Cast load for original 1873 32/20

[Drm50]

Just got a Win 1873, to sell for a family. Gun is honest, and not abused, dark bore
no pitts, action smooth and tight. Finish worn, but no rust on metal and sound wood.
I want to shoot this gun before putting it on the market. If it shoots I may keep it for
myself. I want a good cast load that is easy on the old gun. It will not be shot much
and only for grins? Anyone have experience with this, gun is 32/20 cal.

[Outpost75]

A safe smokeless load in original 1873 Winchesters is the 115-grain Lyman #311008 or older Ideal #3118 with either 12 grains of IMR or H4198 or 14.5 grs. of RL7, which approximate factory velocity and pressure. OK to substitute 100-grain Hornady XTP .312" with these loads.

[TGM]

The load I use for cowboy shooting is the 115 grain Lyman bullet and 3.2 grains of 231. This would be a good plinking load and be easy on the old gun. You will also need to apply a very firm crimp when seating the bullet.

TGM

[clum553946]

I use Unique with a 115 lfp in my 1873 with good results. I'm out of town at the moment, so I don't have my journal in front of me. If you want to know the charge weight, Pm me & I'll get it for you when I get back home. I love those old '73's, have the 38-40 & 44-40 as well!

[Scharfschuetze]

All the above is good advice for your old 1873. I also like the 115 grain cast boolits in both a revolver and lever rifle. Unique works well for me in duplicating the original loads.

[rintinglen]

RCBS 32-998 SWC over 4.5-5.0 grains oof unique equals good shooting.

[samari46]

Also I have used the Lyman 311316 which is a 115 grain bullet with gas check. Shot very nice out of a win low wall in 32-20. Frank