38-40 loads using IMR 4759

[KirkD]

I have not been able to find any loads for the 38-40 that use IMR SR4759. I am wondering of Mr. Waters ever tried out this powder with the 38-40. His 'Pet Loads' book is on my birthday list, but until that happens, is there someone here that happens to have a copy of his pet loads for the 38-40 that could check to see if he tried SR 4759? I'd be curious as to what he says about that powder, if in fact he used in the 38-40.

Just in case you are wondering why I like 4759, in my trials and research thus far, it gives a pressure pretty much the same as FFg.

[moodyholler]

15.0 group 1 load 1,153 FPS SR 4759
17.0 1,339 FPS MAX group 1 load SR 4759
Group 1=1873 winnie, Marlin 1888, Remington #2 roller, Colt lightning, and Stevens 44.
Group 2=Winnie, '92, Marlin 1889, 1894, Stevens 44.5, Hepburn and big rollers, Winchester single shots
Later, moodyholler

[KirkD]

Moodyholler, thank you very much. I was going to start at 14 grains, but that would have been a little too light now that I see the 15 grain ballistics. Looks like I'll start at 15 grains and chronograph that to see how it compares with Mr. Waters' load. I'll be shooting it in my original Winchester 1892. By the way, I decided that I couldn't wait for my birthday, so I splurged and ordered my own copy of his Pet Loads book just a few minutes ago. However, it will be a few weeks before I get it.

[moodyholler]

Kirk, he lists 19.0 as MAX for group two rifles and says 18.00 gave good accuracy. Later, moodyholler

[KirkD]

Thanks for that info. I'll start with two loadings, one at 15 and the other at 17 and chronograph both. If the results are similar to Waters' velocities, then I might move up to 18 grains, but I'll check out 17 grains first.

[FromTheWoods]

Kirk,

Have you tried Titegroup in your .38-40?

We use 5.6 grains under an Oregon Trail 180 RNFP for a Winchester '73 and a Ruger Buckeye Convertible. The load shoots to point of aim in both.

[KirkD]

I don't have any Titegroup, but I believe it has quite a bit faster burn rate than IMR SR4759. I am experimenting with using a smokeless powder that has an almost identical pressure curve to black powder. It's just a special interest I have.

[FromTheWoods]

Worthwhile Interest.

Had I a clue when I began loading for my old Winchesters, I should be doing the same thing. I began several years ago building loads for my '94 rifles using H4895. So much testing, and a sufficient supply of powder=I feel locked in to using that powder for a long while.

If you do work up loads that you would recommend for '73's and '94's, my sons and I are interested in adding them to our notes for possible loads in our rifles.

[KirkD]

Hopefully I'll get to the range in the next couple day to chrono and test my 4759 38-40 loads.