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What is the general consensus for loading some moderate/standard velocity (smokeless, i.e. IMR 3031, etc.) .32-40 170 gr. cast hand loads for an 1899 vintage Model 1894. The bore and mechanics look good…the main issue is the bbl. is not marked “Nickel Steel,” or indicative it was manufactured for the use of smokeless propellant.
I’d love to shoot it, but don’t want to take any unnecessary chances.
Thanks,
D.T.
P.S. Just realized “Hangar” should be “Hanger,” but can’t edit the title.
If I had it, I’d certainly shoot it. If you keep it under 1440 muzzle velocity and shoot a lead bullet of the original factory weight, you should be fine.
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OW1892 said
the main issue is the bbl. is not marked “Nickel Steel,” or indicative it was manufactured for the use of smokeless propellant.
What matters most isn’t the steel but pressure levels; ammo makers assumed the early smokeless cartridges were going to be fired in BP guns & loaded them accordingly.
OW1892 said
What is the general consensus for loading some moderate/standard velocity (smokeless, i.e. IMR 3031, etc.) .32-40 170 gr. cast hand loads for an 1899 vintage Model 1894. The bore and mechanics look good…the main issue is the bbl. is not marked “Nickel Steel,” or indicative it was manufactured for the use of smokeless propellant.I’d love to shoot it, but don’t want to take any unnecessary chances.
Thanks,
D.T.
P.S. Just realized “Hangar” should be “Hanger,” but can’t edit the title.
Somewhere under 16 grs of 3031. At 16 grs. the velocity will be around 1,600 FPS. Also may want to try XMP 5744 at around 15 or 16 grains. Try some with and without gas checks.
OW1892 said
What is the general consensus for loading some moderate/standard velocity (smokeless, i.e. IMR 3031, etc.) .32-40 170 gr. cast hand loads for an 1899 vintage Model 1894. The bore and mechanics look good…the main issue is the bbl. is not marked “Nickel Steel,” or indicative it was manufactured for the use of smokeless propellant.I’d love to shoot it, but don’t want to take any unnecessary chances.
Thanks,
D.T.
P.S. Just realized “Hangar” should be “Hanger,” but can’t edit the title.
I have been shooting rifles such as described for literally scores of years. I have no hesitation and have never had a concern about a barrel not marked, “Nickel Steel.” My loads typically duplicate the factory ammunition that was available at the the time the rifle was manufactured.
I have an 86 in 40-82. So the rifles are “comparable” you can say…
I shoot 28 grains of 4198 or 34 grains of 3031 and they all stay at factory spec.. Under 1500fps
But then I also make hotter loads, just in case I would need such a thing. I cant tell you how much powder I put, but its around 50 grains of 3031. And it gives me 2000 fps. It destroys my shoulder and makes my tang sight stamp me under the eye but it shoots just fine. 
My rifle isnt in new condition. It actually not even close to collector grade. Far from it… But I love it and its mine.
You just need to look for damaged or broken parts. Sometimes previous owners might have drilled the barrel for a sight or buffed down parts for some odd reason. Just make sure everything is solid…. These oldies are beasts, im more worried about the newer rifles.
After initially posting this I got to thinking…if this rifle was in fact not intended for smokeless powder, it certainly was produced towards the end of commercial black powder loadings. At some point during its latter 100-plus years I’m sure it’s fired more than just a few smokeless loads.
I’ve seen some nasty bores that have fired black powder, and there’s little-to-no indication this rifle has ever fired such. If so, it was appropriately cleaned.
Not having heard any “OMG don’t do it,” your overwhelming “shoot it” input has led me to the loading bench to work up some appropriate loads in order to get the old girl out of retirement.
I thank you all for sharing your expertise.
So would it be sacrilege for me to suggest that there wouldn’t be an issue to use jacketed bullets in such a rifle? Think of the 1873 .45-70 Trapdoor Springfield rifles. For many decades, Remington loaded their 405 grain jacketed bullet at low velocity so they could be safely used in Trapdoor Springfields (and other weak action rifles). Same with .38-40’s, .44-40’s and others.
steve004 said
So would it be sacrilege for me to suggest that there wouldn’t be an issue to use jacketed bullets in such a rifle? Think of the 1873 .45-70 Trapdoor Springfield rifles. For many decades, Remington loaded their 405 grain jacketed bullet at low velocity so they could be safely used in Trapdoor Springfields (and other weak action rifles). Same with .38-40’s, .44-40’s and others.
Not at all Steve!
I have both .3225″ (ish) non-gas checked, lubed cast, & jacketed .321.” I also have the capability to size the jacketed to .320″ for whatever reason (the old .32 Rem of which I’m fond of originally called for .320″).
Have more of, & will start with the lead fired over a chronograph for a really gentle “wake-up”/familiarization if you will. If all systems “go” will contemplate jacket option.
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