Reloading for my 1892 Winchester

[mike1340]

I have an original 1892 Winchester in 38-40 MFG. 1909
From.the information that I have gathered, I should be able to load with smokeless powder.. Amy thoughts from the pros would be greatly appreciated

[Abilene]

I'm not a pro  but if the gun is in good condition than I think that yes smokeless should be fine.  I'd still keep the loads on the mild side.  A friend of mine bulged the chamber on an original 44-40 '92 with presumably a double charge, but it stayed in one piece.  He had the chamber sleeved so it is still shootable, although he has switched to a modern '73 for CAS.

My '92 is also from 1909 and I have shot some smokeless in it, but mostly BP.  But it is a 32-20 so there's even more steel around the chamber and bore.

[mike1340]

Thank you for your input, I do
 intend on loading on the mild side . The rifle is in very good shape and works as it should. I have never loaded BP so I am working on educating myself ,I don't want to get into a problem that otherwise can de avoided.

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[Cholla Hill Tirador]

I'm the proud owner of a 138 year old Model 1873 Winchester in 38 WCF. While I have fired lots of BP loads, the vast majority have been smokeless. My hunting load runs a 190 gr. cast bullet near 1400 fps. That said, your rifle is far stronger than an 1873. You be fine with any reasonable load.

[Gabriel Law]

An acquaintance of mine has a 1889 Marlin that he brought tome with the action jammed and a separated case in the chamber.  I was able to remove the headless cartridge case, but the chamber is badly bulged, I suspect from shooting too hot a smokeless round.  I am not up to fixing it, and would appreciate advice on doing so.
I own a Winchester 1892 in 44 WCF and enjoy shooting both black powder and smokeless.  It is surprisingly accurate with Clays smokeless powder and hand cast bullets.

[LonesomePigeon]

I think a 1909 manufacture date would be well into the smokeless era. Plus the '92 is a stronger action than the '73. I think if the barrel says "Nickel Steel" it's meant for smokeless but please research and do not rely on my memory.