Author Topic: 40-65 Shooters (Read 551 times)

ronbo · « **on:** August 19, 2003, 04:18:20 PM »

Am shooting a Marlin 1881 lever in 40-60 which is the same cartridge as a 40-65 Winchester. Using 40-65 dies and 45-70 brass necked down with 300 grain cast lead bullet and 3031 powder. Big heavy gun lots of fun.

86er · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2003, 06:50:39 PM »

Ronbo, check out Starline.They make excellent quality 40-65 brass at a good price. I'm not familiar with the '81 Marlin, but believe it to be a low pressure BP action. Keep the IMR3031 loads at 36 grs or lower.You might want to try 4895,also. Your gun should be okay with 42 grs. I am loading the 40-65 for both a Colt Lightning and a model 1886 Winchester. The Colt is loaded to the same specs as your Marlin, the Winchester somewhat heavier. The 40-65 is a great game getter at reasonable range.
www.Starlinebrass.com.
Besto, Mike

ronbo · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2003, 01:43:12 AM »

Mike, Didn't know that starline made 40-65 brass. The 1881 is a low pressure action as it was only made from 1881 to 1890 about 20,000 made, some with a scaled down frame in smaller calibers. I am loading with 30 grains of 3031. Are you shooting cast bullets in your 40-65 and if so what diameter bullet? Ronbo

86er · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2003, 04:22:06 PM »

:-D Ronbo, have you slugged the bore of your Marlin to determine the true diameter? The groove diameter can be as much as .411 on some rifles. Barnes makes an excellent jacketed bullet for the 40-65, sized at the average of .409. Lyman makes 255 gr lead bullets for this cartridge, also. I only use lead bullets in the Colt Express and mostly jacketed in the '86 Winchester, because of the proof steel barrel designed for the use of smokeless powder and this type bullet. Midway USA carries both brass and bullets at reasonable prices.
www.midwayusa.com