Getting 1873 Too Hot?

KrazyK · September 25, 2022, 05:34:17 PM

Went to the range this morning and shot about 200 rounds with the Winchester 1873 carbine with round barrel. I was taking rests every 20 rounds, but the barrel was incredible hot and at one point it got so hot that even the forearm stock had quite a bit of heat on it. The barrel bands were burning hot as well and all of this worried me about maybe ruining the walnut furniture, or damaging it. So to my question, is it possible to get this carbine so hot that it will ruin the gun, or cause charge issues? I know I baby my long range rifles as far as heat goes, but wasn't sure about these? Obviously I don't get it red hot, but it's enough to roast my hand if the barrel is grabbed. But if I am going to practice, I need to shoot a lot. Curious what others have experienced with this.

Pettifogger · October 10, 2022, 08:48:18 PM

What caliber and what load are you shooting?

Dave T · October 10, 2022, 09:02:03 PM

I must admit I've never fired 200 rounds in one setting, but I have experienced rapid barrel heating to the point of "too hot to touch". This is with black powder cartridges in my own 73 rifle and carbine. After a couple magazines (20 rounds for the carbine) I take a break, lay the gun down with the action open and let it cool down. Last time I was out I limited myself to five shot strings on one of my gongs, then I would blow down the barrel to soften the fouling and let the gun cool.

For what it's worth I've experienced the same 'over heating' with my single action revolvers, again shooting black powder cartridges. The revolver can get so hot it's difficult to hold and still empty the fired brass and reload the cylinder.

In my case this is exacerbated by living in the desert. It's been in the 90s or 100s every time I get out and that doesn't help the guns heating up one bit.

Dave

KrazyK · October 12, 2022, 08:13:13 AM

Quote from: Pettifogger on October 10, 2022, 08:48:18 PM
What caliber and what load are you shooting?

38 special

Tronicst1 · October 12, 2022, 08:32:30 PM

- Are you shooting reloads or factory bullets ?
- If reloads, what powder and charge weight are you using ?
- If reloads, what kind of 38 bullet are you using ?
- If factory bullets, what kind are they ?

KrazyK · October 13, 2022, 12:37:42 AM

Quote from: Tronicst1 on October 12, 2022, 08:32:30 PM
- Are you shooting reloads or factory bullets ?
- If reloads, what powder and charge weight are you using ?
- If reloads, what kind of 38 bullet are you using ?
- If factory bullets, what kind are they ?

I'm shooting my own reloads. 158gr cast and charged with 3.3gr of HP-38. Last weekend it got to the point where the action felt a bit gummed up inside. Then went away. Not sure if it was from the heat, or if I just had too much grease in the internals. Disassembled when I got home and cleaned it out really good and only applied a small amount of grease and lube.

Tronicst1 · October 13, 2022, 02:49:17 PM

Interesting, I am using a HDY XTP 158 gr bullet over 6.9 gr of CFE Pistol as a .357 Magnum load and do not get the heat you are talking about with my Miroku 1873 Winchester.

KrazyK · October 15, 2022, 08:14:43 AM

Quote from: Tronicst1 on October 13, 2022, 02:49:17 PM
Interesting, I am using a HDY XTP 158 gr bullet over 6.9 gr of CFE Pistol as a .357 Magnum load and do not get the heat you are talking about with my Miroku 1873 Winchester.

That is interesting for sure. And seeing that you're using 6.9 gr of charge, I guess I could load my 38's a bit hotter than what I am at. I get nervous about damaging the toggle system in these guns.

Tronicst1 · October 15, 2022, 07:21:14 PM

Quote from: KrazyK on October 15, 2022, 08:14:43 AM
That is interesting for sure. And seeing that you're using 6.9 gr of charge, I guess I could load my 38's a bit hotter than what I am at. I get nervous about damaging the toggle system in these guns.

I believe that 3.7 GR of HP-38 is the max for 38 Spl, My load is 6.9 GR of CFE Pistol fpr a HDY XTP, max for .357 Magnum