40-82 WCF with sewer pipe bore results= 14 inch group at 50 yds. The loads were previously handloaded (maybe 20 yrs ago) and had cast bullets that were listed as 250 gr and I miked them at .405 diameter. I miked the muzzle of the bore at .390. I noted that each cartridge entered the chamber tight and that the recoil was almost non existent. I feel like the rifle didn't have a fair chance with these loads.

Thinking of trying a jacketed pistol bullet of 200 gr in .400 in front of a reduced load of Blue Dot or H110. Then, I want to try a 330 gr cast (.406 dia) in front of AA2520 or some 3031.

If neither of these loads give a better result, the 1886 goes on the wall.

if your further tests give the same results, could it be relined?