Hello Fellers,
I've never posted to this site before but have read many of your topics. I recently purchased an original 1873 Winchester in 38-40. The action locks up fine and the barrel looks OK. I took it to the range and shot it. Load was 35 gn Goex 3f BP under a 170 gn cast bullet cast 20-1 and lubed with SPG. Accuracy was OK out to 50 yds for the first 10-15 shots. Then accuracy went to pot. I shot about 30 rounds before cleaning the rifle and going home. I guess I shot too many rounds before wiping the barrel out because it sure was a mess to get clean. Is this normal experience with this rifle and load? If it is, I wonder how the old timers lived through an Indian fight.
Next, any one using smokeless in this caliber? If so, I would appreciate any load information and experience you have had with this rifle and caliber. I don't think the bullets I am using for BP have big enough lube grooves to keep the fouling under control. Any help would be greatly appreciated. As additional info, I think this rifle was manufactured about 1884--it has a 167,xxx serial no.
ole pizen slinger