Reloading for an antique

[Jon_Snow]

I just bought a Winchester 1892 and according to the serial number, this one was manufactured in 1912, making it the oldest gun I own by a good 30 years. It's chambered in 25-20 Winchester, and loaded ammo's scarce so I'm planning on reloading for it. I've never reloaded for anything but new guns before and I'm a little worried about making sure my loads are safe. Looking at the Hodgdon website, H4227 has the lowest pressure for the 85gr lead bullets I'm using, so that's my powder of choice. I'm planning on starting low and looking for pressure signs. Any other precautions I should be taking?

 

[Certaindeaf]

Yea, don't stomp on your brass. lolz

 

[wch]

Have you slugged the bore?
Some of these old timers suffered changes over time, changes that aren't necessarily reflected (such as caliber) in the data on the barrel.
Also, a chamber cast might be in order to make sure that you don't have one that's been altered in some way.
If the bore's in good shape, then cast bullets might be a good idea.

 

[rcmodel]

A Win 92 is a Win 92 as far as strength goes.

At the time your rifle was made, the manufactures sold Hi-Speed 32-20 WCF loads that would make modern 25-20 & 32-20 ammo seem like childs play.

Todays 25-20 & 32-20 is rated at 28,000 CUP.

But the 92 Win was chambered in .218 Bee not too many years after your rifle was made, and it is rated at 40,000 CUP.

Assuming your rifle is in good condition, any published 25-20 WCF data you find should be safe in your rifle, as long as it is for FP or RN bullets.

rc

 

[Jon_Snow]

Thanks for the advice. Based on RC's comments, I might change my powder to W231 because I have plenty of it already and I know it meters well for me.

For anyone interested, there's a TON of good info on reloading the 25-20 here: http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/reloading/26002-25-20-reloaders.html.

 

[Miata Mike]

I have a 1913 Colt Police Positive revolver in .38 Special that I plan on shooting my hand loaded wad cutters through some day when I get around to it. Should be fun, and it also way older than any thing else I currently own.