DGW M1873 sporting rifle.

[La comadreja salvaje]

Hello all. Im just getting back to hunting with fire arms after ten years of exclusive archery hunting. Dont know that ill go after anything deer sized, but would like to keep it on the table as an option. Any way, I was shooting the old 30/30 and the fellow next to me was shooting M1873 sporting rifle in 38/40 BP loads. We got to talking, then he let me shoot the gun, and after looking on line and around town to get an idea of how available ammo was and what it cost I decided I had to have one. So, as far as the gun that DGW sells go's, can I shoot smokeless loads in it that will take deer ? My ranges will be close, I pride my self on the fact that I have taken deer at 8 yards with my bow, and get them normally inside of 15. I have not bumped in the fellow who got me hooked, but any reloading manuals that have hunting class loads that you can recommend would be good. Im also looking into 44/40. I thank you in advance for any input.

[IRON JACK]

I have an 1873 sporting rifle in 44-40. I shoot mostly smokless, and pb every now and then. They will take game up to deer size if you choose to do so. They are such great fun to shoot. Get one and enjoy.

Jack

[La comadreja salvaje]

Im plotting as I speak. Got to find an FFL, but its going to happen.

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[Abilene]

When you talk about "hunting class loads" keep in mind that the 1873 is not a particularly strong action and even with strong modern steel it is recommended to only shoot SAAMI spec ammo.  That ammo should be fine for deer.  Just avoid loads labelled as intended for Ruger or T/C.  Any loads that say they are safe for Colt's SAA are fine for the rifle.

[La comadreja salvaje]

When you talk about "hunting class loads" keep in mind that the 1873 is not a particularly strong action and even with strong modern steel it is recommended to only shoot SAAMI spec ammo.  That ammo should be fine for deer.  Just avoid loads labelled as intended for Ruger or T/C.  Any loads that say they are safe for Colt's SAA are fine for the rifle.

Definitely. Thats the ammo Im looking for. Is it available off the shelf or do I have to reload?

[Rowdy Fulcher]

LCS
Welcome , the 44wcf is an excellent choice . If you want a round for hunting ,then shy away from cowboy loads and there data . Also if you use black powder ammo you won't have a problem with pressures associated with smokeless powders . If you don't reload there are a few options for black powder ammo . We are glad to have another Vintage Hunter join our ranks . If you have question this is a excellent place to get answers .

[El Tio Loco]

Welcome to 1873's.  

You can buy ammunition for hunting off the shelf.   Stay away from the "Cowboy Loads".  They usually are loaded a little light.  Any ammunition that advertises a muzzle velocity of 1,150 to 1,250 fps with a 205 grain bullet will be enough for hunting.  The ammunition companies at one time loaded hotter ammunition for stronger actions (winchester m92) that were not safe in 1873's.  

Read back posts by .44wcf and Rowdy Fulcher for further knowledge.  They won't steer you wrong.

Ken

[La comadreja salvaje]

Thanks all. The  plus side of getting this gun is they are the only ones on the shelf at this time ! Ammo plentiful to. Sheesh.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

LCS
Goex is releasing a New powder . Hopefully I will be testing this next week . If this powder performs as expected , it will be used in the Vintage Hunting ammo . Time will tell . What state do you hunt ?

[El Tio Loco]

La Comadreja Salvaja
Make sure you buy one in .44-40.  
Ken

[La comadreja salvaje]

My 2013 season will be here in Colorado, and is my first gun season in years. Most likely ill go back to Texas so I can do it on familiar ground. Lost of places to hide and wait and I can get tuned up on a pig or two. Those seem hard to come by here, but I do have plans for Elk archery season.

[La comadreja salvaje]

La Comadreja Salvaja
Make sure you buy one in .44-40.  
Ken

Thats what im thinking. Looks pretty easy to get stuff for.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

 LCS
If your buying your rifle to hunt with I would recommend the 44wcf ( 44-40 ) . The 44wcf using black powder pushing a 200 grain bullet at 1300 fps works well . That's what Winchester designed  for the 73 in the beginning .

[Rafe Covington]

LCS
If your buying your rifle to hunt with I would recommend the 44wcf ( 44-40 ) . The 44wcf using black powder pushing a 200 grain bullet at 1300 fps works well . That's what Winchester designed  for the 73 in the beginning .

Yep us poor old 38-40 WCF owners are flat starving to death, it won't kill anything.

Rafe

[wildman1]

Yer gonna have ta tell that ta the first deer I ever killed. Did it with a 38/40. WM

[La comadreja salvaje]

38/40 was a nice shooter. The owner of the rifle hunts with his a bunch. Its his "go to," "in the truck," type rifle. He has not used it for Elk, and wouldn't, but he did get a few nice white tail in Nebraska, as well as 4 Antelope. For me it will come down to ease of ammo acquisition.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

WOW
I think I struck a nerve , hope you 38wcf fans will be alright .  Were just one big HAPPY FAMILY .

[La comadreja salvaje]

Well, I put a Uberti M1873 Winchester Carbine in 44/40 on lay away. I liked the 19 inch barrel, and it felt nice and fast in my hands. I also know for a fact that there will always be brass on hand, as well as powder and bullets are always available where im getting the rifle. Im thinking this will be a handy little verminator type rifle that will carry nice and easy. Cant wait to get it home.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

LCS
Think you will like the carbine , I've been pondering on one myself . Been contemplating swapping my ole Rolling Block for one .

[La comadreja salvaje]

I think so to. Has a real "handy" feel to it that I liked allot. I think it will make a real nice truck gun.