Winchester Model 1895

[ColdStart]

Hi all,

I inherited a Winchester Model 1895 in .405 Winchester and I have no idea what to do with it?

Its been in the family for years, so don't want to sell it as such, but ammo is crazy expensive for it.

Can I get it converted to something more useful and cheaper to run? or just leave it in the safe for the next gen.

[No1Mk3]

You can get it converted, at a fairly high cost, and by doing cut the value in half. Then there is "the next gen" who may decry the changing from the original classic calibre thatTeddy Roosevelt loved into something mundane. If you are unwilling to learn to reload for the 405 then I would suggest leaving it in the safe, but of course it is your rifle, for now, and if you want to change it go ahead, the future generation might possibly be able to change it back if you keep all the original parts.

[bigrich]

Hi all,

I inherited a Winchester Model 1895 in .405 Winchester and I have no idea what to do with it?

Its been in the family for years, so don't want to sell it as such, but ammo is crazy expensive for it.

Can I get it converted to something more useful and cheaper to run? or just leave it in the safe for the next gen.

learn how to reload with lead . cheap to shoot and still usable in the paddock to a degree . just a thought ....

[wrenchman]

please don't change it order some brass and load for it.
its a great caliber it was the flattest shooting strait wall caliber to the 444 came out if you can find some one to hand load it you can do a lot.

[ColdStart]

The problem is even getting brass for it is about $120 for a box of 20, Ammo is about $180 per 20. I just don't have that much use for it to warrant the costs, so may just have to stay in the safe.

Its make a 45/70 ammo seem reasonably priced.

[womble]

I think I’m relieved now. Got a bit dicey there for a minute. But it’s your gun.
I think you’ve made the right decision.

[bigrich]

The problem is even getting brass for it is about $120 for a box of 20, Ammo is about $180 per 20. I just don't have that much use for it to warrant the costs, so may just have to stay in the safe.

Its make a 45/70 ammo seem reasonably priced.

ultimately , it's your inheritance to do with as you please . 20 pieces of brass will last you a loooog time with mild lead loads . talk to some who reload lead in straight walled cases , you could exceed 20 reloading's or more i think . alternatively , sell it as in original condition it'd be worth some coin, and buy what you really want . cheers

[No1Mk3]

Reloading is the only answer to savings for the 405, if you bought ammo your 1st lot of 20 would be $9 each, if you bought cases and reloaded your 1st 20 would be $6.62 each estimating 50c per bullet, subsequent reloads would be $1.12c each again estimating 50c per bullet. Bullet estimates are for hard lead, coated. Hornady Jacketed Soft Point would be around $1 each, I don't know what Woodleigh 0.411" x 400g RN sell for these days but I would estimate $75 / 50 so $1.50 each raising your subsequent reload costs to $2.50 each, quite reasonable for such a classic cartridge.