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May 4, 2025
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1873 and 92 collector
April 15, 2005
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Just a few months ago I loaded up to two 50-round batches of 38 WCF (for my 1917 production Single Shot high-wall rifle). I chose the Hornady 180-gr XTP bullet, WLP primers and 22.0 grains of A2400 for the first batch, and 26.0 grains of IMR 4227 for the second batch.
Both loads should very closely approximate the original Winchester W.H.V. factory load, but I may see a bit higher velocity out of the 30-inch barrel on my old high-wall rifle. I chose the loads from the old Ideal Handloading book.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 4, 2025
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Bert H. said
Just a few months ago I loaded up to two 50-round batches of 38 WCF (for my 1917 production Single Shot high-wall rifle). I chose the Hornady 180-gr XTP bullet, WLP primers and 22.0 grains of A2400 for the first batch, and 26.0 grains of IMR 4227 for the second batch.
Both loads should very closely approximate the original Winchester W.H.V. factory load, but I may see a bit higher velocity out of the 30-inch barrel on my old high-wall rifle. I chose the loads from the old Ideal Handloading book.Bert
Interesting, I have some imr 4227 and some 4198 also but seemed like when I was looking for data when I first started with the 44-40 reloader 7 was so sought after especially for 73 safe loads. I recently got another 92 24” rifle in 38 made in 1920 and I guess that restarted/started my 38 loading program lol
1873 and 92 collector
May 4, 2025
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Bert H. said
Just a few months ago I loaded up to two 50-round batches of 38 WCF (for my 1917 production Single Shot high-wall rifle). I chose the Hornady 180-gr XTP bullet, WLP primers and 22.0 grains of A2400 for the first batch, and 26.0 grains of IMR 4227 for the second batch.
Both loads should very closely approximate the original Winchester W.H.V. factory load, but I may see a bit higher velocity out of the 30-inch barrel on my old high-wall rifle. I chose the loads from the old Ideal Handloading book.Bert
Did the projectiles you used from Hornady have a cannelure?
1873 and 92 collector
April 15, 2005
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Cowboy103 said
Bert H. said
Just a few months ago I loaded up to two 50-round batches of 38 WCF (for my 1917 production Single Shot high-wall rifle). I chose the Hornady 180-gr XTP bullet, WLP primers and 22.0 grains of A2400 for the first batch, and 26.0 grains of IMR 4227 for the second batch.
Both loads should very closely approximate the original Winchester W.H.V. factory load, but I may see a bit higher velocity out of the 30-inch barrel on my old high-wall rifle. I chose the loads from the old Ideal Handloading book.
Bert
Did the projectiles you used from Hornady have a cannelure?
No, they do not have a cannelure. I simply set my seating die to 1.595″ OAL and a very light crimp (very little crimp is required in a Single Shot rifle).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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Cowboy103 said
Bert H. said
Just a few months ago I loaded up to two 50-round batches of 38 WCF (for my 1917 production Single Shot high-wall rifle). I chose the Hornady 180-gr XTP bullet, WLP primers and 22.0 grains of A2400 for the first batch, and 26.0 grains of IMR 4227 for the second batch.
Both loads should very closely approximate the original Winchester W.H.V. factory load, but I may see a bit higher velocity out of the 30-inch barrel on my old high-wall rifle. I chose the loads from the old Ideal Handloading book.
Bert
Interesting, I have some imr 4227 and some 4198 also but seemed like when I was looking for data when I first started with the 44-40 reloader 7 was so sought after especially for 73 safe loads. I recently got another 92 24” rifle in 38 made in 1920 and I guess that restarted/started my 38 loading program lol
I suspect that my loads are way too hot for a Model 1873 (or an old Colt revolver), but they would be perfectly fine in a Model 1892, especially a 1920 production Model 92.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Cowboy103-
I suspect the RL7 is a bit slow for optimal burn in the 38WCF but you may be onto something. A quick check of a few likely manuals didn’t turn up a load for RL7 in the 38WCF. Since the nominal bullet weight for the 38WCF is 180 I’d back off a bit from your 44WCF loads for the 200gr bullets. If you have any Unique lying about that is my go-to powder for the 38WCF, I load my 180br cast over 8grs so I’d back off a grain for a heavier 200gr bullet. I don’t push my 38WCF loads as hard as Bert does, my old 1892 is in good shape but I only dabble around with paper targets @ 50 yards. I really like the RL-7 in the 375 Winchester and a few other medium rifle loads but I think it has lost out a bit to the newer Leverevolution powder.
Mike
May 4, 2025
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TXGunNut said
Cowboy103-
I suspect the RL7 is a bit slow for optimal burn in the 38WCF but you may be onto something. A quick check of a few likely manuals didn’t turn up a load for RL7 in the 38WCF. Since the nominal bullet weight for the 38WCF is 180 I’d back off a bit from your 44WCF loads for the 200gr bullets. If you have any Unique lying about that is my go-to powder for the 38WCF, I load my 180br cast over 8grs so I’d back off a grain for a heavier 200gr bullet. I don’t push my 38WCF loads as hard as Bert does, my old 1892 is in good shape but I only dabble around with paper targets @ 50 yards. I really like the RL-7 in the 375 Winchester and a few other medium rifle loads but I think it has lost out a bit to the newer Leverevolution powder.
Mike
Yea when I first started the process of reloading 44-40 I didn’t find much in the books available, I did a lot of talking and reading with this guys research.
https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/introupdates
my initial plan was a lower pressure round that would be good for the 73s, I have one 73 in 38-40 that was made in 1915 I believe and it is in great working condition so I figured with its late mfg and a lower pressure powder would make a good combo
1873 and 92 collector
December 9, 2002
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Cowboy,
You chose the right place to look and research, as Bryan Austin is a member here on the WACA forum and has made great strides education many of us here and posting his findings!
https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/introupdates
Second to none on that category. IMHO!
Anthony
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