40-65: Learning what I can

[Hiwall55]

I just had Lee Shaver put a new TJ liner in a Browning BPCR in .40 caliber. The size was .400 and.408 and was verified by me when it was done. I also went with a 14 twist so I could shoot my 420 grain money bullet. Caliber was 40-60 Maynard, Lee had a 40-70 SS reamer and I had him run it in 2.235 deep and everything worked out.

[SgtDog0311]

Thanks Hiwall55. Appreciate the bore and groove diameters. John had identified only the 16 twist in his email so didn't even know he had a 14.

I read a post last night somewhere by TexasMac pointing out some differences in the Browning chamber and got to wondering if my RCBS Cowboy dies were gonna be what I needed.

[Don McDowell]

Sometimes I think folks can think these things to death.
The Browning chamber is a proven winner. So is the Shiloh. 40-65 Rl is another good chamber, but the difference between it and the Browning are very slight.
Starline cases work fine, in all 3 of those chambers, sizing down 45-70 cases is how Ron Long came up with his 40-65 RL case, it's actually a tad longer than a typical 40-65 chamber.
16 twist will handle anything needing done with the 40-65 case and blackpowder. 14 twist best left to longer cases, and smokeless.
So long as those RCBS dies will expand the case mouth back to the proper diameter as to not put to much neck tension on the bullets they'll work just fine.

[SgtDog0311]

Thanks Don... the expander in the Cowboy dies is .4065. The top of the expander should give enough flair I'd think. What I was thinking may present an issue were dies that did not match the chamber. I read this last night:
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" The unique features of the Browning .40-65 chamber, which differentiates it from the classical .40-65 Winchester design, is the cylindrical area just ahead of the case rim and a well defined neck. In contrast to Winchester’s original .40-65 cartridge design, there’s no taper or change in chamber diameter in the first 0.135” of the case region in front of the rim. Also, the final 0.500” section is a cylinder with a constant diameter, a region that can clearly be defined as a neck. Some reamer suppliers are listing the chamber dimensions as the .40-65 Browning. I understand that Lyman's .40-65 die set was designed to match the Browning chamber, although others may also. I have the Lyman and can verify that it does".
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I'd think full length resizing with a die barrel that didn't match the chamber might be an issue. Of course I'd be neck sizing ultimately but would want the full-length to be correct nonetheless.

I'd fall in that category of "thinking everything to death"; probably just a function my nature and of money being hard-to-come-by so trying to avoid any do-overs. The 40-65 is unfamiliar territory for me so I'm just wanting to make sure I'm understanding the varieties of 40-65 chambers.

Also realize I'm complicating things a good deal by being hard-over on a flat transition.

[Don McDowell]

If the chamber is done right with a good reamer, resizing shouldn't be necessary except for about every 5th or 6th reload maybe, just flare the case mouth to let the bullet start in, charge seat bullet and remove the flair. Blackpowder loading is much simpler than smokeless.

[SgtDog0311]

Well I just muddied the water in my search - picked up a Marlin 1895 made in 98 so added another 40-65 to the mix. I hear those run large in the bore and bullet style won't be the same but makes me think I should at least lean in the direction of a 40-65 Win reamer. Throat would still be modified to preference.

[Don McDowell]

Might want to slug that barrel. It is likely 403-406 in the grooves.

[SgtDog0311]

I could only hope Don.

If that were the case I have a couple molds that might allow me to make some rounds before hunting season. Just had a friend call and offer to send me some brass so I'm gonna have the rifle shipped North. I'm about to leave for the cabin in Idaho and some Elk and dear hunting. Looks like I'll take my pot and some lead along.

Early morning and dusk my eyes can't find anything in iron sights but that leaves a lot of day time to carry a vintage gun. Already had plans to pack a 40-63 along but you know how it is when you have a new rifle. Can't hardly take you hands off it before you've answered some questions.

Might carry a different one for each change of drawers:-)

[Steve Anderson]

John, Emily might be able to spare some brass if want to stop by. Let me know. Steve

[SgtDog0311]

John, Emily might be able to spare some brass if want to stop by. Let me know. Steve

Thanks Steve! I'll likely be stopping by anyway but Sparky called last night and told me he was putting a care package together. Mighty thoughtful of you both. Along with some brass he has some of Sweetwater's bullets too but I do hope Don is right about the size and I get to cast some of my own. I've read reports of them running large too. If that were the case I might try the mold I was using in the 40-63 at your place. The packing list is getting longer. I have work to do on the bolt gun too so time will be an issue. Possibilities though!! Thanks Again, really appreciate the offer.