New Toy

[DrMike]

This is a bit of a sneak peek, just for the members of this board. I picked up a new toy. I'm doing load development on it at the moment. I had a few glitches the first time out. Nevertheless, I'm headed back out this afternoon. I'm working up loads for this rifle for a friend who will eventually own it. I like the way it handles so much that I'm bargaining at the moment for another rifle like it.

It's a Model 94 chambered in .307 Winchester. Man, the New Haven factory screwed up on this one. The fore end is created from a very handsome piece of wood. I can't imagine how they let this one slip out without extra pricing on it. I had to put high rings on it with this scope, which was the only one I had at the moment free for the rifle. While I would have preferred the medium rings I originally used, I'll somehow manage. I'll see about posting some pictures later of what she does. My first set of loads are built around the 170 grain Deep Curl. I finally got a box of 170 grain Partitions yesterday, so I haven't had an opportunity to load them up just yet.

 

[widgeon]

It sure is a looker, DrMike. As you said, that fore end is something else.

 

[SJB358]

WOW! That is a very nice rifle Mike! Very nice. That looks like a first rate hunting rifle if I've ever seen one. Very sharp. Can't wait to see how it shoots!

 

[DrMike]

I'm on my way out the door shortly with a load of rifles to shoot. I was at the range on Wednesday, and I may be there again tomorrow. We'll see what I can get done. Scotty, I believe it will be an excellent rifle to carry. In thick woods, I would put on a Williams peep sight (I happen to have one) and be perfectly content. I'll see how the Deep Curls perform, and I do have the Partitions. I have some more Partitions on the way. As I said, I'm negotiating for another at the moment.

 

[EOD Diver]

Doc,
Have fun! It's a beautiful calm day down S. in NM, so hope it's nice up there too. Hope you get that bad boy shooting well. It's a pretty gun and you know I'm partial to anything Winchester.
Joe

 

[6mm Remington]

Very nice looking rifle Mike.
David

 

[JD338]

Mike,

Man, that is nice!

JD338

 

[SJB358]

The peep sights do work really well Mike, out to at least a 100 yards or better. That would be a slick handling rifle, mimicking the old 300 Savage for the most part! I love it. Can't wait to see what it does!

 

[CatskillCrawler]

That is a slick looking '94 in a very sensible cartridge. Don't see too many of those around. Not sure why they didn't become more popular but they certainly have a following.

 

[joelkdouglas]

Nice stick there Dr Mike! And very courteous of you to do the load work for your friend.

 

[DrMike]

I did promise I'd give a report on what's happening with this rifle when I got back. It was an exhausting day. I had two rifles that just would not perform for me today. In part, it is because of choices by the owners. However, I put glass back on my 350 Rem Mag, and it shoots as good as ever, which made me very happy. Earlier this week, I shot the 35 Whelen with 200 grain TSX and with 225 grain PT, each of which gave me excellent groups and great velocities. However, my new toy accompanied me today. With RL15, the groups were so-so. They were an honest inch and a half and decent velocities. I'll play with them. However, when I tried IMR4895, I got some very fine grouping. Velocities are a touch low, but I have room to expand. Here is what the groups look like.

I shot my .280 as well. I had a load made up with 140 grain A-Frames. Top velocity is 2915 and the groups are very promising.

It gives me something to work with. Yeah, I think I could learn to like the .307. I believe a friend will enjoy what it does.

 

[widgeon]

Looking good DrMike.

I may have missed it, but what bullet are you using in the .307?

 

[300WSM]

that is awesome. Lever guns are 8)

One thing though....
it was a chuckle seeing the scope on that.

But then again it basically mirrors seeing a tasco silver antler on a Weatherby Lazermark. Sadly I've seen that.

 

[SJB358]

I did promise I'd give a report on what's happening with this rifle when I got back. It was an exhausting day. I had two rifles that just would not perform for me today. In part, it is because of choices by the owners. However, I put glass back on my 350 Rem Mag, and it shoots as good as ever, which made me very happy. Earlier this week, I shot the 35 Whelen with 200 grain TSX and with 225 grain PT, each of which gave me excellent groups and great velocities. However, my new toy accompanied me today. With RL15, the groups were so-so. They were an honest inch and a half and decent velocities. I'll play with them. However, when I tried IMR4895, I got some very fine grouping. Velocities are a touch low, but I have room to expand. Here is what the groups look like.

I shot my .280 as well. I had a load made up with 140 grain A-Frames. Top velocity is 2915 and the groups are very promising.

It gives me something to work with. Yeah, I think I could learn to like the .307. I believe a friend will enjoy what it does.

Well it seems to shoot just fine!! Man it is excellent for a lever rifle!!

Glad you got you 350 and 35 closer to Bear Prepared. Have you done anything with 250's in your Whelen Mike?

280 is looking good Mike. Is that RL25 you used with the 140's?

 

[nvbroncrider]

I did promise I'd give a report on what's happening with this rifle when I got back. It was an exhausting day. I had two rifles that just would not perform for me today. In part, it is because of choices by the owners. However, I put glass back on my 350 Rem Mag, and it shoots as good as ever, which made me very happy. Earlier this week, I shot the 35 Whelen with 200 grain TSX and with 225 grain PT, each of which gave me excellent groups and great velocities. However, my new toy accompanied me today. With RL15, the groups were so-so. They were an honest inch and a half and decent velocities. I'll play with them. However, when I tried IMR4895, I got some very fine grouping. Velocities are a touch low, but I have room to expand. Here is what the groups look like.

I shot my .280 as well. I had a load made up with 140 grain A-Frames. Top velocity is 2915 and the groups are very promising.

It gives me something to work with. Yeah, I think I could learn to like the .307. I believe a friend will enjoy what it does.

Well it seems to shoot just fine!! Man it is excellent for a lever rifle!!

Glad you got you 350 and 35 closer to Bear Prepared. Have you done anything with 250's in your Whelen Mike?

280 is looking good Mike. Is that RL25 you used with the 140's?

Might try 52.5 of 4350 it will gain you some more velocity and you can push her more if you want too, but for me and the BT accuracy can't be much better.

 

[DrMike]

Scotty,

That is RL25 in the .280. The 140 grain A-Frame at 2915 would create a fearsome impact on elk, moose and/or black bear. I've used A-Frames in my 7mm RM some years back, and they performed well. Those were 175 grain bullets, however. This was the first trip with the Model 94. It shoots quite well; I have no particular complaints. I'll make up some loads with the 170 grain Partition, however, and see what they do.

nvbroncrider,

I've had excellent performance out of this rifle. I have a number of excellent groups with the A-Frames and a variety of powders. Also, I've had good success with the 139 grain GMX and with the 140 grain E-Tip. I can get 3000 fps and 0.4 inch groups with the E-Tip, so I'm leaning that direction as a deer/elk/moose load for this rifle. I believe that will work pretty good for me.

 

[SJB358]

Scotty,

That is RL25 in the .280. The 140 grain A-Frame at 2915 would create a fearsome impact on elk, moose and/or black bear. I've used A-Frames in my 7mm RM some years back, and they performed well. Those were 175 grain bullets, however. This was the first trip with the Model 94. It shoots quite well; I have no particular complaints. I'll make up some loads with the 170 grain Partition, however, and see what they do.

nvbroncrider,

I've had excellent performance out of this rifle. I have a number of excellent groups with the A-Frames and a variety of powders. Also, I've had good success with the 139 grain GMX and with the 140 grain E-Tip. I can get 3000 fps and 0.4 inch groups with the E-Tip, so I'm leaning that direction as a deer/elk/moose load for this rifle. I believe that will work pretty good for me.

That's pretty interesting RL25 works so well in that case Mike. Never would have thought it?

Yeah, I think the little 94 307 will be a fun rifle to carry. Plus, I imagine it has some decent legs on it also. What kinda speeds we looking at with 170's Mike?

 

[DrMike]

RL25 works very well in this case. Velocity for IMR4895 was around 2300 fps. QuickLoad projects maximum velocity of ~2500 fps. I'll see what the 170 PT gives me as soon as I get a chance.

 

[nshunter]

I've always wanted one of those and had the opportunity to get one, but decided to pass. Now after seeing this one you just reminded me again! Thanks a lot! Just kidding! Real nice rifle though!

 

[DrMike]

nshunter,

I found this back in the Maritimes. There were several that I found, and most in good shape and at a fair price. I couldn't ask for much more.