40-90 Ballard ?

sarge_3ad

Anyone know of a source for ammunition? Brass, bullets, dies?

Bert H.

Yes... but it will cost you big-time[:0]

sarge_3ad

quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
Yes... but it will cost you big-time[:0]


Have you got it Bert, or know of a source? It's for a friend and knows it will be pricey. Sounds like he may have a rifle similar to the one in your sig line. He is from PA, so I have never seen it. He knows it's a Winchester in 40-90 Ballard, but I don't think he knows anything else about the rifle he has. I think he would just prefer to have a 20rd box of ammo for it.

Bert H.

I would like to know more about his WInchester Model 1885[:0]

I have two full boxes of factory original W.R.A.Co. 40-90 Ballard cartridges (very expensive). I also have 9 or 10 loose factory original cartridges (quasi-expensive).

If he wants to shoot the rifle, have him contact Dave Casey - http://rockymountaincartridge.com/

cripchas

rockey mountain cartridge co for brass you won't find ant better

blackpowdermax

sarge_3ad.....I load for both the 40-90 Ballard and 40-85 Ballard. They are the same case, different load. I have purchased brass from RMC and Buffalo Arms and use both. If you buy cases from either, make sure they are the 2-15/16" cases, there is another 40-90 Ballard case (40-90 Ballard Everlasting) that was made for the early Ballards and is 3-1/16" long. The standard bullet weight is 370 grains, although 330 grain bullets were common and even 285 grain bullets were used. Most were paper patched. I use original tools and molds and that's what they are. You can buy dies from both RCBS and CH4D, I believe the CH4D is less. I have RCBS, but only use them for full length resizing. Either way, they are pricy. But if you are thinking of shooting original ammo, you will need very deep pockets as Bert stated. Figure at least $25.00 a shot. [:0]

If your friend decides to reload, feel free to contact me, there is a bit of a learning curve, but worth it at the end. I use paper-patched bullets, but you could probably use lube groove also.



Good luck....

max

slumlord44

$25 a shot sounds out of sight. Most I have ever paid for any obsolete brass was $2 to $3 a round. Bullets, primers and powder will not add up to $25 if you only use the brass once. Brass should last for many firings. Dies are high but you have to average the cost over the total rounds you will EVER load for it.

sarge_3ad

Thank you all. I will forward this link for him.

blackpowdermax

slumlord44....the $25.00 a shot is for "original ammo", not obsolete brass. If you can find original ammo in 40-90 Ballard or 40-85 Ballard for $2-3 a round, I will take all you can find and give you $5 a round for it. [:D][:D][:D]

You are right about the cost of the brass, RMC wants about $3.00 per round for the reproduction brass. Original brass (if you see any) will be quite a bit more if you're lucky enough to find it. I was able to find about 20 pieces sitting in a glass jar on a table at a gunshow. Only time I have seen original brass in 10 years of looking. And that was in 40-85 Ballard, the 40-90 Ballard headstamp is much harder to find, brass or ammo.

max

slumlord44

We are on the same page. Most people never shoot old original ammo for the cost reasons. I am looking at new brass and reloading. I do shoot Canuk .25 Stevens Rimfire ammo from the '70's in my Stevens at $1+ pre round. No other choice with a rimfire and $1+ is a lot different than $25.

blackpowdermax

slumlord44....I know how you feel shooting the old 25 Stevens, I have an old Ballard in that caliber (rebored and re-rifled by the Stevens A&T Co.) and it's not cheap to shoot. Bought my ammo some years back and thought they were expensive then. Pretty crazy now, looks like they're getting close to $2 a round now. Pretty soon the ammo will be worth more than the gun. [:)]

I have been tempted to fire off one of the original 40-85 Ballard cartridges I have, but have resisted so far. Probably will someday, just to "feel" the history of that old round going off. Hope it doesn't just go "click". [:D]

These were $25 a shot 10 years ago.....



Not shooting one of these!!!!!!

max