.25-35

I have recently obtained a fine old Winchester 1894 chambered in .25-35.

Unfortunately, both projectiles and load data for this old smokepole seem limited. I acquired a small supply of the now discontinued 117 grain jacketed bullets for reloading, but I want to save those for occasions when I might use them in a hunting application.

For just target shooting or pest control, the only cast boolits I could find were for the .25-20. 86 grain flat points, no GC.

And now...I have no idea how to load them.

Does anyone have any load data or experience with loading these up to say, 1800 fps (or, even more if you have had success)?

Thanks!

I sent you a PM. I have info for your rifle. I just need an address. I hope the PM went through.

I'm using .25/35 dies to load for a .25-36Marlin.
I'm using a NOE 89gr FNGC (90grw/gc). Sized .258" in reformed .30/30 brass.
Im using 14.0gr of AA# 5744. Gets 2,000fps, ~2-3moa accurate.
Not bad for rifle made in 1915, no factory ammo in 70 yrs.

a few months ago, Mike Venturino in HANDLOADER Magazine wrote an article on the .25/35 win. I suggest you look it up.
In my limited loading of jacketed bullets, the .25/35 is best with the Hornady 117gr RN, and IMR3031. 21.0-23.5 gr. your gun will tell you when you are to far with sticky extraction.

An excellent plinking load is 90gr cast over 5gr of most any fast powder (Bullseye, Unique, RedDot, TrailBoss, GreenBot, Herco, ect.).

Thanks Goose - I actually have that article, it wasn't very enlightening, since Mike only managed 6 inch groups at 100 yards, and had no cast info for me to look at.

My model 94 from 1897 will shoot a 1 inch group at 50 yards with a tang peep...dang good. Though, this was with 117 grain factory. I don't have a lot of those, hence my need for the cast info.

I love low speed plinkers like the one you describe, too.

The Hodgdon site has load data for the 25-35. So Speer has a 75 gr jfp that's fun to shoot plus there's many cast options to choose from commercially and self cast. Montana bullets has a 112 gr cast bullet, Missouri bullets has a 85gr for the 25-20 that makes a good plinker for the 25-35

As far as molds go, NOE has a large selection for it. And is looking at adding more. Including boat tail.
This has been brought on by the ever increasing popularity of the .257 round in the Modern Ultra high pressure (for an Air Gun) Air guns being produced.

I have molds here for 54 gr, 60 gr. 80 gr, 81 gr and 104 grain at the moment. Under 1/2 at 100 yards is not uncommon with them in my .257 custom AirGun.

In fact, a record has just been set with the .257 AirGun @ 905 yards.

KnifeMaker

I love my 25-35! Lucked into a decent stock of factory ammo and haven't bought bullets for it lately. I don't know if the Hornady 117gr. RN are available, but they are still listed on their site. Midway USA lists them, but they are currently out " no back order".

midsouth has the 117 rn in stock as of today $24/100. now I have to save up for a mold and learn how to reform 30-30 brass. I just refuse to pay scalpers on the big auction site $70 to $100 for 100 bullets

Speer has a nifty little 75 gr jacketed flat point that shoots well in my 94. I use Leverevolution for this load. Hodgdon has quite a bit of load data for the 25-35 on their website.

I used an NEI GC FP mould 115 gr that function ed very well in my 94. I also bought same bullet from commercial caster in Casper WYOMING but they must be out of business no answer

Was NEI #21 114gr in catalog