My 1895 shoots Hornady Leverevolution factory and any flat based 400 gr bullet handload well. For pleasant shooting, try a "factory equivalent" load (from my 1967 Lyman manual) of a 400 grain bullet and 38.5gr IMR3031. For modern lever gun loads, mine likes Reloader 7 and Ramshot Exterminator powders. Buffalo Bore is accurate, but after 3 or so shots, I flinch in practice shooting. If a bear was involved, I doubt I'd feel any recoil.
