1893 Winchester Question

[Delmonico]

A good friend and customer who is not on-line was in the store last night to pick my brain.  He is buying a 1893 Winchester that was refinished years ago, ruining it's collectors value.  He is wanting to use it for NCOWS where it is legal.  The question is, he has also found some English 2 1/2 inch shells that are Nitro, but are listed at 3 Ton PSI, I'm guessing this is "Long Ton" which would be 7500 PSi.  The question is if this is OK for the 1893?  He wants to start reloading and maybe swithing over to BP in the future, but for now any one have any knowledgable ideas on this.  My thought are yes, maybe, but with a slight doubt.

[Wild Ben Raymond]

Del, I would suggest that being the gun is allready been refinished to have the barrel rechambered for 2 3/4 shells. I had to do this on my original 87' shotguns, all it takes is a re-chambering reamer from Brownell's & cutting oil & knowing how to remove the barrel. As far a ammo is concerned black powder or sub would be the best choice but if you are going to shoot smokeless the only factory load I would use would be the Winchester Low Noise Low Recoil or some folks call them feather-lites as this is what I use in my 87's. You can also dupiclate these loads if you reload yourself. Just my .02¢ worth, WBR
P.S. As always make sure the gun is safe to shoot, so have it checked over.

[Delmonico]

Good advice that will be done as to the checking.  Curious, do you know the psi for those Feather-Lites?  I know of some 1 1/8 and 1 oz loads using PB and 7625 that will get down to 5000 or below.

[Wild Ben Raymond]

Del, I don't have the pressure data but I know its low, and most likely the lowest factory smokeless ammo out there. I believe the velocity is around 900+ fps depending on barrel length. I have been shooting my 87's for 7 yrs. now and have had no ill effects from these rounds. I'm sure if someone with that knowledge reads this you will get a responce. Good Luck, WBR
P.S. If you want to contact someone about the 93' Win. Get ahold of Coyote Cap, He probably knows as much as anybody out there.  http://www.coyotecap.com/

[Delmonico]

Thanks, I'll have him look this over when he comes in next time.