33 Winchester load

[33wcf]

Hi all, New to the forum. I am getting ready to load some 33 win. I read an article from "The Legacy of Leverguns" about the 1886 Winchester written by Dave Scovill. He listed a load of 25.0 grains of 2400 behind an RCBS 33 cal 200gr. gc . My question is, I have access to Lyman 338320 gc 200gr. bullets. Can I substitute the Lyman bullets for the RCBS?

[ohiochuck]

My copy of the Ideal Handbook # 38 copyright 1951 pages 82-83 lists loading data for the .33 Winchester both cast & jacketed.
The Ideal # 338320 GC bullet is listed as follows:
25.2 g # 2400 2100 FPS
16.8g Unique 1885 FPS
18.0g # 4759 1650 FPS estimated.

Book indicates to reduce charges if not using the Gas Checks.

The jacketed 200g bullet is listed with 26.4 g # 2400 2155 FPS Maximum load!!!

It is always a good idea to reduce the charge and carefully work up in your rifle.
No information concerning primers.
Jim

[bigted]

LOL...and so the ring comes full circle...again...i just get over wanting to build/buy a 33 and somebody drives in with another...i guess one day ill just have to break down and build/buy a 33 Winchester and be done with it

[33wcf]

I have wanted one for years. Finally bought one from the Cabelas website. I think I got a fair deal. It is a 1920 lightweight takedown with practically no bluing left. If I can find the camera, I'll post some pics.

[9.3X62AL]

Didn't try any castings in my 1886 TD FWT when I had it, but IMR 3031 was HANDS DOWN the best powder for j-words I tried in this caliber.

I dunno how many times I've thought about having a Marlin 1895 rebuilt to 33 WCF. GREAT caliber, and given its velocity range it seems like a natural for cast boolits, kinda like a 30-30 On Steroids. :)

[ohiochuck]

Several years ago I purchased the book "The Winchester Lever Legacy" written by Clyde "Snooky" Williamson published by Buffalo press in Zachary, Louisiana in 1988 with 664 pages.
He tested most calibers with cast & jacketed bullets that were made for the 1886, 1892, 1895 & 1894 Winchester Rifles.
The .33 Winchester is listed with loads using the Jacketed Hornady, Nosler Partition with the exposed lead tip cut off, and Barnes and the cast 338320. Powders listed include 3031, 4895, 4320, 4064, & 4198. The most accurate load used the Nosler & 4895 (1&5/8" with 10" pentration) same for the Barnes bullet. The 338320 bullet is listed with 3031 and gave a 2" group at around 2099 FPS -turkey/whitetail load. The Barnes jacketed bullet is not available but bullets from Hawk are.
He states that there is little difference in performance between cast & Nosler bullets in this caliber. Cast used # 2 or equivalent alloy.
It appears that some of his loads may be a bit hot!
He claims to have fired 750,000 rounds and kept a journal listed the results-paper targets, game, etc.
His testing and killing a grizzy bear and other big game with the 1886 50 caliber Win is quite interesting!
He states that Elmer Keith stated in 1936 that the .33 would stay in a 6" bull all day at 200 yds.
I have been using his 40-65 , .33, 25-20 & 32-20 info.
The book is an excellent resource of information.
I purchased it from Buffalo Arms Co. in Idaho for $ 75.00. Their telephone is 208-263-6953 and their web site is www.buffaloarms.com

[33wcf]

Lee doesn't make a factory crimp die for this. Is there another fcd that I could use? Maybe another 338 caliber?

[missionary5155]

Good morning 33wcf
Go to the very top of the page.. click on Ranch Dog .. He has a boolit mould coming in soon. Then later a size-lube kit. There may be the possibility of adapting the .338 Marlin crimper.
I have a 33 Winy also in a Light Weight TD and am looking forward to shooting it when I get up north again.
Mike in Peru

[ohiochuck]

Lee does make a factory crimp die for this. It is a special order. If interested contact Lee.
Jim

[sharpshooter3040]

The 338320 was designed for the 33, the 33-200 was not. As far as the powder charge of of x-amount of 2400, the interchangability should not be an issue. The 33-200 has to be crimped in the next to last lube groove to keep the gas check in the neck of the cartridge. The 338320 has a crimp canelure in the correct position for this round. 2400 in my opinion is not the best choice of powders due to the loading density. IMR or H4895, IMR SR4759 are much better choices. I use 18-20 grains of 4759 in my original 86 with the 338320 with excellant results.


Doug







Hi all, New to the forum. I am getting ready to load some 33 win. I read an article from "The Legacy of Leverguns" about the 1886 Winchester written by Dave Scovill. He listed a load of 25.0 grains of 2400 behind an RCBS 33 cal 200gr. gc . My question is, I have access to Lyman 338320 gc 200gr. bullets. Can I substitute the Lyman bullets for the RCBS?

[33wcf]

Doug, I believe that I bought some of your 338's. They arrived today, and I loaded them over 35gr. of 3031. Seems to be accurate enough. Thanks!