1873 .38wcf

[Catpop]

Question: Is it safe to shoot modern Remington 38-40 ammo (green white box, 2000 era) in an 1873 .38WCF that was made in 1887 according to sn. This was originally a black powder arm with the toggle link action.
If not, is there a brand that is safe?
If not, I could buy dies and roll my own. Does anyone have a perferred smokeless powder for .38-40?

 

[Don McDowell]

38-40 ammo is loaded to saami spec pressures that equal the pressure generated by blackpowder charges, so assuming the rifle is in good enough shape to shoot that factory ammo will be fine.
I like bludot and 231 for smokeless loads, but if you really want to see how the thing is supposed to work drop 35 grs of Olde Eynsford 2f in the case seat the bullet and let the fun begin..
One thing that you need to watch for on older 38-40 rounds, they crimped the primer pockets, so before you can reprime those you'll need to open that crimp up to keep from wrecking a bunch of primers.

 

[Catpop]

Thanks for quick response Don. I'm glad to hear modern is ok. Don't have a set of dies yet, but do have a partial box of factory cartridges so I still get to shoot it a few times soon.
I read bullet diameter is .401. And I also see 10 mm is .400. Has anyone gone that route?
Probably soft lead would be best option.
Thanks again

 

[Don McDowell]

401-403 will be the best bet. Some folks have had limited success with bullets for the 10mm, but there's only one way to find out if they'll work in your rifle...
I prefer the Hornady die set, rcbs or lyman would be good as well.
Soft lead not necessary, I have an 1889 model Marlin that gets along fine with bullets from 16-1 and #2 alloy.