Reloading a Winchester Model 1873 chambered in 357/38

[Chubbs103]

If you are settled on those components, the Hodgdon site has data. I like HP-38/W231 for a number of applications, but I primarily shoot cast bullets.

 

[Kp321]

Even with modern steels, the1873 action is not extremely strong. I would definitely avoid full-house 357 loads. For lever action pistol caliber silhouette, I use a moderate to light 357 loads in my Rossi 92 clone. Using 357 brass avoids the carbon ring and always feeds correctly. I am using 5 gr Unique with a 130 gr cast round nose flat tip bullet. I have enough Unique to last till I can no longer shoot.

 

[larmar1942]

My 18" Uberti 1873 replica loves .38.Spec. Penn 158 gr. lead RNFP, Accurate No. 5, 5.9gr; COAL = 1.455-1.460
Stock buckhorn/bead sights 100 yd zero gives:
Range in yards Muzzle 25 50 75 100 125
Trajectory -0.7" 2.7" 4" 3.2" 0" -5.5"

I worked up .38 instead of .357 because I have lots more .38 spec brass.
Do not let .38 get shorter than above COAL or you will have feed problems.
You'll need a flat point bullet for the tube magazine.
I've had no leading, no feed problems, no recoil, chrono avg 1088 fps.
Kinda like a .22 on steroids.

Thanks

 

[larmar1942]

I, like many SASS shooters shoot a Uberti 1873 in 38/.357 and use .38 spl brass with 158 RNFP that I cast with many different powders....most common for me, is using 4 gr. of Unique. very mild and accurate...same with Win. 231/HP-38, Red Dot etc.
My '73 doesn't care about .357 or .38 brass....some rifles for whatever reasons will function best with the longer casing....

Don't remember velocity but think it's around 650 or so.

Would certainly meet your criteria. A number of fellow SASS shooters will use a 125 cast RNFP or truncated cone bullet with excellent results as well

Randy

Thanks

 

[growr]

OAL is critical with .38 spl. 1.460 feeds flawlessly
Randy

 

[Chubbs103]

You will note that they do not make .44 Magnum 1873s, you have to go to the 1892 action for that.

I understand the concerns about the strength of the 1873 action, but Uberti has been making .44 mag 1873s for years (although I only see one model on their website right now).

Uberti 1873 Carbine Steel Rifle, U341260, .44 Mag, 19", A Grade Stock - Uberti Firearms

The bronze frame and the low power of the original .44 Henry rimfire cartridge limited the 1866 rifle's versatility. In 1873, continuing the process of

uberti-firearms.com