I just purchased a Browning Model 1895 30/06 made in 1984 at a estate sale. The rifle is in mint condition. I fired it for the first time today with factory 220 gr. loads. The 220 gr. bullet seems perfect for this rifle with open sights. Just wanting to know if anyone else out there has had much experience reloading for the Browning/Winchester 1895 in the 06'? How much do you load up for a modern Browning/Winchester 1895?

My shooting partner has one and he found that you can't treat it like the bolt action. Even though the levergun is of modern manufacture, it's still a levergun. There is absolutely no way that the bolt will stay in place with an accidental overpressure load. Like you, he found that 200-220 gr. bullets are definitely made for this rifle. What really surprised him was that it would shoot cast boolits to 2"-2 1/2" at 100 yds. with iron sights. He hopes that a receiver sight will halve the groups all the way around. Have fun with that thing. That damn dude beat me to punch for the gun.

Thanks for the information. I sort of thought same way you mention the pressure issue, it's still a levergun. I'll make sure I stick with middle of road loads. You are right, I've had a couple 2-4 inch groups with open sights. Can't ask much better than that with standard open sights. I had a couple people tell me that the 1984 Browning Model 1895 is the best copy of the Model 1895 ever produced. I know I like it!

The real pressure king in levergun in my inventory is my Puma 92 SS in 454 Casull with 20 inch barrel. I had M&M Gunsmithing put HiViz sights/action job on mine while I sent it back for warranty work, (the loading gate started to pop out from the reciever ) which they did the work for free and it now functions perfect. It currently throws a 300 gr Hornady's XTP MAG's at 2050-2100 fps at a pretty good group, 50 yards 1-2 inches. This is my crappy weather levergun. Which means it's with me in SE Alaska most of the time I'm in the woods chasing fur.

If you can find the copy of Handloader or Rifle where Ross Seyfried wrote up older thirty cal's for longer ranges, it will open your eyes further. That dude was shooting 220 gr. stuff at long range with phenominal results.

I have one that is off at the gunsmith getting drilled and tapped for a Lyman reciever sight. I got a mold made by Mountains Molds throwing a 210 grain cast bullet for this rifle. Once I get the rifle back and can begin testing loads in earnest, I'll have more info.
Jim

Have a Browning '95 '06 I've played with a while. Nothing in my country really needs 220gr bullets so tried lighter ones. Never would really do anything with most factory loads(150,165,180gr), especially 150gr. Changed the sights to Marble's tang rear(windage is handy)and XO(was AO)white stripe front blade. Groups became more consistant. Far easier to hold elevation and windage. Liked 165's better. Chronographed some then found out the barrel is apparently somewhat tight. Gave about 100fps more than it should for listed loads. Backed off to 46gr 4064 with 168gr Hornady A-Max and now get 1 1/4" 100yd and 2 1/4" 200yd 3 shot bench groups that clock 2630-2650fps. LOL

Stay with the starting loads for the .30-06 and it will stay tight forever. Mine likes 180-grain and heavier bullets. It is currently being converted to a takedown, with a second 26-inch tapered octagon barrel in .375 Hawk.

Have fun, as they do shoot with the heavier bullets.

You have a very fine rifle. I have a Browning 95 in 30-40 and it is one of my favorites. I also have a 1898 vintage Winchester 95 in 30-40. The only difference I can find is the forend of the Browning is thicker and attaches differently than the Winchester. I installed an Ashley (Express Sight) rear and front sight on the Browning and that makes for a very fine set up.

It is the design of the action that limits the pressure of your loads. Loads over 45K pressure will result in reduced number of times the brass can be reloaded, due to thining of the case in front of the head which will in time result in a head seperation. It is the "spring" in the action that causes this. Factory 30-06 ammo is just fine, but for best brass life, loads no greater than 45K are the way to go.

IMHO the 95 Winchester is the best and finest rifle in the long line of John Browning designed rifles.