Winchester 71 .348 WCF

[griffiga]

Just picked up a model 71 a few weeks ago. I've wanted one for years to go with my 86 and finally have one. I have a couple boxes of Original 200 grain silvertips and recently picked up 100 Jamison cases and some hard cast 250 grainers from Montana Bullet Works. Just wondering if any of you out there have some reloading experience and any recipes you'd be willing to share for the old "71"?

[chuckbuster]

Most I can tell you is that mine likes 3031 with Cast in the 230-250 range, straight out of the Lyman Cast Bullet Manual

Kevin

[Tedly]

I've shot mine alot with jacketed 200gr. Hornady , and all kings of stick powders from 2200fps thru 2650 fps...

[georgerkahn]

Ken Waters did a marvelous 5-page review of the .348 in his Model 71 in the July 1976 issue of Handloader Magazine. If you PM me, providing your "real" email address, I'll be happy to send a copy to you. On the third page of the article are his pet loads, so I can just send that page alone if you'd prefer. Also, I do believe this article is in both printings of Wolfe Publishing's book reprinting most all of Mr. Waters' brilliance, Pet Loads, which -- if you do not have this invaluable reference (imho) -- you may still order copies from the publisher.
BEST!
geo

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I have a 71 and have been loading for it for a long time. Brass is tough to come by and is spendy. I use Lyman #350482 which is a 250 grain round nose (not in production for a long time now) that looks like an overgrown 311291. I have always used 3031 but have kept the mv below 2000fps. Recoil with factory ammo is around the same as 30/06. Quite a few other powders from the medium to slow category will also work. With the 3031, 40 grains will give you around 1800 fps whereas heavier loadings up to around 2200 is listed by Lyman as max. Not really considered or used for target work the 348 has been well regarded for hunting and quite a few wildcats have been developed mainly in Alaska for use against the big bears. LLS

[Rick B]

Lot's of good information here. No experience with the heavier bullets. The RCBS 200 gr. And the lighter Lyman Bullet shot with the slower powders are real performers. The 200 grain Hornady jacketed loaded behind a healthy dose of 4831 gives outstanding groups and velocity. I use this same powder behind the above mentioned cast Boolits with the same results.
Rick

[griffiga]

Thanks George, my email is: musket57@gmail.com

[021]

Can't help since I only shoot factory ammo in mine, but congrats on a fine rifle!

[northmn]

While somewhat related I saw a repo of the 71 in Buffalo Arms but it was chambered for the 45-70. I consider that a joke as the 348 is what made the 71. Lot of folks swore by that combination even for whitetails. Francis Sell called the 71 with a peep sight the best brush rifle.

DP

[Duckiller]

Barness still makes 250 gr bullets for the 348. Winchester only makes 200gr projectiles. Have one but no sizing di yet so haven't loaded any boolits to date.