Winchester'94 AE

[big bore 99]

I just picked one of these up today in 45Colt at a gunshow. It's in real nice condition. This is my first levergun. I bought a box of factory ammo to start out with. I just now ordered a Lee 4 die set with the factory crimp die. I only reload for 45-70 single shots now. My question: For a tubular magazine they should be crimped to stop set back, right? Another question: I cast a Lee 340 gr plain base in .457 for the 45-70's. Can I push those thru a Lee sizer to .452? Too heavy? I have the size die but no mold yet for it. Figure on starting out with 8-9 grains of Unique.
This sound like I'm on the right track?

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Yes, you'll need to crimp those loads to be used in a tubular magazine. About running the .457s thorough a .452 die--you probably can, but the lead may smear into the lube grooves and perhaps not be as nice as you would wish. I'm not too clear on what you're trying to accomplish. It's not shooting a .452 in a .45-70 is it? Or is your AE in .45 Colt? That would probably work, and the load would be about right.

[wrench man]

Yep, crimp them.
Why do you want to shoot those HEAVY! boolits in the 45 Colt?, I use 200 and 250grn in the 45 Colt.

[big bore 99]

Yes, the levergun is 45 Colt. I was questioning using a sized down 340 gr in it. In my old Lyman loadbook it doesn't show anything over 250 gr. 340 will probably be too heavy. Will need to order a mold soon. Thanks!

[smokeywolf]

If you're loading 45 Colt you probably should be sizing your boolits to .454, which is spec for 45 Colt. 45 ACP is typically sized to .452-.453.

As far as pushing a heavy for caliber 340 grain boolit out of your new lever gun; I shoot 255 grain Lyman 454190. I haven't the experience to offer input on that.

[rondog]

IMO the 340's would be waaay too heavy. Stick with bullets recommended for .45 Colt in the loading manuals. 250gr RFN's for example. And .45C needs a good roll crimp.

[Greg S]

The heaviest I shot through my Trapper was a 300 under a load of 2400. Look for a WFN design to ease feeding. Mine handled a SWC after some throating but occassionally had a hitch. I picked up a Lyman 452665 mold for my 92 Trapper but still haven't loaded any.

[shoot-n-lead]

You will enjoy that rifle...a lot of folks look down on the AE and the cross bolt safety (your rifle might not have the cross bolt)...for NO REASON...other than just regurgitating what they have read on the internet. Your rifle is just as effective as ANY model 94 that has ever been made...and that means that it will get the job done without any problem. I have a couple of the AE rifles and both of mine have the cross bolt safety...I like them just as much as mine that do not have these features. I have Marlin and Winchester levers...the Winchester's handle much better to me than do my Marlin's. Personally, I think the Model 94, in any configuration, is one of the very best close range hunting rifles ever made.

As advised...there is no need for those heavyweight bullets...meplat is the important part...good meplat on a 250gr bullet gets the job done, every time.

[big bore 99]

Thanks all. I just ordered a 255 gr mold for it. Hope to try it out next week.

[lotech]

I bought such a Trapper in 1990. Having an S&W revolver in .45 Colt with oversized chamber throats, I use .456" 260 grain Lyman #454424 bullets in both guns, though .454" works fine in the Trapper. No one expects a flat trajectory with the cartridge, but sighted about two inches high at 50 yards, bullet drop at 100 yards is around six inches. This is with 8.5 grs. Unique.

[modified5]

Like shoot-n-lead said, enjoy that rifle and don't let anyone disparage it.
They are fine rifles. My AE made in 1982 was actually the first one I bought.
It is also my newest. My oldest was made in 1898 and I am gathering the parts now.
All my M94's are in 30-30.
I think my AE is one of the slickest that I own. I shoots great and has the best trigger due to the coil spring.

[big bore 99]

Thanks for all the help guys. I now have the 4 die set and a mold ordered and hope to get out this week and burn up some of that factory ammo. My AE has the crossbolt safety and a rebounding hammer. I think I'll leave that be and just get it sighted in good. It has a nice balance to it. Thanks again.