Steve Earle Wesson #1 smokeless?

[fayettefatts]

While Steve Earle Products does not recommend the use of smokeless powder in the Wesson #1 action, could it be loaded with smokeless powder to Trapdoor levels safely?

Should add 45-70.

[Tatume]

Mighty pretty rifle.

318664

I wouldn't care to speculate on what loads it will take.

[fayettefatts]

Mighty pretty rifle.

318664

I wouldn't care to speculate on what loads it will take.

It is for sure, but that is the mid range action and I'm referring to the long range action, if it makes a difference. Not able to post a picture of it for some reason.

[marlinman93]

If the smokeless loads are at black powder levels, then I see no reason to think they'd hurt the rifle. There are a couple smokeless powders that produce lower pressures, and have pressure curves very similar to BP. I use 4198 for many years in my old single shot rifles, and none of my loads are over 20,000 chamber pressure. Most are being shot in my old Ballard or Rolling Block rifles, which aren't as strong as rifles like 1885 Win., Hepburn, or other falling block actions.

[john.k]

If the long range action is the one that looks just like an Alexander Henry ,then IMHO ,its an immensly strong action...........especially if made of SAE 8620 carburised as he uses now.

[fayettefatts]

Yes it looks like an Alexander Henry. How can you tell what kind of steel it is?

318721

[john.k]

I repeat what the maker claims in his website ......mine is the early version made in 1871,and its made of what was called 'crucible steel' by the maker Westley Richards.