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Hi guys,
I know almost nothing about the fine art of reloading. But, I have a “Winchester friend” from France who has asked for some help. I will post his email here and the images he sent and ask for your input which I will then forward to him. Thanks so much
Michael
I have a Winchester 94 chambered in 25-35. This rifle was manufactured in 1912, and the bore of its 26 inches octagonal barrel is in pristine condition. If the 25-35 is an accurate ammunition, this particular rifle lives to its reputation.I first used factory SUPER X ammunition which gave extremely tight group. But those are hard to find on my side of the Atlantic, so I started reloading. I also thought this 100 year old barrel should be treated a bit more gently, hoping it would last an other 100 years or more.
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
The folks at– http://castboolits.gunloads.com/ –or– https://www.shootersforum.com/ –would know what he needs.
November 7, 2015
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Yes, I’m a Cast Boolit member and can assure you we have a few members who can help. We even have a few members in France who may be able to give him some hands-on help. I think he’s on the right track with the 100gr RCBS mould but I don’t load the 25-35…yet. The 120 gr bullet looks like it was designed for a bolt gun.
TXGunNut said
Yes, I’m a Cast Boolit member and can assure you we have a few members who can help. We even have a few members in France who may be able to give him some hands-on help. I think he’s on the right track with the 100gr RCBS mould but I don’t load the 25-35…yet. The 120 gr bullet looks like it was designed for a bolt gun.
Mike,
The standard bullet weight for the 25-35 WCF was 117-grains. I corresponded with Francois and recommended that he try both bullet weights with varying powder types and charges. My choice would be to start with the 120-grain bullet.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Use the 117 grain Hornady round nose as Bert suggested over 19-21 grains of IMR-4320 and see how that treats you. Remington also made a 117 grain 25 caliber bullet, but it has more of a spritzer shape to it. You can use it also, but I would recommend loading one in the chamber and only one in the magazine. RRM
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
Mike,
The standard bullet weight for the 25-35 WCF was 117-grains. I corresponded with Francois and recommended that he try both bullet weights with varying powder types and charges. My choice would be to start with the 120-grain bullet.
Bert
Does he already have the RCBS moulds, Bert?
TXGunNut said
Does he already have the RCBS moulds, Bert?
I do not believe that he does. He indicated that he had manufactured bullets in the two weights previously mentioned. Of the two, the 120-grain bullet would be my choice, as it is just 3-grains heavier than standard.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
25-35. Had an unusual for the era
(possibly the first. ?). Fast twist meant to stabilize heavy bullets. Yet the fast twists often do well with lighter as well , so the best of all worlds. Great cal.
anyone know the history of the original fast twist technology? I think. It. Originated with smokeless and higher velocity utilizing jacketed bullets. Technology happened quick in the 1890’s
amazes me that those early smokeless designed cartridges and all components were as well balanced and efficient seemingly overnight still used today
phil
November 7, 2015
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I think Tom at Accurate can make a custom mould with a crimp groove but not sure if he is set up to export. He made my 38-40 mould and another for my 32 Special. Oops, think he only makes .270 and bigger moulds. NOE does semi-custom and I think he exports. He has a clone of the Lyman 260325.
25-20 said
25-35. Had an unusual for the era(possibly the first. ?). Fast twist meant to stabilize heavy bullets. Yet the fast twists often do well with lighter as well , so the best of all worlds. Great cal.
anyone know the history of the original fast twist technology? I think. It. Originated with smokeless and higher velocity utilizing jacketed bullets. Technology happened quick in the 1890’s
amazes me that those early smokeless designed cartridges and all components were as well balanced and efficient seemingly overnight still used today
phil
Phil,
I just bought a ’94 carbine 25-35 ( for sale ) to help a friend get gas money to get home ( Reno has it’s dangers ! ).
I took it plus a 32-40, 38-40 (M92) and 38-55. All carbines. My favorite was the 23×35. A great round, and accurate.
Bill
November 7, 2015
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The 25-35 is an under-rated cartridge, IMHO. I don’t own a rifle in this chambering (yet) but the numbers fascinate me.
Jeepers, Bill. A .25-35, .32-40, .38-40 and .38-55 “to help a friend get gas money to get home”–must be taking the long way around, or was he planning on punching the afterburners!
FTW:
I got a little ahead of myself typing….bought the 25×35, took all the rest plus the new purchase to the range.
That would have been quite a spree at Reno if all came home with me !
Bill 
I posted the following under “Winchester Rifles” this morning :
Has anyone had experience with Sellier & Bellot Ammunition 6.5x52mm Rimmed 117 Grain Soft Point as an option to 25×35 WIN. ammo ?
Feedback would be appreciated. FYI: I do not reload.
Midway sells it as a “similar product” when searching Winchester 25×35 ammo.
Bill
Bill I have to avoid shows , auctions stores all places of temptation.
Yes I have used the S/B ammo in 25-35 in two mod 1894 rifles early 1900’s , and a mod 64 rifle , and it worked great in all 3 , accurate and surprisingly flat shooting at 300 M I dont think its hotter than the Win factory .I think it has metric data on the box as to ballistics. and not much recoil . no pressure signs
. I shoot it primarily because it really works well, has good cases (I only reloaded some a few times to test. not multi fired yet) its less $ than I could reload it for , at under a buck a shot
I believe the Europeans took the 25-35 cartridge , copied it exactly , renamed it with their metric designation , and it was very popular in their favored combination hunting guns. and still popular today hence S/B still making loaded ammo.
I will have to get a box out tommoro if any one wants details
Phil
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