Winchester 94 big bore XTR 375win
- Thread starter catapult
- Start date
No harm, no foul.
The 375 win was winchesters failed attempt to modernize the old 38/55 with a standard size more and with higher pressure loadings. The public decided they just wanted to use the trusty 3030 for deer hunting, and those who wanted a bigger bullet with more power from a lever gun went the 4570 route, particularly the marlin guide gun.
The 375 win is a capable chambering in its own right, but never caught on. Thus brass and bullets are expensive/hard to find.
The 375 win was winchesters failed attempt to modernize the old 38/55 with a standard size more and with higher pressure loadings. The public decided they just wanted to use the trusty 3030 for deer hunting, and those who wanted a bigger bullet with more power from a lever gun went the 4570 route, particularly the marlin guide gun.
The 375 win is a capable chambering in its own right, but never caught on. Thus brass and bullets are expensive/hard to find.
Two reasons why it is not a good idea.
First, the 38-55 case is a tad longer than is the 375 Winchester case.
Second, the 38-55 is an oversize, .377" instead of .375" diameter, which may have a bearing on safety.
Winchester's 38-55 loading is pretty "soft" though, and I doubt that the round would develop any overpressure in a 375.
The longer case is a concern, though.
Stay with the proper ammo. Hornady makes a 220 grain FP bullet specifically for the 375 Winchester
Barnes makes a 255 grain, .375" FP bullet designed for the 375 Winchester.
Be careful when ordering, Barnes also makes a .377" FP bullet designed to be used in the 38-55.
The cannelure is in a different location, and of course, the diameter is .002" different.
I have 2 - 38-55 rifles, one a Marlin 1893, and one a Reproduction Winchester M94 [1979]
They can be loaded to challenge the 375 for power, so no slouch for either chambering.
Regards, Dave.
I snagged a nice M1894 'BigBore' in .375Win of the EE, a 'few years' back.
I handload it with the Hornady 220gr FN, I forget what the Chrony reading was?
I've also got some Woodleigh 235gr PP (protected point). They're not really meant for the tubular magazine, although they are a flat-nose bullet. Kinda messing around with them. They are a little tougher, meant for 1900-2600 fps MV, which of course the .375Win will only handle the bottom part of that range.
Pretty sure I can put a load together that will safely get me 1950fps at the muzzle.
What I have in mind with that, is close range grizzly medicine.
That little M1894 is such a sweet handling and carrying rifle. It's become my favorite for just strolls in the bush, when checking trail cameras and such.
I handload it with the Hornady 220gr FN, I forget what the Chrony reading was?
I've also got some Woodleigh 235gr PP (protected point). They're not really meant for the tubular magazine, although they are a flat-nose bullet. Kinda messing around with them. They are a little tougher, meant for 1900-2600 fps MV, which of course the .375Win will only handle the bottom part of that range.
Pretty sure I can put a load together that will safely get me 1950fps at the muzzle.
What I have in mind with that, is close range grizzly medicine.
That little M1894 is such a sweet handling and carrying rifle. It's become my favorite for just strolls in the bush, when checking trail cameras and such.
yep. read about it and collector wise, it add more value to the rifle at the end.
Same things with many other rifles, Svt-40 for exemple, the stop production for lacking of accuracy and bring back the Mosin Nagant..
I have one of the Marlins in 375. I've had three others over the years.
I do have a bunch of 375 factory ammo but I've been making brass from 30-30.
All I've shot so far in my latest one is the 270 Hornady Spire Point with the tips machined flat for 260 grains.
I have one of the Marlins in 375. I've had three others over the years.
I do have a bunch of 375 factory ammo but I've been making brass from 30-30.
All I've shot so far in my latest one is the 270 Hornady Spire Point with the tips machined flat for 260 grains.
How fast are you pushing these from the 30-30 fireformed brass?
I have never chronyed the load but it's probably only about 1800, using IMR4198.
Expansion might be an issue past 100 yards.
Another reason you should sell it to me ............. cheap . I can be there in 15 minutes .
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
I still miss my primo .375 Winchester BB that I let go a while back to a fellow CGN'er, but will still cherish the memories that little beauty gave me. Like all M94's, it was a sweet handling rifle and great to carry in the bush. Did the job nicely with Bullet Barn 265 gr. RNFP boolits at 1500 fps. at 80+ yds.
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