Well......it seems a Fields Patent in 461 Gibbs #1 has found its way home.  I have brass...I have dies...not having much luck on .461ish bullets.  I believe the historically proper way to do this would be to paper patch...but I'm not down that rabbit hole.  Yet.  Anyone have good intel on a source for .461 bullets, 20:1ish??  I'm not super particular about bullet weight/design at this point....I just want to shoot it!  Something 500ish (I believe 540-570 was the 'original') would work....although a lighter bullet wouldn't hurt my feelings, nor my shoulder.     

Thanks!  Trails.....

Don't believe it's that rifle....this one is not engraved, but is in very good condition.  No clue as to the maker....but does appear to be a custom.

Curdog,

Depends - as target rifle cartridge, bullets usually were  500+ grains.  But is also was used as a hunting round, which had different bullets.
The reference load usually was marked under the barrel, assuming an original barrel.

The Field falling block is a very good action, 1 of my favourites.  It was used quite a bit by the guntrade - Field sold actions to whoever was interested.  And that includes several prestigious names.  The .461 Gibbs cartridge was a proprietary one, so in the day normally not used by other makers.  But if the barrel has been replaced, anything is possible.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

trails4u wrote on Jan 12^th, 2026 at 8:57pm:


Bullshop.....after a bit more studying on the Gibbs #1.....a .460 diameter bullet will VERY easily push through the bore, not quite fall through, but leaving no engraving whatsoever.  Probably need to slug it....but I'm willing to give it a go at .463 in a 500gn at 20:1.  Thoughts??

Trails, 

Congratulations on acquiring an excellent actioned rifle in a nice cartridge.   

Is your rifle a LR target rifle or a sporting rifle?  I ask because there are lighter weight bullets for sporting rifle use.   

The sporting rifle load for the #1 461 is 90 gr of C&H#6 and a 360gr.   

There was a 540 gr load that used 75 gr bp.   

Another reference states a 570 gr bullet for target rifles and those with tangent sights like the MBL

Kirston used a 535 gr PP bullet in his MBL pushed by 5 gr of 4759 and 85 gr of FFG Goex.

Your rifle is interesting in that it is a unmarked 461 Gibbs which was a proprietary cartridge.  I have only seen Gibbs rifles (marked Gibbs) chambered in that cartridge.   

Of course, it is possible that your rifle was made by one of the large Birmingham gunmakers for Gibbs and somehow the deal fell thru and the rifle was sold to a local gunshop.