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32-20 loads for 1873 winchester
deerstalkert
Member Posts: 23 ✭✭
hello, i just picked up a 1873 winchester and would like some smokeless loads that would be safe in it. shoots well with BP loads but i am getting old and tired of he cleanng needed with same. thanks
Comments
Ammunition makers today only load low velocity loads in 32-20, 38-40 and 44-40 but for some strange reason some makers load jacketed bullets in them.
Avoid the jacketed bullets.
Better yet, buy a Lee reloading outfit and use the dipper that goes with
the die set.
Bullets are from National Bullet Co, now out of business, but I have a good supply.
Several other bullet makers sell the same style lead bullets.
These are very light 1200fps NRA loads and fun for plinking.
I wouldn't shoot jacketed bullets in it even though the 1873 was made up till 1920, well into the smokeless era.
I'd lighten up a bit to about 1200 for your gun.
They still are satisfying to shoot.
The lead bullet loads are designed to also be safe for pistols and are a waste in a rifle.
There are old K-Frame S&Ws and Spanish copies around.