Gamerancher wrote:I use reduced loads in my lever-guns ( Winchester 1892 and 1894's ) when shooting Metallic Silhouette. I do this for a number of reasons, a few of which are:
1. Reducing loads down to original black-powder velocities in these rifles gives better accuracy. Consistency when shooting multiple shots off-hand is better with less recoil. Also when firing more than 100 shots per day reduced loads = less fatigue = better accuracy.
2. The rifles are more reliable and I don't get any failures. Even the modern versions of these rifles are mostly built to original specs and perform better at the lower pressures in my experience. Yes, I know that they are quite able to handle modern "high" pressure loads safely.
3. Reduced costs. I cast my own bullets for these out of salvaged lead from the range. It don't get much cheaper than that. Powder supplies last a lot longer when you use 10gr or less per shot.
I use reduced loads in .32-20, .44 mag, ,45 long colt, .30-30, .35 Winchester, .38-55 and .45-70.
Best load.
10gr of AP-70 behind a 250gr cast bullet in .38-55. This load is very accurate and takes down the 200m Ram targets every time. I have also hunted with this load and it is very effective on feral goats. It will go straight through a large billy, shoulder to shoulder, at anything less than 100m. Texas heart shots work very well with it also.
I really want to try AP-70 under lead through my 30/30 - I've been told you can achieve very good accuracy with this combo. I'm a little nervous about a double load is all...