S&W 1854 Lever Lessons

[Scooter1942]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd post a quick note regarding my newish S&W 1854 lever gun. Great little rifle so far, but thought I'd pass along what I've learned.

Yesterday was the second time I've shot it and after a few rounds my groups starting landing four inches left of center and opened up to about six inches at 50 yards. It seems, the top rail was loose requiring me to remove my Aimpoint T1Micro and retighten. Upon closer inspection, 2 of the three screws had lock-tite on them but it must have either been dry when applied, or they were never properly tightened. The rear screw had no lock-tite. All were loose. Keep an eye on these and I'd properly lock-tite and check the rail screws before going to the trouble to zero.

I've only shot hard cast lead through mine. Here's what will chamber and what won't:

-Rimrock 255 gr SWC-GC Keith Style seated to crimp groove. Works
-Montana Bullet Co. 260 gr WFN-GC seated to crimp groove. Does not chamber.
-Montana Bullet Co. 280 gr WFN-GC seated to crimp groove. Works

There you have it. BTW, I'm loving the Aimpoint T1 Micro on top of this carbine. Super fast handling, points naturally, light weight. What's not to love.

 

[jeffrefrig]

FWIW, my new 27-9 revolver had the cylinder screw extremely hard to remove. When I finally got it out, it had what I thought was LocTite on the threads. Cust Service lady said the screws were color-coded with different colors of paint so the employees knew where they went. The paint acted as Loctite, I explained....crickets...."I'll get back to you on that."
TIK TOC TIK TOC Two totally different departments and guns, but maybe she was lying. I'm much better since I have become friends with this gun.

 

[Stevo1854]

Die Set for 44 Mag & 1854

Hi Scooter1942! Would you mind commenting on the dies, crimp technique and powder you used for those Rimrock and Montana hardcast bullets.

I need to order a set of 44 mag dies with/without separate crimp die, powder, etc in preparation for opening the 1854 that's wrapped for Christmas. Would appreciate your recommendations. Not partial to manufacturers (used most of them 1983-2000), but never 44 mag. Would probably order Redding unless others think otherwise.

All help appreciated.