95 winchester loading

11 September 2022, 19:38

jimmy j

I have a new-to-me model 95 in .405 built in 1896. The gun has British proof marks and was proofed for cordite loads. I assume that it was used with cordite loads, based on the slight pitting in the barrel. Rough, but not unshootable.
Any thoughts on using modern loads in this gun? Factory, or reloads, can it withstand pressures from today's loads?
Lastly, does anyone have a recommended load they would suggest for this old warrior?
I do have a current remake of the same gun that I load for. Just want to make sure I wont destroy an old collector.

11 September 2022, 19:45

dpcd

It was made the same as any other 95 405; it wasn't made in England; it just got there and they proofed it again; has nothing to do with it's strength; it is the same as any other and can use any loads recommended for any 405. Hornady book is what I use in mine.

15 November 2022, 22:35

Atkinson

I loaded the latest m-95 30-06 out of the book or use my bolt action loads in them, such as 58 grs of old WW2 4831 or Reloader 22 and H414(ww760)

void early flat side receivers..

16 November 2022, 01:24

crshelton

Sounds like you will have all the loads you need for 300 grain bullets, but if you also want to shoot 400 grain Woodie, let me know and I can tell you what worked fir me. I get 2100 fps with 400 grain Woodies with my 1895.

14 April 2023, 03:58

Ross SDS

quote:
Originally posted by jimmy j:
I have a new-to-me model 95 in .405 built in 1896. The gun has British proof marks and was proofed for cordite loads. I assume that it was used with cordite loads, based on the slight pitting in the barrel. Rough, but not unshootable.
Any thoughts on using modern loads in this gun? Factory, or reloads, can it withstand pressures from today's loads?
Lastly, does anyone have a recommended load they would suggest for this old warrior?
I do have a current remake of the same gun that I load for. Just want to make sure I wont destroy an old collector.

Has your rifle been rebarreled? I ask that because Winchester brought the .405 out in 1904 and you mention your rifle was made in 1896. Are the side of the receiver of your rifle flat or are thy scalloped?

18 September 2023, 18:57

450 Fuller

Your rifle is probably a "flatside" 1895.
I would proceed carefully. It is probably chambered for 40-82 WCF or 38-82.
If so, some were loaded in coarse early smokeless, others with black powder.
My 1912 1895 in 405 WCF handled 3031 powder well
with 300 gr SP bullets. Hawk makes a 325-330 gr bullet which-IMHO-is ideal.
My 95 was a takedown with island sights and-
a climbing Lyman 38. Worked well for elk.

18 September 2023, 22:09

dpcd

I just assumed he got the date wrong; the 405 was not introduced until 1904. But he said it was a 405.
If it is really a 40-82; huge difference in the rifle strength.

19 September 2023, 10:06

bpesteve

And just to be particular, the 1895 Winchester was never made at all in 40-82 (or the non-existent 38-82). The 40-82 was the second most popular cartridge in the 1886 Winchester, which was never chambered for the 405.

The 38-72 and the 40-72 were, along with the 30 U.S. (30-40 Krag), the three introductory cartridges in the 1895 Winchester. Many others followed through the years.

19 September 2023, 19:37

dpcd

Oops; I meant 72. I knew you would catch that if anyone would!

21 September 2023, 20:37

450 Fuller

Correct again. My glasses were off ...Steve is correct on the flatside calibers. The 30 U.S. was also stamped .30 Army.
With the 1895s and smokeless 86s owned, should check my work.
Still handload for the 33s I have, but have'nt
tried paper patching them yet. Probably will not.