Smokeless loads in 1886 Winchester

centerfireman

I have an 1886 Winchester in .40-65, built in 1889. I have received conflicting information about whether or not it is safe to shoot smokeless (Cowboy) loads in it. I know that it was designed to shoot blackpowder but have been told that the 1886 is a very strong rifle that can safely handle smokeless loads. Suggestions?

Hawk Carse

I would not worry about shooting smokeless powder in an 1886 of any vintage. Yours does not have a nickel steel barrel, so I would stick to cast bullets. Rifling twist is slow, the correct bullet weight is 260 grains, plus or minus a bit.

Expensive to buy
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,4660.html

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseProducts.aspx?pageNum=1&tabId=3&categoryId=10394&categoryString=653***690***

I don't know which reloading manual has smokeless data for the round, but I bet somebody does.

IdahoRedneck

centerfireman, The 1886 40-65 I bought from my father in law was built in 1892, the load he worked up is very accurate in my gun maybe you will have as good of luck as I.

260 grain cast bullet (.406), 36.0 grains of 3031, WLR primer, with a Dacron card wad.

my gun will group inch and a half with this load at 100 yards[^] Hope this info is helpful to you.....

centerfireman

Thank you very much for your responses and information.