grizzly Adams on November 16, 2007, 09:09:51 AM
I just noticed that my LEE dies seem to size the neck down to .466.  When a .457 dia. Gould HP bullet is seated the neck diameter stretches out to a normal .480.

This sounds like excessive neck sizing?  By about ten thou' 

How are others doing?  Should I contact LEE?

Everyone's in the same boat, Sir Charles.  Welcome to the Brotherhood of the 1876! ;)

http://leverguns.sixgunner.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=35302

Here is Hobie's blog which contains a wealth of info regarding the state of the art.

http://home.comcast.net/~parslowb/labels/45-75.html
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Charlie Bowdre on November 22, 2007, 03:52:53 PM
Thanks for the information and photos of this firearm.
 I am a retired member of the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and enjoy any and all photos and stories on the men , equipment and times relating to the NWMP (North West Mounted Policeand the RNWMP ( Royal North West Mounted Police
Thanks again
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Steel Horse Bailey on November 23, 2007, 07:06:34 PM
Howdy!

Dutchie, welcome!  Forgive my ignorance, but isn't the RCMP, NWMP, RNWMP - the same?  I assume the difference depends on the time period.  Or do I need to do MUCH more studying?  ;D
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: RattlesnakeJack on November 23, 2007, 09:23:15 PM
Well, pretty much the same ....

The North West Mounted Police were established in 1873, with the daunting task of policing the vast North West Territories, sovereignty over which had been acquired in 1870 from the United Kingdom and the Hudson's Bay Company, by the fledgling Dominion of Canada -

(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/1885%20Rebellion/canada1870.gif)

As you can see from the above map, the newly acquired area (mauve) dwarfed the original Dominion.   The very small initial area (orange) of the new Province of Manitoba - the former Red River Colony - was carved out of it immediately, but it included all of the present-day Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and most of the present-day area of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.  British Columbia became a Province in 1871, but the Colony of Newfoundland did not become a Province of Canada until 1949.   An extremely vast territory, indeed, to be entrusted to a Force established with an initial strength of only 275 men, all ranks!

Settlement was still extremely sparse at that time, however ... concentrated along the two main branches of the Saskatchewan River in the southern portions of present-day Saskatchewan and Alberta.  As the population increased and spread, so did the size and distribution of the Force ... including the policing of the Yukon Gold Rush in and after 1898. 

In recognition of significant services by the Force during the Second Anglo-Boer War, in 1904 King Edward VII granted the title "Royal" to the Force (an honour which, in the British Empire/Commonwealth can only be bestowed by the reigning monarch) making it the Royal North West Mounted Police.  However, its jurisdiction remained limited to the North West Territories ...

In 1920, the Force absorbed the Dominion Police (the relatively small federal governement policing agency for the rest of the country) to become the first truly national police force with jusisdiction throughout Canada ... under a new name: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ...

Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Steel Horse Bailey on November 24, 2007, 10:40:10 AM
Thank you, Sir!
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Grizzly Adams on November 27, 2007, 10:21:03 AM
With two manufacturers now producing fine replicas of the 1876, maybe it is time to create a "clearing house" for information about this model.  There is much to learn/relearn about loading for these rifles, and it would be great to have a place for owners of the 1876 to meet, discuss and share their experiences with the 1876.  The good Marshall is willing to consider a new Society for the 1876 if there is enough interest. :)

If you would be interested in having a board devoted to the 1876, check out, and sound off on the thread I posted in the Longbranch.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,17799.0.html

....and no, there ain't no decoder ring! :D
Title: Re: Chaparral M'1876 Winchester NWMP carbine ....
Post by: Steel Horse Bailey on November 27, 2007, 01:18:56 PM
With two manufacturers .... (and so on - SHB)

....and no, there ain't no decoder ring! :D


Well, that leaves ME out!  ::) ::)

Uh, that and no 1876 or hope of ever having one, that is.  :P

What about a secret handshake? ;)