OK, I'll get this party started....

1399 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Gunrnr, Sep 11, 2007

Gunrnr

Discussion Starter · Jul 19, 2007

The first centerfire rifle I ever owned was a Winchester Mod. 94 (.30-30, of course) and I used it for about five yrs or so. Brought down a couple of deer in that time. I traded it or sold it or whatever the hell (it was >30 yrs ago, so ???). Didn't own another until about 15 yrs ago when I got a heck of a deal on a Marlin .357. I loved that thaing! Since then, I've acquired Marlin 1894s in .45 Colt (24", kinda long but one accurate SOB), and .41 Mag (my absolute favorite).

Now, just to cover everyone's legal arse, Bweeep -- Bweeep --- Bweep --- Do Not Try This At Home... The loads you can put in these rifles is amazing. Before you go flamin' and dingin', it's all done with the utmost caution and the loads are kept in completely separate containers and blah, blah, blah...

I'm getting about 2,450 fps out of the .357 using a 125 gr JHP. On the heavy end, I'm pushing a 180 silhouette slug about 2,050. Each with amazing accuracy out of my 18" Mod 1894.

The .45 Colt, now that's been one fun R&D project. We've developed loads from 210 to 335 gr. and have generated some amazing velocities (e.g., 1,670 FPS with a 300 gr.).

The .41 Magnum has been my real pet. We've played with 170 up to 300 gr. bullets in several configurations. My all-time favorite is the 255 gr. Cast Perf. in front of either 296 or H110.

The Cast Performance LBT heavy bullets really shine in rifles. I'm using them in all three calibers and have been amazed with the results. I've used the .357 and the .41 on coyotes and have never needed a second shot.

So, Is anyone else out there playing with handgun calibers in lever-action rifles?

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

red-rider

· #2 · Jul 19, 2007

I've got a Marlin in 44 mag. I put those XS(I think) ghost ring sights on it and the scout mount. I use a handgun scope, but its not as good as if I would plop down the money for a real scout scope. As far a loads, I dont experiment too much, just a 75% revolver load for plinking. I bought it used and found it had a problem locking up with the lever open. Daignosed it to be a little spring loaded part on what it called the lifter. 35 dollar fix from brownells and smooth sailing from then on. I really love that rifle. I dont have a 44 mag revolver yet, buit like the idea of a pistol and rifle sharing a good cartridge. I dont have a 41mag, but my Dad does...that thing is the loudest pistol I've ever heard...its got one heck of a crack to it..41's dont get enough credit...

Save

Baldy

· #3 · Jul 19, 2007

Hi Mr Gunrnr I am not playing with any but them are some interesting stats you have there on them calibers. I been looking around a little for a Lever action in .357 or .44mag I just haven't found the right deal yet. Good shooting with yours.

Never pay again for live sex! | Hot girls doing naughty stuff for free! | Chat for free!

Save

· #4 · Jul 19, 2007

i kinda want a henery golden boy in 454 casuall

Save

Gunrnr

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 23, 2007

Leeindy -- the Henry is sweet. Another rifle I have to say has been really impressive is my buddy's Puma in .454. He's experimented with it as I have with my other calibers, and it's held up really well for several years. Pretty darned accurate, too!

Save

sig232

· #6 · Aug 10, 2007

gunrnr said:
The first centerfire rifle I ever owned was a Winchester Mod. 94 (.30-30, of course) and I used it for about five yrs or so. Brought down a couple of deer in that time. I traded it or sold it or whatever the hell (it was >30 yrs ago, so ???). Didn't own another until about 15 yrs ago when I got a heck of a deal on a Marlin .357. I loved that thaing! Since then, I've acquired Marlin 1894s in .45 Colt (24", kinda long but one accurate SOB), and .41 Mag (my absolute favorite).

Now, just to cover everyone's legal arse, Bweeep -- Bweeep --- Bweep --- Do Not Try This At Home... The loads you can put in these rifles is amazing. Before you go flamin' and dingin', it's all done with the utmost caution and the loads are kept in completely separate containers and blah, blah, blah...

I'm getting about 2,450 fps out of the .357 using a 125 gr JHP. On the heavy end, I'm pushing a 180 silhouette slug about 2,050. Each with amazing accuracy out of my 18" Mod 1894.

The .45 Colt, now that's been one fun R&D project. We've developed loads from 210 to 335 gr. and have generated some amazing velocities (e.g., 1,670 FPS with a 300 gr.).

The .41 Magnum has been my real pet. We've played with 170 up to 300 gr. bullets in several configurations. My all-time favorite is the 255 gr. Cast Perf. in front of either 296 or H110.

The Cast Performance LBT heavy bullets really shine in rifles. I'm using them in all three calibers and have been amazed with the results. I've used the .357 and the .41 on coyotes and have never needed a second shot.

So, Is anyone else out there playing with handgun calibers in lever-action rifles?

That is some interesting data! I have not tried to do any reloading with my lever rifles as yet. I only have dies for the 450 marlin. That is not a fun rifle to play with!

The 41 mag would seem to be a perfect cal for the lever rifle. Got me thinking about buying a couple of new lever guns. Problem is I want them all! I love the old standbys in 38-40, 38-55, 45-70 and others and the newer cals, in 45 LC, 41 mag, 357 mag, 44 mag and 454 casull.

Save

red-rider

· #7 · Sep 11, 2007

Here's my Winchester '66 Centennial. Its still brand new, never fired or cycled that I know of. My grandfather bought several commemorative Winchesters and just put them up, my brother and sister have rifles similar to this one too. I have just barely cracked the lever to see the chamber, the tag is still on it, and the box is kinda beat up from several moves. It is chambered in 30-30. and when I handle it (not too often), I wipe it down and put it back in the box, and in the back of the safe. I have thought about shooting it, you see, I dont think its terribly valuable (450-500 I think), but I can bring myself to do it.

See less See more

Save

· #8 · Sep 11, 2007

red-rider said:

Hello dolly! :mrgreen:

Save

Gunrnr

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 11, 2007

Verrry NICE!

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month