1873 winchester half-mag

[Richardx]

Oops! Sorry, I meant to put "" around the '76 in my post, to mark the sarcasm, I thought it was interesting that Newman had a special "short" receiver '76...

[w30wcf]

Finally took the old 38wcf out to the range today. I tried the test loads with toilet paper under the bullet and over the 2ff Swiss bp. @ 50yd. these loads tumbled real bad. No surprise this old barrel is in bad shape. I tried the .060"poly wad under the 180gr. cast bullet and over the 2ff Swiss bp. This load was a surprise in the good way. Finally the old 73 shot a straight bullet ,round hole and went where it was pointed. Will now load up more of the same load and do a bit more testing. Even if I never shoot the old gun much there is just something in me that will not rest until I get a gun to shoot or prove to myself that it is hopeless. This one was almost blessed as Hopeless! Laughed at the range today with another shooter ,saying all our good shooting guns are in the safe and the problem guns get the most attention. I am sure others can relate. Thanks w30wcf for the poly wad idea ,It Worked!!!! ,,,DT

Dusty,
Great news! Glad to see that the .060" poly disc aka polyethylene gas check, also worked well in your vintage '73 38WCF.

It sure made a difference with certain loadings in my oversized '73 44WCF which has less than a perfect barrel. It is a great feeling of accomplishment getting these vintage rifles shooting well once again.

"Even if I never shoot the old gun much there is just something in me that will not rest until I get a gun to shoot or prove to myself that it is not hopeless."

Yes, indeed!

w30wcf

[w30wcf]

Dusty,
Please keep us updated as your .38 W.C.F. journey continues......

w30wcf

[Dusty Texian]

Thank you for all the advice and help in the past Mr. w30wcf. The poly check Idea ,was the ticket to getting the old 38/40wcf with a very rough barrel to shoot again. This particular short rifle has a rare barrel configuration and I sure did not want to make any changes to the rifle. Now by using the poly check load I can put it in the rack and know that it will shoot decent groups again. The old rough barrel fouls very fast and needs extra attention at cleaning time. But that is not a problem ,as I never tire of handling antique lever action rifles. DT.