stubbicatt
05-15-2015, 09:47 AM
Guys. I recently acquired a Uberti 1873 rifle in 357 magnum, and am aware of cautions and limitations due to the toggle link action, hence my request for advice here.
Years ago I used to load 12.3 grains of 2400 under the excellent Lyman 160 grain RNFP with the fat grease groove. Was an accurate load in my 94 Marlin, long since sold. I do not have any chrono data for this load, but reckon it was probably between 1,000 and 1,100 fps in my 4 inch S&W Model 19. Alloy in the past was wheel weights or 20 to 1, whichever was in the pot. I did not experience any leading with this combination. I used standard CCI small pistol primers.
I can't find 2400 anymore, and am in search of a suitable propellant for this combination, and a recipe for said propellant. There are so many powders on the market I am not familiar with at all, and am at a loss as to what to buy. I would prefer to not have to use magnum primers if possible.
I am concerned about the durability of the toggle link action, although I have been assured by the folks at Uberti/Beretta that the rifle is safe for use with 357 magnum rounds. Even so, I would like to keep to lower pressures if possible "just in case," while striving to achieve similar velocities and accuracy.
I am reluctant to shoot 38 specials in this rifle due to the crud accumulation in the chamber I have experienced in other 357 chambers, which I wish to avoid. Cleaning that stubborn gunk from a chamber with limited access in the 1873 is not something I wish to experience.
If you have experience with a commonly available propellant that can duplicate this performance, I sure would appreciate your advice.
Regards,
Stubb
Years ago I used to load 12.3 grains of 2400 under the excellent Lyman 160 grain RNFP with the fat grease groove. Was an accurate load in my 94 Marlin, long since sold. I do not have any chrono data for this load, but reckon it was probably between 1,000 and 1,100 fps in my 4 inch S&W Model 19. Alloy in the past was wheel weights or 20 to 1, whichever was in the pot. I did not experience any leading with this combination. I used standard CCI small pistol primers.
I can't find 2400 anymore, and am in search of a suitable propellant for this combination, and a recipe for said propellant. There are so many powders on the market I am not familiar with at all, and am at a loss as to what to buy. I would prefer to not have to use magnum primers if possible.
I am concerned about the durability of the toggle link action, although I have been assured by the folks at Uberti/Beretta that the rifle is safe for use with 357 magnum rounds. Even so, I would like to keep to lower pressures if possible "just in case," while striving to achieve similar velocities and accuracy.
I am reluctant to shoot 38 specials in this rifle due to the crud accumulation in the chamber I have experienced in other 357 chambers, which I wish to avoid. Cleaning that stubborn gunk from a chamber with limited access in the 1873 is not something I wish to experience.
If you have experience with a commonly available propellant that can duplicate this performance, I sure would appreciate your advice.
Regards,
Stubb