Author Topic: 45 Colt Win. Trapper (Read 1179 times)

jpuke · « **on:** September 14, 2005, 01:20:13 PM »

Does anyone have a Winchester 94 Trapper in 45 Colt? Everytime I get to thinking that I really need one (vs. the expensive cowboy model Marlin has) I stop and wonder about that 1:26 twist in the barrel. How's the accuracy of the Trapper? My standard load for my Ruger Blackhawk is a 300 gr Lee FP going 1000 fps and I'm wondering if a twist that slow will work with the 300 gr. bullets.

jd45 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2005, 02:01:52 PM »

I don't, but I do have an LSI Puma (1892) in .45 Colt with a 1-in-30 twist barrel. I asked around & was told that if I drove the heavies fast enough, the slow twist wouldn't be a problem. I think that would mean faster than 1000fps, JD45

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #2 on:** September 19, 2005, 11:36:12 AM »

The problem with slow twists is that, sure if you drive the heavies fast enough they will stabilize. But there's a limit to how much pressure your and your gun can stand. You may exceed the pressure limits before you attain that magical velocity needed to stabilize a heavy-for-caliber bullet.

I have a Rossi '92 in .357. I don't know what exactly the twist is, but it is slower than the 24" bbl, meaning the cleaning rod does not make a full turn. I cannot get a 200 grain bullet to shoot well from the lever action without running into overpressure situations. In fact even when I DID get some over-pressure indications I still did not see any good accuracy.

But the slow twist is just a riot for mid-weight high-velocity loads. Meaning, that I can take a 158 grain bullet and close in on 2000 fps and have very pleasing groups.

Orygun Mark · « **Reply #3 on:** September 19, 2005, 05:56:09 PM »

I have a 16" trapper in 44 and 45. They both shoot 300-350 gr bullets just fine. Consider that Marlin uses the 1-38 twist for 44 mags and you will realize why the 1-26 works good. All I run is cast bullets in mine. Mark

Greeenriver · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2005, 08:01:49 AM »

I have a 94AE trapper in .44mag, and a 94 Trails End in .45lc. I couldn't comment on real heavy bullets for eather of them, but they shoot 180 and 240 grn bullets from the .44mag, and 200 and 250grn bullets from the Trails End just fine. I never hunt anything larger than Deer or Black Bear with mine, so have found no reason to load heaver bullets. I normaly use LazerCast hard cast bullets in mine, and they will both shoot better than I can with open sights.

Greeenriver(180 to 250grn cast bullets will take any Deer or Black Bear in America cleanly, if you do your part)

coopershooter · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2005, 06:52:39 AM »

i bought a new win. trapper in 45c. as a partner to my ruger bisley. i was very dissapointed with the accuracy! i tried cast and jacketed bullets, both factory and handloaded. i put on a scope for load development. i had a hard time getting two inch groups at fifty yards. from the bench! i was shooting heavier bullets in the 260 to 325gr range. i called winchester, to be told that it was not a target gun! they said three inch groups at fifty yards were with in the specs for that rifle?

i sold the rifle soon after.
i own a ss rossi puma in .357. and i'm very pleased with it! i would like the matching one in .45colt. but would not consider the winchester!!
the new production winchesters strike me as garbage. the reciever,, barrel, and barrel bands were very well made! while the lever, hammer, and trigger looked like after thoughts! they were stamped, with no attempt to clean up the rough edges from the stamping prosess! then blued over. this was a new factory rifle. one that i ordered through a local retailer.
and dont get me started on the trigger!
good luck.