Redcoat: Nice summation of the rifle and cartridge. It's a useful combination and I wish Winchester had done more development with other calibers based on the case. The wildcatters did of course, but there are hardly enough rifles out there to satisfy the demand and people are getting reluctant to modify the originals. Perhaps the rifle would have lasted longer (on the market) if they had made it in 375 or 40 calibers.
Cast bullets are very useful in this rifle for practice and hunting and the slightly reduced loads used will extend case life considerably.
My first Model 71 was a mint deluxe grade with bolt sight, serial #224. That was very early production. Unfortunately we parted company long ago when cash was short. I hope to buy it back one day from the collector who purchased it from me. He hasn't shot it since he got it in 1972. I consider that a colossal waste of good equipment.
Enjoy the rifle.
