Author Topic: Levers and Chamber Pressure? (Read 706 times)

Propdoc03 · « **on:** February 13, 2004, 04:15:24 PM »

Big 5 has a special going on the Winchester Ranger models and I am trying to decide between the .357 and a 45 Colt. I like the 357 as it would make a fun cheap shootin plinking gun for both me and my wife shooting the 38's. From what I read on the previous posts it sounds like feeding should not be a problem? And on the other hand I would like a 45 or 44 Mag to go along with one of my sidearms. The one thing I am not certain of is, can the levers be loaded up as hot as a Ruger Blackhawk or might they develop extraction problems.

Thanks PD

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2004, 12:11:08 AM »

There is some arguement on this, and I don't have one so chambered so I'm guessing, but I'm going to say yes they can. Following normal loading precautions of course

Propdoc03 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2004, 02:41:53 AM »

Thanks John
You mentioned that there is some argument out on this, and thats what I was not sure of. I thought I had heard that it was extraction problems with the levers but cant help but wonder how that can be if the revolvers dont have the same problem and they are virtualy extracting five or six at a time on the double action Rugers. So I take it that it is not the action stregth that is the limiting factor? I am not looking to better either the Encore or Ruger data, I would just like to be able to equal it.

Thanks PD

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2004, 02:57:05 AM »

I read an article years ago by a guy that had loaded a 45 colt to 2000 fps in a '94.
I don't have a copy, but, it's a fair indication of strength.

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2004, 03:06:01 AM »

A bit of advice on loading the old cartridges to higher pressures.
They don't show pressure signs as easilly as higher pressure rounds. If you see ANY sign of pressure BACK OFF.
The weak point, in my opinion with these small cartridges will NOT be the action. The barrel will likely go first. In fact, every Winchester lever gun blow up I've seen has been barrel, regardless of caliber.

This is a '92 barrel (38-40) with a chamber ring from a very hot load of H110.
:oops: My screw up, started from the wrong end of the load tray on a workup. Distracted by deer on the range (excuse)

The action was totally unaffected, and has been rebarrelled

Propdoc03 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2004, 04:45:16 AM »

Great, thanks for the info guys. I have read the previous post's on the forum, or at least some them. So does either the Marlin or Winchester break down easier than the other, or are both of them pretty easy to break down. Also, I noticed on one post it mentioned that the Winchester has a tendency to fling the brass back on you, is this true. The reason I ask is my wife will also be shooting the rifle and I dont want her to be distracted with brass coming back at her.

PD

Red Neck64 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2004, 07:49:05 AM »

THE MAX pressure for the 357 is 46000cup,tested in a Marlin 94 18.1/2"barrel.Looks good to me.

JRR · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2004, 04:58:12 AM »

I have both the 357 and 45 Colt Rangers from Big 5.

In the 357, the most accurate loads are cast and gas checked 180-190 gr. flat points going about 1600 fps. Feeding and extraction are easy.

In the 45 Colt, the most accurate loads are cast, gas checked 285-300 gr. flat point bullets going 1400-1500 fps. Substantial recoil in this small carbine.

There is one thing to always keep in mind with these rifles. You must BRISKLY operate the lever. If you slow stroke the action you probably will get rounds leaving the mag tube and getting under the lifter, tying up the gun.

When handloading the 45 Colt, I use a STEEL non-carbide sizing die from RCBS. The 45 case and chamber are TAPERED and a carbide die reduces the base of the case too much. This causes pre-mature failure of the case from excessive expansion in the chamber, expecially with these high pressure loads. I have shot 300 gr., 22 gr. H110 loads 7 times without case damage.

Jeff