I am looking for info on some low velocity--low pressure loading info for a 44-40 Model 1873 Winchester Lever Action that was made in 1884. I am not sure if it has an iron or improved steel receiver as 1884 was the transition year for the upgrade. All of the reloading info that I can find is more for the stronger action Model 1892s. or for handguns. I was thinking about 8 grains of Hercules Unique with a 200 Grain Lead Bullet for about a 1000 F.P.S. velocity. Is this pushing it a bit? I don't have possession of the gun yet but it seems to be in quite good condition from its description and photos. I was wanting to be ready for the BIG DAY !! I would rather go with smokeless than black powder loads. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Reloading for 1873 Winchester
- Thread starter Mike K.
- Start date
You'd want a BP equivilant load.
Alliant gives 8.6 of Unique as the max load with an RCBS # 82307 mould for CAS load with a 200 grain bullet. Velocity given is 951 fps. Doesn't say what firearm.
If the rifle is safe to shoot, you should be fine. Mind you, I'd be leery about shooting that rifle.
Alliant gives 8.6 of Unique as the max load with an RCBS # 82307 mould for CAS load with a 200 grain bullet. Velocity given is 951 fps. Doesn't say what firearm.
If the rifle is safe to shoot, you should be fine. Mind you, I'd be leery about shooting that rifle.
- Location
- Golden Lake
Given that the rifle is safe to shoot - the Lyman Reloading Handbook #47 gives loads for what it calls "Group1 weaker actions) guns (Winchester 73 etc).
The load you mentioned (8 grs Unique), 200 gr bullet) is on the high side. They list 7.6 grs Unique with a 200 gr cast bullet giving 865 fps at 10,600 C.U.P. with a MAX load of 8.5 grs Unique with 200 gr bullet giving 981 fps at 13,300 C.U.P.
Loads with less pressure are 14.4 grs 2400 with 200 gr bullet giving 980 fps at 6,600 C.U.P. and 16.5 grs IMR-4227 with a 200 gr bullet giving 895 fps at only 4,800 C.U.P.
BTW the bullet referred to is a jacketed soft point.
The Lyman Manual states "These loads should not be used in handguns or in rifles that were designed for black powder."
The load you mentioned (8 grs Unique), 200 gr bullet) is on the high side. They list 7.6 grs Unique with a 200 gr cast bullet giving 865 fps at 10,600 C.U.P. with a MAX load of 8.5 grs Unique with 200 gr bullet giving 981 fps at 13,300 C.U.P.
Loads with less pressure are 14.4 grs 2400 with 200 gr bullet giving 980 fps at 6,600 C.U.P. and 16.5 grs IMR-4227 with a 200 gr bullet giving 895 fps at only 4,800 C.U.P.
BTW the bullet referred to is a jacketed soft point.
The Lyman Manual states "These loads should not be used in handguns or in rifles that were designed for black powder."
I don"t intend on shooting it alot, just a few rounds to see how it works and feels. I have been on a quest for many years to get one and it is finally happening !! Thought it would be neat to take a deer with it and then HANG IT UP !!
Gotcha. Know the feeling myself; been working on an old 1892.
Suggest you go for the black powder equivalents, because it was an inherently weak design made with - sorry to say it, but true - inferior metallurgy. The ones that made 30 years later would have been stronger.
Have fun!
