I have been trying to get one example each of the early Winchester lever actions for my very modest collection (with the exception of the Model 1866, which is priced out of my reach). This past weekend, I managed to acquire one of the models that was missing from my collection, the 1895. The Model 1895 was chambered in a variety of cartridges, but the one I wanted most was the 38-72 with the full, tapered octagon barrel ever since I’d seen one in the collection of another fellow several years ago.
The 38-72 was one of the first cartridges chambered in the Model 1895. It was a black powder cartridge, sending a 275 grain bullet out at 1,435 fps. The 38-72 was discontinued in 1909. I’ve ordered 20 cases from Jamison, but I also have 20 cases reformed from 444 brass. When I seated a .379 cast bullet, the cartridge would not chamber until I took 600 grit sandpaper and thinned the case necks to around ten thou. The soft cast bullets I have are not the right type, so I’ll have to order a custom mould to drop 275 grain, .380 diameter, gas check bullets. A range report will likely have to wait until later fall or next spring. Here is a photo of the 38-72 cartridge (on the left) beside the more well-known 38-55 cartridge on the right ....
My 38-72 received its serial number on April 17, 1904, was received in the Winchester warehouse on August 8, 1904 and shipped on the 3rd of June, 1905. Here are a few photos of my ‘new’ beautiful classic old Winchester and its magnificent tapered octagon barrel and classic crescent buttplate.
The 38-72 was one of the first cartridges chambered in the Model 1895. It was a black powder cartridge, sending a 275 grain bullet out at 1,435 fps. The 38-72 was discontinued in 1909. I’ve ordered 20 cases from Jamison, but I also have 20 cases reformed from 444 brass. When I seated a .379 cast bullet, the cartridge would not chamber until I took 600 grit sandpaper and thinned the case necks to around ten thou. The soft cast bullets I have are not the right type, so I’ll have to order a custom mould to drop 275 grain, .380 diameter, gas check bullets. A range report will likely have to wait until later fall or next spring. Here is a photo of the 38-72 cartridge (on the left) beside the more well-known 38-55 cartridge on the right ....
My 38-72 received its serial number on April 17, 1904, was received in the Winchester warehouse on August 8, 1904 and shipped on the 3rd of June, 1905. Here are a few photos of my ‘new’ beautiful classic old Winchester and its magnificent tapered octagon barrel and classic crescent buttplate.
