Got this today!!!

Winchester30-30

Regular
Rating - 100%
52   0   0
Location
Fraserwood, MB
IMG_0815_zps2cf154d4.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

Got this in the mail today:)
 
They aren't as strong as the later versions, K31. From what I understand, GP11, Swiss surplus ammo may be pushing the safety limits, if not exceeding those limits.

Maybe some of the more knowledgeable fellows here can comment on the ammo and the strength of the 99 actions.
 
Rear sight is still original 99% sure it is still chambered for GP1890(GP90) 7.5x53.5

Not that bad if you can reload.
35gr H4895 with 175-180gr bullets
Try leaving the 7.5x55 cases untrimmed, you might be ok to go without trimming back to 54mm.

Repeat firing of GP11 can set back your lugs and other undesirable consequences.

Too many sellers still don't know which Swiss rifle model is which.
 
Last edited:
Same case, usually trimmed back to 53.5mm with original paperpatched 210gr lead bullets with steelcap(GP1890) and later used GP90/23(54mm case length) which is not paperpatched, steel jacket 200-210gr bullet in the same low pressure range, 37,000PSI. Think 30-40 Krag level.

GP11 is closer to 48,000PSI. That's why it is dangerous to use in the 1889.

Load pressure is the difference.
 
Last edited:
so i can use the brass, trim it and use different bullets and powder correct?

Will 7.5X54 work? the french stuff? or do you stillhave to dismantle it, can you just use 7.5 dies? or do you need 7.5X53.5
 
Last edited:
Use 7.5x55 brass. Depending on your chamber and the pressure level of your loads, you may not need to trim it down to 54mm±.

7.5x54 French brass is too narrow and short and higher pressure. May get blowback or serious case rupture. It is equilivent to accidently firing .308 Win in a 8x57 chamber
Use 7.5x55 Swiss brass.

You will need 7.5x55 dies.

IF it was converted, it would only be to to 30-30Win because it fits the bolt face and barrel bore.
It should be marked on the chamber if it was.
 
Last edited:
Not only is an 1889 a lower pressure action, but the nominal bore diameter was .299 & was
used with 213gr. lead bullets. This was later followed by a 190gr. jacketed projectile of the same .299 diameter.
The bore diameter was increased in 1911 to .308 and 174gr. jacketed bullets.

Your safe bet is to first slug your bore, then order a bullet sizing die from Lee and stick with cast lead only.
Trail Boss should be a good powder to work with as well as SR4759 or AA5744. Check out the Lyman 49th
Edition reloading handbook for the reduced loads in 30-40 Krag.
 
Actually .308 bullets are fine. Bore was close to .30 with rifling deep enough for .3075 bullet.
Chamber throat was generous to accomadate the .320 paper patch.

Many swiss bullets have a .306" diameter outside of the case, but they taper to .3075" near the base, the widest part.
The GP90/23 bullet with a steel jacket that was the round most often used in the 1889
 
Last edited:
i was thinking of loading low, like 11 or 13 grains just a shooter i dont need no bug power for it, ill have to look at my loading book, if i dont have all thecast stuff can i still use regular bullets?(sorry new to loading) dont have all the stuff just yet but ive got my press and such,
 
.
Pay attention to what DIOPTER is telling you - he is one of the SWISS go-to people on this Forum.

Wholesale Sports has LEE dies, and Trade-ex has brass. Regular .308 diameter bullets will work fine, but it is probably best to keep in the 165 grain weight or a bit more to take advantage of the rifle barrel twist.

If you look real pitiful when you see Tinman204, he will probably give you some 180 grain CAST lead bullets to try, and the old C.E Harris load of 13 grains of Red Dot shotgun powder will do nicely for shooting up to 200 yards. You will not need to full length new cases, and after that, just neck size only, and your brass will almost last forever. DO NOT use JACKETED BULLETS with this 13 grain Red Dot load, or any similar light loads as there is a danger of sticking one in the barrel. CAST LEAD BULLETS ONLY.

Jacketed bullets may be used, but you need to use lower pressure loads, such as the starting loads mentioned in previous posts.

As mentioned, modern sporting ammunition or surplus GP-11 ammunition is considered too hot for this rifle, so consider that a warning.
.
 
Last edited:
ok, i guess ill have to buy myself a mould, i just saw tinman204 on the weekend, shot his ross, i guess i better get too it, i want to take this thing to the shoot, lots of work to do gotta strip all the paint off of it, so with a small load of 13 grains i wouldnt need to trim the cases? i need to go get red dot powder for my ross loads, i got some DI rounds that i will fire form for my ross and i was given some cast bullets as well, so cast 308 bullets will work for this application?
 
Back
Top Bottom