Does anyone use 240 gr semi wadcutters cast from lee dies in their 1894 44 mag? This is the bullet with the gas check. Some say that they won’t feed. Is there a way to help them feed properly? And what overall length are you using?
If you have access to a few, try loading them up as dummies and see for yourself. Consider that different rifles can have preferences for what bullets they like. You could also try seating the bullets a bit deeper into the cases, to make them shorter, and to decrease the OAL. Another suggestion is to polish the top of the chamber, where the bullet tip first contacts the chamber.
Most M/94 44 will not feed SWC.
Neither of mine would, till I installed a RPP extractor. Now they feed like butter......
I use a RNFP 240gn lead bullet in SASS competion.
LG
I have a 6-cavity version of that mold and it feeds fine through my guns. I don't recall overall length but trim to the recommended OAL and seat in the crimp groove. FWIW I have owned a dozen or so 1894s and all fed SWCs fine except for one, and a RPP extractor solved that problem.
It appears that the bullet is catching on the top of the chamber as it’s going in. I believe where the Nose of the bullet juts out to right in front of the crimp groove is what’s catching.
Does anyone make a modified lifter that would put the bullet into the chamber at a different angle?
Might be your lever too.
Do you have another M/94 to try a different lever?
If you remove the extractor-Is there any difference in feeding?
Same for the ejector.......
LG
Unfortunately I have no other 1894’s to mess with.
When I get a chance I’ll try messing with it. But I fear semi wadcutter bullets just might not work with my rifle.
My favorite non-SWC mold is the Lyman 2650640 Devastator which is accurate in everything I have ever shot it in. I like it so much I bought a MP copy that was a group by on cast boolits. A close second is the Ranch Dog TLC432-265-RF.
Ive tried it with no ejector, no extractor and with no ejector or extractor. Still not working. I don’t happen to have any 44 special brass but I will try that as a last resort when I get some. Otherwise I will be looking for a different mold.
TNX SIRJ, for the info.
It does sound like a timing issue for sure now.
Can you post a picture of the 'jam'?
Have you tried a Round Nose Flat Point(RNFP)bullet?
LG
The round hangs up on the top of the chamber at the bullets shoulder. Even shaving some lead off if I work the lever with a little force. I’ve not tried any other types of lead bullets because I don’t have any. But it feed Hornady xtp bullets fine. It appears I have 2 options. Either use jacketed bullets or different style lead.
That is catching on the bullet shoulder. Not the nose.
I would polish the contact area of the chamber, and put a small radius on the back of the chamber.
Good pics.
LG
That’s what I was trying to convey in post 18. I don’t feel comfortable doing that work and it’s not worth it to me to take it to a gunsmith and pay to have it done. I’m usually more of a fan of doing modifications that are reversible. If I thought it was a carrier issue I’d buy one and tinker with it and leave the original alone.
Very easy to polish with a 50cal mop.
Use a section of cleaning rod in a drill motor, and some toothpaste.
Nut'n to be afraid of.....
Wish you were close buy. I'd do it for you in about 15 minutes.
LG
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