Questions about a loading for Marlin 1893 in 32-40.

[slicksleeve]

Hello friends. I was recently handed a really nice Marlin model 1893 lever action rifle. My dad aquired it, told me, "When I saw it I thought about you." It also came with an RCBS Cowboy 3-die set, new brass, and some 165 grain lead bullets. On the top of the barrel, it says in capital letters, "FOR BLACKPOWDER." Now, the previous owner also sent a recipe of 15 grains of Herc 2400, CCI primer, and the 165 grain cast lead bullets. (I'm guessing that by the abreviation he meant Hercules) Is this thing safe to shoot this recipe? Is Hercules 2400 the same as Alliant 2400? I have Alliant 2400 on my shelf. My Hodgdon manual shows a 196 grain llead loaded with 12.0 grains of H110, at 19200, C.U.P., and similar load with H4227. Currently on the shelf I have H110, Alliant 2400, and Unique. I also have Pyrodex. Is any of this safe for use in this rifle? This thing is far too elegant to not see some range time. An help would be much appreciated.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I would be leery without knowing more about the gun. From what I recall the 1893 had two production phases. The later phase had two different barrels, one marked special smokeless steel the other was labeled for blackpowder. I don't know the metallurgy of your barrel. There should be information in Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company That Made Them, but the book isn't cheap. Another source could be www.marlin-collectors.com.

 

[slicksleeve]

Well, safe or not, I just shot 20 rounds of of 165 grain cast lead bullets over 15 grains of Alliant 2400 today. It grouped well, with no bad signs of things going on. Thanks Jesse Heywood for the response.

 

[Kernel]

To simulate black powder pressures and performance, I'd try Trailboss powder. That's what it's made for. If that didn't work to my satisfaction, I'd give 4759 and 5744 a twirl. No way I'd mess around with magnum handgun powders.

 

[slicksleeve]

Trailboss, I'll try that. I've been thinking about some for my .38 special anyway. Thanks, Kernel.

4759, and 5744

Are those IMR powders?

 

[Kernel]

IMR SR 4759

Acurate 5744

Both are bulky powders developed for reduced velocity laods in rifle sized cases.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I just finished reading the Dec.-Jan. issue of Handloader. Good article on the 32-40, but no load data. He does say you can load with "nitro for black" powders. Unique, Herco, 5744 and SR-4759. Also, to be on the safe side, he recommends starting with the gun pointed up, so the powder is around the head. Article by Terry Wieland titled "Dancing With Ghost - The .32-40: A Graveside Interview"