- Jan 22, 2012
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Need help with reloading?
- Thread starter switchbackkd
- Start date
Musket Man
Veteran member
What kind of help are you looking for? You must have a great gun collection to be wanting to load those cals!
Musket Man
Veteran member
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I hope you have a good supply of brass as this is pretty old stuff and brass is almost impossible to find at a half way reasonable price.
- Jan 22, 2012
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No 308 Norma. I just inherited allot of older Winchesters and marlins. I have some 1895s in 30-40, 303 Brit, 35 WCF, and a Model 71 in 348. The 700 in 8mm Rem mag, a custom Enfield in 35 Whelen. So I'm new to reloading and want to reload these old guys, but I'm kinda worried to reload due to the age of the guns. Do i load lighter. I have brass, and RCBS dies. So i thought i get started before my move to Oregon. I'm hoping on taking my first elk and mule deer with the 35 WCF, but was told on face book that the 35 WCF wouldn't do it not enough gun.
Last edited:
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
As long as you have brass, there is lots of loading data available. I just did a search for "Reloading .35 WCF" and found all kinds of info. I would clean each gun and really look at the barrel for rust, pitting or erosion of the rifling. If you have any question, have a gunsmith check them over. I would start out with lighter loads and work you way up staying around midrange loads until you really get a feel for the guns and loads you are using. The 1985s are fine old guns.
I wouldn't worry about the ability of the .35 WCF, the ballistics I saw were very comparable to 30-30, as it uses a heavy bullet. Just remember, ...shot placement.
Good Luck
I wouldn't worry about the ability of the .35 WCF, the ballistics I saw were very comparable to 30-30, as it uses a heavy bullet. Just remember, ...shot placement.
Good Luck
Musket Man
Veteran member
Sounds like you have some really neat old guns!!! I went antelope hunting with my 1894 Winchester last year! Im sure your 35 WCF would be plenty for deer or elk at modest ranges. I wouldnt be concerned about their age asmuch as their condition. You might want to have someone check them that knows old guns to be safe. Definitely start with light loads and work up. Buffalo arms has brass for most oddball calibers.
- Jan 22, 2012
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I had taken them to a gunsmith and had him grade them and there all in good and great shape. I got the guns from boss he had given his 1895 collection and some other old wins and lever guns. I took them to a fine gun room and had sent all the serial numbers to Winchester.
libidilatimmy
Veteran member
Those 95's are a blast to shoot. Do your's have the flip-up elevation sight on them? They shoot surprisingly accurate if the bore is in good shape.
- Jan 22, 2012
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I do have two with flip up elevation sights. When evalutated they where said all to between 85-100% bore. The 303 british he gave me is still in the original package. I never knew they made a 1895 in 303.
libidilatimmy
Veteran member
I've never seen one in 303, but it doesn't surprise me. Most originals I've seen were either in 30-06 or 30-40. Take them to the range and have some fun. I have a 92 in 25-20 that I shoot regularly. That cartridge will take a rabbits head clean off with no mess. Super fun when wanting a little rabbit stew for dinner!
switchbackkd,
Just a few suggestions. Powder is probably going to be your primary unknown variable due to scarcity. I'd figure out what powders you're likely to use and begin trying to find them.
There are a lot of youtube videos that provide excellent instruction.
There are a lot of thoroughly knowledgeable hand loaders here who'll provide excellent advice.
Hand loading is an excellent hobby. It can be tedious, especially when dispensing powder. It is always wise to keep powders in their originally marked containers. Use only one powder at a time thus eliminating the risk if inadvertently mixing powders. Safety is always paramount.
Good luck and have fun.
Just a few suggestions. Powder is probably going to be your primary unknown variable due to scarcity. I'd figure out what powders you're likely to use and begin trying to find them.
There are a lot of youtube videos that provide excellent instruction.
There are a lot of thoroughly knowledgeable hand loaders here who'll provide excellent advice.
Hand loading is an excellent hobby. It can be tedious, especially when dispensing powder. It is always wise to keep powders in their originally marked containers. Use only one powder at a time thus eliminating the risk if inadvertently mixing powders. Safety is always paramount.
Good luck and have fun.
Drhorsepower
Veteran member
- Jan 22, 2012
- 69
- 0
Growing up in Pa and Maine woods i grew up around lever guns but they don't get much love or like anymore. I have been the guy who has the odd guns never just a 06, 270 or 300. I use mostly my 35 whelen built off a 1922 Enfield No 4 along with a 300 H&H off a Mauser 98 action, 338-06 off a 03/A3. This season is really my first season hunting any type of big game. I was told several times that what i have is out dated and I'm under gunned.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Musket Man
Veteran member
The antelope I shot with my model 1894 30-30 made in 1897 had no idea he was killed by a 116 year old gun!!! Those old guns got the job done back in their day and they will get it done today just as well. You dont need a magnum or a new gun to harvest game.
Bob
New Member
I'm curious whether the '95 303 is a carbine, or a 24 or 28 inch barreled rifle and with or without the over wood on the barrel? BTW, the caliber was introduced in the '95 about 1898.
There is a possibility that it may be in a Army musket configuration which would make it a rare rifle and potentially quite valuable based on condition. If that were the case, I would be very hesitant to use the weapon until a proper valuation was done.
Just my 2 cents
There is a possibility that it may be in a Army musket configuration which would make it a rare rifle and potentially quite valuable based on condition. If that were the case, I would be very hesitant to use the weapon until a proper valuation was done.
Just my 2 cents
Sawfish
Very Active Member
Eberle
Veteran member
I like the old guns, as much as the new. I've got two .35 Whelen's a 45-70 & 444 marlin. I'm a gun nut & got the addiction for all of them! Good luck this fall, you've got plenty of gun.