1866 Yellowboy .38 Special

[ironhead7544]

Anybody have one of these? Im thinking of getting one as I have a repo Open Top in that round. What kind of velocities do you get? I know its for cowboy shooting but might want to hunt varmints with it. Thanks

[Grapeshot]

Buddy of mine got one when we were stationed in Alaska back in the 1970's. It was heavy for the caliber, but shot straight. Bullet length, COA, was a concern, but he could shoot both Jacketed and Lead RN with the same degree of accracy. It was good for head shooting rabbit and artic hare.

[fecmech]

Anybody have one of these? Im thinking of getting one as I have a repo Open Top in that round. What kind of velocities do you get? I know its for cowboy shooting but might want to hunt varmints with it. Thanks

In a .38 spl you will run 200-300 fps over pistol velocities in the rifle, 158's in the 1100 fps range and 125's in the 1200-1300 fps range. Those numbers assume max safe operating pressure for a .38 spl.

[ironhead7544]

Thanks for the info.

[John Taylor]

I had one of these in 45 Colt come in several years back. Someone had used some heavy loads and the frame stretched giving it about .050" head space. They rifles are OK just don't hot rod it.

[August]

You should get 1200-1300 fps with standard velocity rounds.

Keep in mind that the '66 did not have the trigger safety of later model Winchesters and, thus, can be fired out of battery with potentially unpleasant consequences. In other words, make sure it's closed before pulling the trigger.