Win 94 hot loads

jjmorgan64 · May 24, 2002, 08:04 PM

How hot of loads will a Win 94 in 45 Colt, I don't say long but that would make an excelent thread, take?

Will they take the Ruger only loads with no problem?

I assume they will but wanted to ask, the whole better safe than exploded thing you know.

Byron Adams · May 24, 2002, 10:11 PM

I loaded mine using Ruger loads and was pleased with it. the Hornady manual 4th Edition gave good data with the 250 grain XTP.

Johnny Guest · May 25, 2002, 09:07 AM

Please note: This is a single source only. I trust the information below.

Speer Reloading Manual Number 12 shows---
SAAMI standard maximum loads for .45 Colt at 14,000 copper units of pressure (cup.)
Their "Ruger and Contender ONLY" .45 Colt loads run up to 25,000 cup.

Same source, .44 Mag loads, max allowable pressure 36,000 pounds per square inch (psi), NOT cup. Sorry, I don't have the psi/cup conversion at hand.

And, their load data for .30-30 Winchester do not exceed 38,000 cup, tested in a Winchester Model 94.

All the .45 Colt cal. Win 94s are of recent production, so you're not dealing with old fashioned metallurgy. I can't picture USRA/Winchester producing a WEAKER action for .45 Colt than for their .44 Mag and .30-30 arms. Knowing the above, I would feel comfortable using any load I'd shoot in a Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero in a factory chambered Win 94.

You're right, jj- - - It only costs a little time to ask--Better safe than sorry.

Hope this helps your peace of mind.

Best,
Johnny Guest

Rick R · May 25, 2002, 09:36 AM

I have a Winchester 94 and a Ruger Vaquero in .45. The Ruger loads bulged in the web area when fired through the Winchester. Apparently the Winchesters have a reputation for oversized chambers. I didn't have any problems with merely warm Colt loads, it was the 300gr JSP at 1200 fps that were iffy.

My buddies Rossi Puma m-92 clone does much better and is a bit more classy to boot.

YMMV

Rick

May 24, 2002, 08:04 PM	#1
jjmorgan64 Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Posts: 519	Win 94 hot loads How hot of loads will a Win 94 in 45 Colt, I don't say long but that would make an excelent thread, take? Will they take the Ruger only loads with no problem? I assume they will but wanted to ask, the whole better safe than exploded thing you know. __________________ The Forty-Four spoke and it sent lead and smoke And seventeen inches of flame. -Marty Robbins JM

May 25, 2002, 09:07 AM	#3
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	I feel you'd be okay, all other factors being equal - - - Please note: This is a single source only. I trust the information below. Speer Reloading Manual Number 12 shows--- SAAMI standard maximum loads for .45 Colt at 14,000 copper units of pressure (cup.) Their "Ruger and Contender ONLY" .45 Colt loads run up to 25,000 cup. Same source, .44 Mag loads, max allowable pressure 36,000 pounds per square inch (psi), NOT cup. Sorry, I don't have the psi/cup conversion at hand. And, their load data for .30-30 Winchester do not exceed 38,000 cup, tested in a Winchester Model 94. All the .45 Colt cal. Win 94s are of recent production, so you're not dealing with old fashioned metallurgy. I can't picture USRA/Winchester producing a WEAKER action for .45 Colt than for their .44 Mag and .30-30 arms. Knowing the above, I would feel comfortable using any load I'd shoot in a Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero in a factory chambered Win 94. You're right, jj- - - It only costs a little time to ask--Better safe than sorry. Hope this helps your peace of mind. Best, Johnny Guest

May 24, 2002, 10:11 PM	#2
Byron Adams Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2001 Location: Ellijay, GA Posts: 176	I loaded mine using Ruger loads and was pleased with it. the Hornady manual 4th Edition gave good data with the 250 grain XTP.

May 25, 2002, 09:36 AM	#4
Rick R Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2002 Location: On top of a mountain in WV Posts: 102	I have a Winchester 94 and a Ruger Vaquero in .45. The Ruger loads bulged in the web area when fired through the Winchester. Apparently the Winchesters have a reputation for oversized chambers. I didn't have any problems with merely warm Colt loads, it was the 300gr JSP at 1200 fps that were iffy. My buddies Rossi Puma m-92 clone does much better and is a bit more classy to boot. YMMV Rick