Author Topic: Winchester BigBore (Read 1146 times)

HammerMan/LongbowMan · « **on:** January 30, 2003, 01:54:49 PM »

Hello shooters.
I just registered but I have been reading posts on this forum for awhile. I have a question that seems to be greatly argued.
The winchester BigBore model 94 was designed so that is could handle a more powerful cartridge and they did this by beefing up the frame. The 375, 356, and 307 win. all have pressure ratings of 52,000 CUP in the loading manuals. Surely they wouldn't have this pressure if the gun they were designed for couldn't handle it and the gun these cartridges were designed for were the winchester BigBore 94. So my question is can these guns handle this pressure? I've heard many people say that they should only be loaded to 40,000 CUP like the 30-30, or 44,000 CUP like the 444 Marlin. It would seem strange to me that winchester would go and change the frame and still load at the low CUP pressure. Hodgdon has the 356 and 358 win cartridges loaded with the same amount of powder in each cartridge for the same bullet weight. I have heard people say the BigBore can handle the 52,000 and others say it can't. I guess what I am getting at is can the gun substain the pressure over the life of the gun. I'm not saying that every load has to be to max pressure, but surely the cartridge wouldn't have those pressure ratings if the gun couldn't substain it.
I would like to see what other people think of this and thanks for the posting and a forum to post on.
By the way, I am considering getting a 356 win BigBore 94 and that is why I have the interest.

Thanks, Hammerman :lol:

DennisB · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2003, 03:42:57 PM »

Well, I can't really get into the hi-tech argument about psi's and c.u.p details, but I will say that the '94 .356 that I used to have (like, up 'till last fall) was a nice piece of weaponry. Had a 2X7 Redfield on it, and used handloaded Rem. 200 gr FPs. Don't recall the specific loadings, but it would rap your shoulder pretty well at the bench. Shot one whitetail that crumpled immediately. Only reason I don't still have it is I fell in lust with a Bisley in a moment of weakness.....

Mikey · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2003, 04:15:35 AM »

Hay Hammerman: That's my favorite lever action, the winchester Big Bore. Mine is in 444 and I shoot the stuffing outta it evey chance I get.

You are correct about the design strength of the Big Bore - it was made to handle those higher pressure cartridges and will hold up to consistent use in those calibers. That's what it was designed for. I load my 444s right up to snuff, but within safe pressure limits. If you don't reload, your rifle will handle any factory production round, which must remian within SAAMI pressure limits for that cartridge. If you reload, just stay within those safty limits and you will do fine, and possibly even better than with factory loads.

I've heard some stories about the Winnes coming apart but have not heard why. You can abuse any rifle, lever or not, and have it come apart on you if you are careless, but the Winnies were made to handle those cartridges, regardless of what some of the 'old salts' say.

As for me, CDNN has the Big Bore in 444 with a 20" barrel and full length magazine tube for $299. I'm calling my dealer to get another one. This be Mikey and I hope this helps.

Reb · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2003, 05:05:30 PM »

Yep,

Those Big Bores can handle the higher pressures. Too bad Winchester never bothered to load the ammunition they produced to the pressures the gun was designed to handle. I think that is one of the prime reasons that the 356 didn't make it. When handloading that problem can be solved.

As for longevity, my 356 has held up fine but I haven't fired it a great deal yet, only a few hundred rounds. A gent named Paco Kelly on sixgunner.com has used his 356 a great deal over ten years or so and he loads his stuff "HOT"! He reports that his rifle is just fine after a large number of his very hot loads.

Go get that 356 and enjoy it!

Reb

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2003, 11:41:38 PM »

Im sure your gun will handle 50000psi loads for ever but I dont load my big bores up that hot anymore. I havent seen any need to. If I back my loads off to starting loads with the big guns and cast bullets I dont see any difference in killing power on game and with alot of bullets (i use only cast) I find that bullet performance (penetration) is actually better with a little less velocity.

Dutch4122 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2003, 01:55:16 AM »

Never been a better time to get your hands on a .356 Winchester Lever Action. Brass and factory loads are easy to find and load data is plentiful. There are also still a lot of nice examples out there including a fair number that are still new in the box. Expect to pay a fair piece for one in excellant to like new condition, but they are worth every penny. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of the 2,000 or so that Marlin made you are even better off.

Great gun, great caliber. My M-94 BB will NEVER be for sale! :wink: