348 Winchester loadtests

[kujuak]

I got out 2 Winchester 71s and 1nBrowning 71(carbine version for some load testing. Conclusion,OH happy day. My 71's have names to keep track of them. Today I was shooting Rancher 71 (well traveled rifle, restocked by me as buttstock was broken in horse wreck, hence got rifle cheap, and "chipped stock 71, a late productoion Standard 71 with a sling attachment poorly installed by previos owner, rifle itself as new., and my
Browning 71 carbine with Burris FastFire II sight.

Browning carbine with Barnes X 200gr bullet IMR 4350, 2400fps

Same load in "chipped"71 gave 2420fps and 1.5" 100yd 4 shot group with receiver sights.
"Rancher" 71 shoots it's favorite load , Hornady 200gr bullet, H4831sc at 2380fps, consistent 100yd 1.5-2"" 4 shot groups.
Over the years I have found all my 71s will on occasion print snake eyes with the first 2 shots with accurate loads. I suspect my bench rest technique for lever actions could use further refinement, as this pattern has occurred to often to be chance. Carbine printed this group with first 2 shots of the Barnes X load (3rd shot was 2" to the left)

 

[kujuak]

Further to 348 Winchester load tests. Barnes X 200gr bullet

"Rancher" 71

 

[salmonchaser]

A favorite of mine, though I don’t own one. I remember in the late 60s our local gun shop had a barrel at the end of the counter stuffed full of 71s. Every body was buying model 70s. Yours look to be well dialed in.

 

[JD338]

Your 71's are set to go.
Definitely a very cool rifle y cartridge.

JD338

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

I wish that Winchester would have offered the M71 in some additional calibers. As interesting and cool as the .348 is, I think they would have sold more rifles if there had been other options.

 

[SJB358]

A favorite of mine, though I don’t own one. I remember in the late 60s our local gun shop had a barrel at the end of the counter stuffed full of 71s. Every body was buying model 70s. Yours look to be well dialed in.

I am such a chicken, but I'd love to carry mine elk hunting. It does amazing with the 250 Barnes/Woodleigh bullets at 2300, that I feel like I could put one on a bull at 200 or maybe a touch more. One of these days I need to give it a walk on the mountain.. Maybe my son or brother can back me up....

They do work great on bucks as well though and I believe that it is Winchesters greatest lever gun. Nothing stouter than that old 1886 frame that I know of.