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Winchester 1887 Lever Action Shotgun - Safe Loads?

l-girll-girl Member Posts: 131 ✭✭✭
edited February 2002 in Ask the Experts
I have a Winchester 1887 lever action shotgun in 12 gauge. My research indicates this shotgun was designed for blackpowder loads whereas its successor, the 1901, was designed for smokeless loads (in 10 gauge).Does anyone have an opinion on whether modern loads, standard or reduced power, would be safe to shoot in the 1887?Also, does anyone know where to buy blackpowder shotgun loads? Thanks.
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Comments

  • AdamsQuailHunterAdamsQuailHunter Member Posts: 2,022 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    "Cowboy Action Load"s which are loaded using CleanShot (a black powder substitute) were available from L. A. Outdoors in Enterprise, Alabama. Their telephone number is (334) 347-6909. I bought a number of boxes of them to use in Damascus barreled shotguns in situations where I did not want to take the risk of loosing a solid brass shell casing that are worth several dollars each.
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  • l-girll-girl Member Posts: 131 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dear AdamsQuailHunter,Thanks for the info. Is "Clean Shot" as corrosive as black powder?Thanks
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  • AdamsQuailHunterAdamsQuailHunter Member Posts: 2,022 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Heavens NO!!!!Scrub the bore with at least three wet patches. Then use dry ones until they come out clean and dry. Then a patch with your favorite oil for the barrel, followed by one last dry one to remove the excess oil.
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  • joeaf1911a1joeaf1911a1 Member Posts: 2,962 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I girl: I also have and shoot a 1887 Winch.lever 12 ga. I only use black powder (Goex)or Cleanshot, which is shortly, due to go offthe market I am told. Plastic 12 ga shells may be reloaded with black or Cleanshot, butone should not use plastic wad columns. 12ga wads are available. I use 75 grs. FFGblack or 75 grs Cleanshot and 1 1/8 oz shotand necessary wads for a good crimp (star)with good results. A 3 dram load . The 1887 was built for black powder. Stick with itor one like it to be safe. j3rdinf@home.com
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