Hi guys, I have put about 1000 rounds through my old 38-40 (Winchester 1892), its an accurate rifle and fun to shoot.
I have never had complete burn of the H4227, often unburnt kernels would fall into action on extraction, but the bullets always hit the target and usually very well. I clean it after each match 40 or 50 rounds.
Recently however the burn has become less consistent with some bullets missing the target, a couple hitting the dirt a few yards short of the target, recoil not that there was much has seemed lower. The final straw came on Saturday when I got a squib, it cost me 100 points and when we moved back I changed to my 32-20 (no sight setting at that distance).
The powder was from the same can as in previous matches, the load was the same 18 grains of H4227, triple checked, the primers were the same LP federal, brass Starline full sized, the alloys was the same PB 4:1 Lino.
I am thinking of quitting H4227 in the 38-40 as an un noticed squib would have cost me more than 100 points.
How can I improve burn consistency?
1. Use LR primers?
2. Drill lout flash holes a bit?
3. Change to a faster powder, I only have Trailboss, but its a bit wimpy at 100 yards, I also have 3N38, N110 and AP100 for which there is not load data. I would like some Unique, but can't get hold of it nor the equivalent AP70.
4. Use BP?
Trail boss works well but I am looking to get a bit more velocity for further out. Some suggested loads, using Clays and International make me a little uneasy as the fill only about 1/3 of the case.
I have been looking at it and I think ADI AP 100 or Vihtavuori 3N38 could be good powder for the 38-40. Loads using these powders 10 grains and 12 grains respectively should produce loads with clean burn over 1/2 fill and 1450 ish fps. however there is not load data for either of these powders. Has anyone used either powder in the 38-40?
I am reluctant to try these powders without real world trial even though QL predicts nothing untoward.
Has anyone tried them?
I have never had complete burn of the H4227, often unburnt kernels would fall into action on extraction, but the bullets always hit the target and usually very well. I clean it after each match 40 or 50 rounds.
Recently however the burn has become less consistent with some bullets missing the target, a couple hitting the dirt a few yards short of the target, recoil not that there was much has seemed lower. The final straw came on Saturday when I got a squib, it cost me 100 points and when we moved back I changed to my 32-20 (no sight setting at that distance).
The powder was from the same can as in previous matches, the load was the same 18 grains of H4227, triple checked, the primers were the same LP federal, brass Starline full sized, the alloys was the same PB 4:1 Lino.
I am thinking of quitting H4227 in the 38-40 as an un noticed squib would have cost me more than 100 points.
How can I improve burn consistency?
1. Use LR primers?
2. Drill lout flash holes a bit?
3. Change to a faster powder, I only have Trailboss, but its a bit wimpy at 100 yards, I also have 3N38, N110 and AP100 for which there is not load data. I would like some Unique, but can't get hold of it nor the equivalent AP70.
4. Use BP?
Trail boss works well but I am looking to get a bit more velocity for further out. Some suggested loads, using Clays and International make me a little uneasy as the fill only about 1/3 of the case.
I have been looking at it and I think ADI AP 100 or Vihtavuori 3N38 could be good powder for the 38-40. Loads using these powders 10 grains and 12 grains respectively should produce loads with clean burn over 1/2 fill and 1450 ish fps. however there is not load data for either of these powders. Has anyone used either powder in the 38-40?
I am reluctant to try these powders without real world trial even though QL predicts nothing untoward.
Has anyone tried them?
Hodgdon had to screw with it. 
