Evening all -
Want to make sure I'm on the right path here. Have read the PacoKelly page, a page or two over at Winchester Collectors, and about all of the search engine pages I can find. I keep seeing Rel7 listed but can't find any of it anywhere, so need to go another path.
I've got a late 1880s 1873 in 32-20 (3rd model). Internally, and the bore, it's in good condition. I slugged the bore and ordered some .313 sized 115gr coated pills from SNSCasting.
I'm looking to load for it, even though brass is about unobtanium right now - I did have a generous member offer some brass which will get me started. (If anyone else has any to sell that won't require me remortgaging my house to buy, I'm open and looking to buy more.)
For powders, I have: Win 231, Win 244, H110, Win 296, 5744, I4198, H4198, I3031, I8208xbr, H4895, I4895, I4064, RE15, Varget, Win 748, CFE223, Leverevolution, I4350, H4350, RE19, I4831, H4831SC, RE22. (Bold powders are ones I've seen listed or I think could work.)
I'm looking for about 1000fps nice and easy, just punching holes, trying to keep the loads safe on the old girl. I'm a bit surprised I don't see H110/296 listed - although I guess those are 'newer' and this is a clearly antiquated cartridge.
I think I've landed on a 8-9gr 5744 load, but want to put this out there for any other ideas. My only hangup with the 5744 is unburned powder - I've had that issue in the 45-70 trapdoor carbine and it can be kind of a nuisance. I've also found it to be somewhat position sensitive.
Regarding case fill, I've read that 4198 could basically fill a case and you wouldn't get into trouble - but perhaps the powder is just not fast enough in this application to produce accurate results.
Thanks all.