05 February 2003, 14:46
ElaltoWinchester low wall question...
Hi All,
I posted this on the single shot rifle board but thought I might get a better response here.
This is my second post, I have been looking in for quite a while and really like what I see and I have learned quite a bit, so far.
I have a question on my Winchester low wall, regarding its strength or capascity as far as chamber pressure. Can anyone tell me what the highest pressure these actions can safely handle? Assuming an action in excellent condition of course.
I will be asking a lot of questions and hope I can answer a few as well, as I love single shot rifles and actions.
Thanks,
Marcos
Elalto
05 February 2003, 17:04
<Hondo64d>Well, my Browning Low Wall is chambered for .260 Rem. That's about as high a pressure as any factory cartridge out there. But, I don't know if the design and strength are the same in the old Winchester Low Walls.
John
06 February 2003, 17:39
Atkinsonthe old Win. Low walls are for such rounds as the 25-20, 32-20 etc. and are not desirable for high pressure rounds...The Brownings are much stronger but I understand they have had some problem with pressures in certain calibers.....
07 February 2003, 04:32
<JBelk>Elato--
It's not as much a matter of what it will hold as it is to what extent the breech block is supported by the receiver.
THe Low Wall was designed for low pressure cartridges and the receiver walls were cut away to save weight. About 37,000 PSI is the Winchester limit. The Brownings are alloy steel and will hold more, but not well.
For some as yet unknown reason Browning decided to chamber high pressure cartridges in this action. It's a rediculous use of an action limited by design.
Without full support the breech block cannot remain square and solid in the receiver. That means inaccuracy and short life. I feel that offering is impractical and *could* become unsafe if a diet of hot loads are used. It's an accident waiting to happen.
[ 02-06-2003, 19:35: Message edited by: JBelk ]