IMR 4895 for a Swiss Vetterli?

[BlackPowderBurner]

I'm in the process of restoring an 1869/71 Swiss Vetterli to its shooting condition and am trying to find load data for modern smokeless powders. Could anyone give some insight into what kind of load would be practical using IMR 4895? If not, what are you using?

Thanks!

 

[Fargone4sure]

I use 11.5gr of Unique over a Hornady 44cal 180gr Cowboy Bullet. This has proved very accurate in quite a few guns. But you need to leave the brass longer so cartridges will cycle properly.

 

[Andy]

You need to be operating in the 12-15K psi range and IMR4895 probably won't work well at that pressure. Here are some powders that will, using a 300 gr bullet:

I have found that 44 Rem Mag Max Loads which produce about 38K CUP in the 44 Rem Mag, produce the 12-15K psi you seek in the much larger 41 Swiss Cartridge. 4198 is about the slowest powder that will work well.

 

[BlackPowderBurner]

Thanks Andy! Looks like I'll be picking up a pound of H110 later today.

 

[Andy]

I personally would recommend H4198, IMR4198 L'il Gun, or AA5744.

I don't like H110 at low pressures.

 

[quinnbrian]

Are you guys converting to center fire or reloading the old rim fire shell? The reason I ask is , I have an old Swiss Vetterli and some 8mm center fire brass, and haven't had the time to do the conversion yet. But I've been looking forward to getting around to doing so.
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[Fargone4sure]

All of mine were converted to center fire.

 

[quinnbrian]

All of mine were converted to center fire.

 

[BlackPowderBurner]

Are you guys converting to center fire or reloading the old rim fire shell? The reason I ask is , I have an old Swiss Vetterli and some 8mm center fire brass, and haven't had the time to do the conversion yet. But I've been looking forward to getting around to doing so.
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Mine is center fire too. My friend converted it for me, where did you find the 8 lebel brass?

 

[diopter]

Got mine from:
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/8x50r-lebel-brass-prvi--

I fire formed first then cut to around 42mm instead of 38mm brass length

 

[Andy]

Anything that gets these old girls shooting again is a good thing.

I have owned MANY milsurps and the Swiss Vetterli remains my favourite to shoot, and they can shoot pretty well.

I have quite a few parts guns, parts and reloading components. Too lazy to post - just ask if you need something.

 

[quinnbrian]

Mine is center fire too. My friend converted it for me, where did you find the 8 lebel brass?

Same place as diopter.. Tradexx
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