Finally got to shoot the new Hi-Wall

[Marvin S]

Got out to shoot my new limited 1885 in 32-40 today. I had three different loads to try and these where shot at 135 paces off a bench rest after some initial sight in and removing the v-notch sight and just using the marbles tang sight.

First up was a 170gr LEE GC meant for the 8mm Mauser lubed with Lyman super molly and stoked with 18gr of 5744. It had the usual larger amount of unburnt kernels of powder.

Second up was a 200gr Seaco tapered PB lubed with Rooster HV rifle and 13gr of H110. This burnt real clean with not much residue.

Third was a RCBS 170gr GC also lubed with Rooster HV rifle and backed with 27.5gr of Acc 2495. This load also bunt clean and by the recoil was the most powerful load.

Now for the results. By far the most accurate was the LEE/5744 load. It would shoot about 1.5in to 2.5in five shot groups at 135 paces. Next best was the RCBS/2495 load with about 4.0in groups. Last place was the Seaco/H110 load with groups of about 8.0in and key holeing.

Now I at least have all the cases fire formed and something to go by.

[TonyT]

I have an old original Win 1885 rifle with Swiss buttplate in 32-40. I use the Lyman #322247 165 gr. PB and Lyman #322295 174 gr. GC bullets. I have not checked the velocity but they both provide ca 2 to 3 in. groups at 100 yards with 13.6 gr. SR-4759. I need to experiemtrn a bit more with this rifle.

[Marvin S]

Your lucky to have an original, especially in such a fine caliber.

[TonyT]

Your lucky to have an original, especially in such a fine caliber.

I have three reproductions, Browning 78 in 30-06, and BPCR's in 38-55 and 40-65 all the rest are originals which I have not shot for many years. I finally found my old loading data for the Win 1885's in 32-40 and 38-55 and a smidgen of the Rem-Hepburn data in 40-50 SS. I have shot my Win 1886 in 45-70 quite regularly but the others have been gathering dust. I also need to find my cast bullet data for 22 WCF and 25-20 WCF.
The old data used the old reliable powders such as SR-4759, IMR-4227 and Unique. I hope to try XMP-5744 in the larger calibers.