Working with Dad's old Model 94, which he bought new around 1980 or so. It was a typical Model 94 .30-30 20" carbine. Later on he learned they were sold in Canada, in .44-40, and located an original Winchester barrel and parts. After he installed them it shoots and functions well. I've added a Lyman 66 Receiver sight and shot it with a few "cowboy" lead bullet loads.
I slugged the barrel yesterday and found the groove dia. is .4294" - so the traditional .427 or .428 bullets are not appropriate. Seems like a .44 mag pistol bullet would be a better choice. The WFN style hardcast may not feed, so that's leading me to a JHP. The Model 94 is stronger than a 1873, so I'm thinking good speed will be easily achievable with these bullets.
The goal is to kill hogs & deer with Dad's old rifle. So I'm looking (I think
) for a bullet/load that will feed well and make a good balance of expansion and penetration.
Suggestions/comments are appreciated!
