Why my original '73 won't shoot

[Niederlander]

Gentlemen, I finally figured out why my original '73 shoots patterns instead of groups.  I've owned it for years, but hadn't worked with it much, as I have other stuff to shoot.  Finally slugged the barrel this morning.  It measures .433", which is the second original I've measured with that level of oversize.  (The other one wouldn't shoot, either.)  This would also explain bullets hitting sideways at twenty-five yards.  Learn something every day!

[King Medallion]

Time for a reline!

[Niederlander]

I know, but dang, that's pricey!

[King Medallion]

I hate adding up costs of my hobbies, don't do it as a rule. I guess you got to decide if throwing lead in a direction other than the one your aiming at is worth the cost.

[DJ]

Try oversized heeled bullets?

[Coffinmaker]

  Sorry I'm late     Here I was, thinking Niederlander's original '73 was actually broken.  I can see the problem with the way oversize bore.  And while I sympathize, it becomes a question of just where in the county the bullets are going to come down.  Not necessarily grins and giggles.  Although, among friends, taking bets could be fun (not).

So it becomes whether to tack it up onna wall (icky foo) or bite the bullet (literally) and have the thing relined.  Since it is an "original" I'd have to go for a re-line rather than a re-barrel.  Just my thought(s).

[Buck Stinson]

What is the serial number of your '73?  Good bore or bad? Early guns (1st model) have large bore diameter.  2nd models are a bit smaller and 3rd models are usually .429.  I've had several early guns with .431 to .433 bore diameter with very good bores.  I have rifle #1580 with excellent bore at .431.  I have carbine #6847 with an excellent bore at .430.

[Abilene]

Bear Creek makes an oversize 205gr, .431 to .438.  No lube groove and I don't know if chambering a bullet that size would work (not in an Uberti!).

[Griff]

1st, do nothing except gather more data upon which to make a decision.  Do a chamber cast.  Compare that to a dummy cartridge sized to hold a .433/.434 bullet.  Find out if an expander can be had that'll still give neck tension on that large of a bullet.  Seek sources of bullet in that size, get a custom mold, (Accurate Molds is a great source), then determine if the costs to ramp up loading the oversize pills overcomes the cost to reline. 

[Coffinmaker]

  Well OK

Yeah, simply stated, I'm a Mechanic (retired gunplumber) and we are naturally inclined to find problems we can fix (Mechanically of course).

But I really like what GRIFF said.  Expecial for an original.  Not just that it's potentially way more cost effective (cheaper) but just might be a whole lot more FUN!!  Gunz-r-Funz ya know!!  Burma Shave

[Slamfire]

Griff's got the right solution.

  coffee's ready,, Hootmix.

[LonesomePigeon]

I got a mold from Arsenal Molds that is basically a copy of Lyman 42798 which I special ordered to drop at .433". It is a good mold, I am not the best caster, I get bullets 1:20 tin to lead that drop at .432" to ".433 and I size then down to .430". Then I use a .428"x.432" expander plug from NOE. The expander plug fits in a Lee Powder Thru Expander Die. Finally, I crimp with the Redding profile crimp die. Oh yeah, the other dies namely the sizing die and the bullet seating die are RCBS Cowboy Dies.

In short, you can get an oversize mold from Arsenal Molds and oversize expander plugs(they have several sizes) from NOE. The main problem then is if your rifle will chamber the oversize cartridges.

[Black River Smith]

Why don't you look at Accurate Bullet mold # 43-198HN.  Not the neatest looking bullet shape but it is a HB.  I use Accurate molds, and, find that with pure lead, like you should use, in that original 1873, the mold weight will increase by 5-8 grains.  The bullet mold comes out at 0.426, so that is just a 0.007 bump up, to your 0.433 groove diameter.  Or ask to have it come out at 0.427 for a 0.006" difference.  Both those diameter will load and chamber easier than trying a 0.431 or larger bullet diameter.  That bullet bump is way less than a .41 Long Colt HB at 0.386 to 0.401 at 0.015" or even a .38 Long Colt HB at 0.358 to 0.375 at 0.017".

Yes, the mold costs and getting the stem made will cost but I bet it will be less than the nominal relining cost of $500 now-a-days.

Just a thought or suggestion.