Here's an update:



I just got back from the range after shooting my reproduction 1895 Winchester in .405. You may remember that I extended the throat to accomidate Woodleigh solid 400 grain bullets and 350 grain X's. I got Roger Ferrell to put on a Lyman 21 reproduction peep. If you have a Model 1895, I strongly recommend the sight. I also had Roger put on a barrel band swivel and a recessed one in the butt.



I loaded the Woodleighs to 1950 fps and the Barnes X's to 2050. It took quite a while to figure out where the bullets were hitting because they impacted 8" below factory Hornady 300 grain loads, but when I got it right, boy did that sucker shoot. Amazingly, even with these loads and a steel butt plate, (admittedly compared to a .458 Lott ), recoil is quite mild.



I shot the best group I've ever accomplished with iron sights by putting three X's 2" high, on centerline and touching each other at 100 meters (say, maybe a very lucky 7/8"). Then the Woodleigh solids hit in a 2.5 inch cluster, again on centerline, and right on elevation.



As the rifle is now configured, I can get the magazine to feed properly with three Woodleighs down and an X in the chamber. I've been looking at relieving some of the metal in the front of the magazine and wonder if I could get 1/8" more magazine space... then I could bet 4 Woodleighs down and a Barnes up... or two X's down and then two Woodleighs... visions of sugar plums.



We'll see.



Roger smoothed out the trigger and it is as good as any hunting rifle I have.. something you wouldn't expect possible on a lever action... must be something different with the mainspring compared to a Model 94??? I'm taking it deer hunting tomorrow. Maybe I'll have a picture of a good buck to post... Wish me luck!



Do you think that this sucker is just about buffalo ready? I do!

As always we are impatiently awaiting the report. With as beautiful as that rifle is and now as accurate as you say I doubt it will be ending up for sale anytime soon.
Are you on your property or on the shooting club. It is great looking country.
Good luck,
Frank

If TR had had your loads, he wouldn't have had to resort to his Holland double to drop his rhino.

Best of luck.

Frank:

You know you are always welcome in this part of the world. I really enjoyed your visit and had forgotten that you had the opportunity to handle the rifle, albeit, before I had the receiver sight added.

It is only 5 1/2 hours before the Georgia deer season starts and the .405 will be in my hands!

Come see us again when you can hunt something!

HI,

JUDGEG, I know you have a 411 Hawk and I think you may have said it has some reliablity problems? I may be wrong, but I think the 411 would be alittle more of a hitter, not anything to write home about.I would however if I did a 1895 with a 411 Hawk make sure as hell to have it reliable as the number one requirement.Overall you maybe better with the 405 as I think brass would be easier to get a hold of, but I am sure you know more on this subject than I. And I would like to hear from you since you have been there,anyway 400 grains at 1950fps should be great for anything I could thing of and then some,Thank Kev

HI,

I almost forget to said a pic of your 405 would be great as I loved your 411 Hawk lever,Kev