WINCHESTER 7-30 WATERS

[hangnoose]

I have a chance at a win 94 7-30 waters, 1992? 20" carbine with saddle ring, AE mdl, NOT AN XTR OR BIG BORE, no checkering, black plastic butt pad, I don't think there is a cross bolt safety (early 1992?) in good 85+ condition (from pics) 4-500$ range? Is it worth the hassle of trying to find brass & flat nosed 7mms to reload for it?, Or is it just gonna be a money pit PIA?

[scooter123]

It's a money pit and IMO over priced at least 150 dollars. In my area post 64 model 94 AE typically sell for 300-350 dollars at retail. Add in that oddball caliber and what you are looking at pretty well fits the criteria for a White Elephant. I just looked at the article on the 7-30 Waters on Wikipedia and both Nosler and Hornady have ceased production on flat point bullets specific to this caliber. As a result I suspect you are looking at a caliber you can't reload for unless you fabricate your own bullets.

[KLYDE]

I've shot the 7-30 for 25 years in my TC guns. A great round that really excels when used with pointed bullets. Of course not an option with the gun you are considering. I have a box of 100 new Federal Premium brass in my squirrel pile. If you decide on the purchase drop me a PM and I'll hook you up with half of them.

[OLDNAVYMCPO]

Don't know a thing about using the cartridge in a tubular magazine, but the 7/30 waters is one of my all time favorites in a single shot pistol like a T/C. I used 30/30 cases and fireformed my own brass. Casting your own lead may be your only option. Is that so bad?

[Yorkie Man]

I have a 94ae with a 20" bbl and had one with a 24" bbl years ago. They shoot pretty good but as it was stated bullets are getting hard to find. I stocked up years ago so that's no a problem for me but if I had to start from scratch I don't think I would buy one now. I think Speer still makes a 130 FP that is very accurate out of my rifle. I also have most of the other Model 94 calibers which weren't more than $250 each when I bought them which is one of the reasons I picked them up. I make all of my brass from new 30-30 casings.

[hangnoose]

THANKS KLYDE, that's a very nice offer. I spoke to the seller, a young/inexperienced sounding "kid", down here kids can be 60 y/o. I originally told him he should just keep it as all he wanted was a gun for hunting & I doubted any pawn or LGS would give him 200$ for it, he decided to do that. A gun many would love to own, then hate the headaches/money pit that come along with it. I heard from him on another forum & it turns out he lives practically around the corner. I reloaded for this caliber in the late 80's and early 90's for a Buds 24" xtr version & still have the dies & some nosler 120gr flat point solid base (no longer made). So Clyde if you would still consider selling me/him that brass we'd appreciate it & I can teach a "future reloader". I felt both jealous & relieved when he posted he planned on keeping it.