Author Topic: mod 53 browning (Read 995 times)

hillbill · « **on:** June 19, 2003, 04:05:17 PM »

hey guys i have a mod 53 browning in 32-20. anybody know the value of these guns? metal is minty but the stock has a couple scratches on it that penetrate the clear coat. it patterns lead bullets like a shotgun but shoots excellent groups with hornady jacketed bullets. any history or info on the mod 53 would be appreciated. it is a replica of the curved lever winchester of the same mod no. i assume. always wanted a curved lever win. but they are a tad high nowadays. any ideas why it wont shoot cast bullets well? havent checked the twist in it. graybeard rocks!!!

jhm · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2003, 04:55:52 PM »

Hillbill : Your mod. 53 is like you said patterned after the win. mod. 53 book says round nose or hollow point only might be a reason for the pattern instead of a group might try them to see if any change in accuracy now to the value in 100% $525 / 98% $425 / 95% $395 enjoy your new rifle.

JIM

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2003, 04:14:59 AM »

Your lead bullets are probably just sized wrong for the barrel. If it will shoot the jacketed bullets it should be able to be made to shoot the lead also.

GB

Sky C. · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2003, 01:49:30 PM »

Hillbill-

I also have the Browning 53. Bore for mine slugs .3110 - .3113". I've just started load development but found this rifle to be very finicky with regard to powder selection so far. Tried each of the following powders...

AA 9
W 296
SR 4759
AA 1680
Blue Dot
2400
IMR 700X
SR 7625

Conclusion - Patterns with all but 2400 & a bit further behind but still showing promise - AA 1680.

Details
Bullet: Mountain Molds 30115FC cast WW + 2% Sn air cooled, BHN =14.5. This is a GC bullet, weight = 106 grs. without GC or lube, sized .312 & lubed with a soft lube.
Primer: WSR
Powder: 2400, 9.9 grs. - 1664fps SD 20
Accuracy: Original open sights off sandbag rest, 50 yds. 1 1/8"

I will experiment with harder bullets, size diameter, and perhaps milder primers to see if more can be had but I think I'm approaching the limit of my ability for open sights accuracy. (Still hoping to get a load to shoot under an inch consistantly.) Other bullets may be an option but buying moulds to "experiment" can get expensive.

The next closest powder - AA 1680 running in the same velocity zone was running around 1 1/4" - everything else was 2" to >>2".

I wouldn't give up on the CB's - but it may take a bit of experimenting to find what the rifle likes.

Best regards-

Sky C.

hillbill · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2003, 03:39:16 PM »

hey sky! havent messed with my 53 for awhile. when i found it wouldnt shoot factory loads well i went to hornady jaketed bullets and reloads. all the diff weights shot well excellent but sometimes to diff poa as far as vertical went. i used imr 4227 powder, could look up the specs if you need. my loads were fairly hot and not probably usable in older guns or pistols. they showed tremedous expansion on small game and varmits. am not really into the cast bullet thing and have not slugged my barrel for dia. was pretty happy when i found out those hornadys shot so well and just stuck to them, they arent all that high as far as bullets go really no more than i shoot it. are you useing it for some type of cowboy action shooting? would be interested if you find a economical cast load though. my rifles has a fairly short chamber and is fussy about overall lenght of cartridge even with new brass, is yours this way too? you have a fine rifle and a fairly rare one from what ive seen, enjoy!

Sky C. · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2003, 04:21:31 PM »

Hi There Hillbill-

As for Cowboy shooting - haven't ever tried it. Just got a thing for some of the older design 'classic' type rifles.

I must admit - I am more than a bit partial to shooting cast in my guns - pretty much all of them but expecially the big bores and those like this 53 that I'm inclined to pick up for sheer plinking enjoyment. More fun than most .22's and what the heck - I enjoy casting and reloading so I can stretch my enjoyment out even more!

Sounds like you're doing well with those Hornady based loads your running. I've picked up a few boxes but if my cast loads work out as planned - I doubt I'll end up running them down the tube. The idea of a rifle lasting 'lifetimes' even with lots of shooting is of great appeal to me. Hopefully I'll be passing these down to kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids someday.

All the best to you-

Sky C.