Forming 38-72 WCF Brass

[planetmobius]

I recently picked up a beautiful Winchester 1895 in 38-72 just like the one Grandpa had. The rifle in in fantastic shape and I intend to shoot it. Bertram brass will be a bit pricey to aquire in any number and so I was looking for an alternative. I noted that on Releadersnest, somone is producing them from reformed 444 marlin cases. Anyone have any expeerience doing this or have any other alternatives?

 

[steveno]

get a copy of Mike Venturino's "Shooting Lever Guns of the Old West". it should have all of the information that you need. it is a very good book to read even if you don't own a lever action.

 

[Kernel]

Case can be made from .405 Winchester brass, according to the "Pet Loads" article in the November 1989 Handloader magazine - Loading the “Old Ones” Time-tested recipes for that veteran rifle by Ken Waters (the Master, himself):

http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/hl142partial.pdf

Ken writes:

“.38-72 Winchester: Form cases from .405 Winchester brass. Leave cases full length (2.58 inches) and size them full length in a .38-72 sizer die. Turn case rims to 519 inch diameter. Cast bullet diameters are .378 inch. Jacketed bullets are .375 inch. Since Model 1895 Winchesters have a box magazine, roundnosed and pointed bullets may be used.”

Now, in return for helping you must post some pictures of your Winchester 1895, and when you get some made, the loaded amunition. What a fun project.

 

[planetmobius]

Thanks guys,

I now have about 1000% more info on this subject than I started with. What great resources. It will be a couple of months before I start cranking out the rounds. I'll get organized some time after deer season. The picks I'll post in a couple of days on a new thread. Thanks again.

 

[bonza]

You're a lucky man, that'll be one sweet rifle. I've had three '95s in my day, an early production (1896) Flat-side model in .30 Army (Krag), a .303 British, & a .405 WCF. The .38/72 WCF is a fairly easy one to make cases for now, especially as .405 WCF cases are readilly available from Hornady. When I had my .405 WCF I had to make cases from 9.3x74mmR.