If I have a .45-90 rifle, can I use .45-70 cartridges in it? Lever action Winchester if that matters.
I have many times with no problems. They will cycle just fine too.
I assume you are using a 1886 in 45-90. I have heard that if you do this a whole bunch, you can foul the chambers with lead, but with moderate use, I cant see a problem. Kind of like shooting 22 shorts in a 22 lr chambered gun.
Go to the Shilo website. There are numerous threads on this. All the same. Although they fit and will go off don't do it always is the result. Numerous problems. Leading, chamber ringing.
GregSY, I would not do it except in an emergency. A 22 short can be fired in a longer chamber because the bullet is the same dia. as the outside of the case. However in the case of the 4570- in a 45-90 the chamber ahead of the bullet will be larger than the bullet in dia.allowing the bullet to yaw and obturate filling the chamber only to enter the rifling about .040 oversize in dia. Be safe and use the right cartridge. Rich