Converting a 30-40 Win 1895 to 405

Killer Kanuck · Post by **Killer Kanuck** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:28 pm

Just one of those ideas that popped up in the back of my head, and I'm just wondering what would be involved.
The 30-40 bolt should be able to be used in a 405 as well, correct?
What internals would have to replaced?
Does anyone know if modern replacement barrels are available anywhere, and if so, if they fit the original model 1895's?

Thunder50 · Post by **Thunder50** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:38 pm

I have a Browning 1895 in 30-40 Krag that I plan on sending to Jess Uncompagh (sp?) to have him rebore it to 0.375" and chamber it for 38-72 Win. I understand that the only bolts made for the Browning were for the '06 case head size and the 30-40/405 head size. I wouldn't think that you would have to make any other alterations, except the rebore/rechamber.

crs · Post by **crs** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:39 pm

Killer;
This was discussed at length on one of my posts on the old forum and I read a thorough .405 article recently that considered the 30-40 as perfect for conversion to a few rimmed cartridges. Here is the link:
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/model_1895.htm

BenT · Post by **BenT** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:15 pm

Wouldn't rebarreling be a better option . I would think the barrel would get pretty thin going to a 375 bore. I think 38-72 is great idea . I thought one of the issues with reboring is the heat and and getting a straight bore.

PPpastordon · Post by **PPpastordon** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:17 pm

A friend with an Encore in .405 says reformed (blown out) .30-40 brass makes an excellent .405 "Special" loading. I am not sure, but believe he uses regular .405 dies.
Grace and Peace,

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 1:55 pm

The rim on the 30-40 is quite a bit thinner than the 405 rim, your friend with the Encore is flirting with some case sepearations due to head space problems.

Might think about visiting with Zhat customs in Casper Wy. and just having your rifle done into a take down switch barrel. That way you can have the best of both worlds.

Long live the 405

Dave James · Post by **Dave James** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:29 pm

Zhat can do it, and in discussions with him he seemed to think no problem with the bolt,

Giving serious consideration to a take down switch barrel in 35Winchester and 405Win

Gun Smith · Post by **Gun Smith** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:33 am

The 30/40 head size measures .545/.535" diameter by .064/.054" thickness. The 405 measures .543" and .073". The chamber reamer will correct the headspace (to the 405 measurement) in the Krag barrel when it is rechambered/rebored. I believe the barrels are all the same size at the breach, but do have different taper/lengths between calibers in rifles and carbines.

Thunder50 · Post by **Thunder50** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:24 pm

I think the 38-72 in the rebored 1895 is going to be a powerhouse, close to the 405. I designed the reamer to use 405 brass, and have rechambered a handi-rifle from 38-55 to 38-72. Using Hawk 280 gr slugs, it would shoot 7/8" groups at 100 for 5 shots, at a little over 2500fps. Backed it down to 2400fps as the 2550 loads were getting a bit sticky and my shoulder was not happy with me. I will have to mark my brass as I figure the 1895 won't be able to go quite so high, but I expect it to get pretty close to 2400fps with the 280's, but will also try spitzer bullets for the 375 H&H, maybe the Nosler partitions or 235 speer bullets. Will report when I get it going.