1873 Winchester & Reloader 7.

[BobInAus]

Hey gents,
I have been using Rl 7 in my ‘73 Winchester for a while and now we are told that no Rl 7 is available here in Aus. and won’t be until the end of this year. Our ADI reloading booklet says that AR 2207 is the same as Rl7. Can any one tell me if I can substitute our AR 2207 for Rl 7 loads. Any info regarding pressure and safety loads would be greatly appreciated.
Regards.
Bob.

[DAVIDMAGNUM]

Bob
As I understand it AR 2207 is H4198. I Googled a bit to verify my memory. If this is true then H4198 is very close to Reloader 7 and AR 2207 should be also. So....depending on the cartridge and rifle I would likely try with a reduced load to start. This is uncharted territory, so you are taking some risk. Up to you. You said 1873 Winchester. Would that be 44WCF (44-40)? I have personally tried H4198 in the 44-40. I didn't have any problems. Just, in my rifle with my bullets Reloader 7 was more accurate.

[BobInAus]

DAVIDMAGNUM
Thanks for the info. Yes the '73 is a 44WCF and is very accurate with the Reloader 7. As I mentioned the RL 7 along with a lot of other powders wont be available until the end of the year. I'll see if I can get my hands on some H4198. Thanks again.
Bob

[HWooldridge]

I use IMR4198 in my 44-40 but it’s a ‘92 action. I would work up slowly in a toggle action.

[Savvy Jack]

Would be nice to know how AR 2207 performs.

I ran some pressure tests on Reloder 7, H4198 and IMR-4198 and discovered that IMR-4198 runs a bit hotter in the 44-40.

Below is a link to my pressure tests results. Probably best viewed from a desktop.

Reloder 7: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cZyKKXVyHq9as9uFJiko5yReJ9a-ER32YsENTgJGJs4/edit#gid=819756635
H4198: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cZyKKXVyHq9as9uFJiko5yReJ9a-ER32YsENTgJGJs4/edit#gid=1350502736
IMR-4198: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cZyKKXVyHq9as9uFJiko5yReJ9a-ER32YsENTgJGJs4/edit#gid=1914006335

Pressure trace main page is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cZyKKXVyHq9as9uFJiko5yReJ9a-ER32YsENTgJGJs4/edit#gid=2085097263
This is a google doc, navigate by using the tabs at the bottom of the screen.

If anyone has data on using the AR 2207 in the 44-40, let me know so I can add it to the handloading section of the 44-40 website.

[missionary5155]

End of the year is like saying "do not count on it".
When all else fails 3F Goex or whatever BP really works great.

[Savvy Jack]

End of the year is like saying "do not count on it".
When all else fails 3F Goex or whatever BP really works great.

Sometimes I think the problem is not the smokeless or black powders working or not working...but the reasonable availability of any powder. If it is not sitting on the shelf of my local gun store, I typically don't order it.

[Speedo66]

Are you talking original '73 or a later reproduction?

I used Trailboss in my original with no problems.

[BobInAus]

Speedo66, the '73 is an original (1892). I have used Trailboss and it was reasonably accurate but I was looking for a powder that will go close to filling the case.

Regards Bob.