Smokeless in Win 94?

ErikT

ErikT

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I recently acquired an 1898-vintage Winchester 1894 lever action in .38-55. It's in good working order, if not too pretty, but I do have a question about the barrel steel. I have other rifles from the period, and most of them state right on the barrel if they are safe to use with smokeless loads, i.e. "special smokeless steel," "high-pressure steel," etc. This particular rifle doesn't have anything like that, and I thought I might be better off to ask if it will be safe to use with smokeless, or if I should stick with blackpowder loads? I really don't care one way or the other, since I reload. Thanks for any replies!

Erik.
 
I run a case full of 3031 in mine, no worries. If the rilfe checks out and looks ok to shoot, buy some factories and run them through. The 38-55 is a hoot to shoot, and if slower speeds appeal, some cast lead will put a world of hurt on anything you want to shoot. I would also recommend slugging the bore to determine the diameter, as there were a few different ones, this will also tell you how good, or bad the barrel is.
Would like to see a picture!
R.
 
Excellent. Just wanted to be sure before I blow my eyebrows off. The bore isn't too bad, but it looks like some genius tried to remove a stuck case with a hammer and chisel at some point. So I've just ordered a new barrel liner with a bore of .375 to have the entire barrel relined. That will open up the number of commercially available bullets for me, as well as getting a new chamber cut so the fired cases won't stick in the horrible chamber gouges. I can't wait to shoot it, but I have to wait until I get it relined.

Erik.
 
If it is a low serial # it may be worth more to a collector no matter what the condition than the cost of relining and loosing all collector value. The first year of production of the model 1894 was in 38-55. the 30-30 followed in 95 because of issues with the steel and smokeless powder. Is it a rifle or a carbine? Round or octagon barrel?
 
I have 1900 vintage in 38-55 that kind of fell into my hands at an auction. I have been shooting Winchester SuperX for a while with it. Just had it slugged (0.378) and bought some sized and lubed cast from Oma. Have the Cowboy dies and the Lyman Cast Loading book so ready to go. Not gonna load the old girl with BP. BP is ok in a single action but a Winnie 1894 would be a bear to clean. There have been several of these in the Antiques section. Check it out.
 
I reload for my Winny 38-55 Saddle Ring made in 1907. What a joy to shoot. But reloading is the only way to get the best out of the gun. Gong ringing at 200 yards makes the heart feel good. I use IMR 3031 for powder and Bullet Barn cast bullets.
 
ErikT or other members can you please send some pictures of your old 94 I'm interested in one and I would like to take a look at your rifles to compare with the one I'm interested? THANKS.
 
I have 2 favourite loads in .38-55, the first is 10.0 grains of Unique and the 2nd is with IMR 4895. Both loads replicate the muzzle velocity of the 1880 black powder rd of 1,350 fps. It is a great caliber to shoot. I' ve had 5 different pre-1920 Winchester 94's in that caliber in the past. They really knew how to make rifles in those days.
 
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