Just picked up a win 85 in great mechanical shape, in 38-55 win. 30" No 5 hex barrel. There is some slight pitting in the bore, but really not too bad. Ser # check shows it was made in 1889. The action is tight, and trigger crisp. No bad scarring across the flats of the barrel, really in good shape.
Can I use modern 38-55 ammo in this rifle safely? I have lots of modern stuff, but would love to sneak into the late season whitetail yards and take a freezer deer.
Thanks

Winchester's current factory loads duplicate the old blackpowder loads. It would be safe to use...

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Thanks bud...I didnt know they were duplicates. I have a couple of boxes of jacketed 255gr HP's. I love to shoot the old timers....just dont want to wear one. Hard to believe pressures are the same, but the rifle is solid...so, with caution will try a couple. Thanks again