ligonierbill
New member
My safes are full and I'm way behind on my loading plans, so why not buy a "new" old gun and start another loading project. Actually, I am taking the opportunity to scrub out my collection, but yes, setting up to load 35 WCF for a Winchester 1895. Why this round? Well, the most common 1895 caliber is 30-40 Krag. I did consider that, as brass, dies, and of course bullets are readily available. They made them in 30-06 and a few in 30-03, but I've seen reports that early ones were not quite up to '06 pressures and suffered stretched frames. (True or not, experts?) Of course, TR's .405, but good originals are pricey, and only Hornady, I think, makes bullets. My brother has an original 40-72, but those are rare. I think I've seen one 38-72 on GB. But I have enough BP rounds. Anyway, I load for my brother. I've not seen one, but a bunch were made for Russia in 7.62x54R. I've seen one in .303 British. So, process of elimination. And I didn't have any 35 bore rifles. Thanks to the .35 Whelen, appropriate 0.358 bullets are available. Found some Redding dies and reformed brass at Buffalo Arms. (They are headstamped 30-40 Krag. Understand you can use .405 brass as well.)
That's my story. Now, is anyone out there shooting this round? If so, what can you tell me?
That's my story. Now, is anyone out there shooting this round? If so, what can you tell me?