40-82 RemingtonHepburn single shot

[2023Mar]

I resalize this is an old caliber, inquiring if anyone has used lead bullets other than 260grain, 408 Dia. with smokeless powder? I have used 5744, and 4198 as well as black powder. Just wondering what maybe out there.

 

[JRanum]

I can’t help you unfortunately but I would like to see some photos of the Hepburn.

 

[butchlambert]

My old one in 219 Donaldson.

 

[2023Mar]

As soon as I have a working camera, will post.

 

[farmerjohn]

I resalize this is an old caliber, inquiring if anyone has used lead bullets other than 260grain, 408 Dia. with smokeless powder? I have used 5744, and 4198 as well as black powder. Just wondering what maybe out there.

Since no one else has jumped in here I will tell you what little I know. Some 50yrs ago when I aquired my 50-70 1863 conversion Springfield the only smokeless powder I could find was 3031, left a little unburnt powder in the barrel but achieved original velocity with no excessive pressure . Since then I have tried several others but after finding 5744 I don't believe you could do much better. I've not tried trail boss inspite of being told it would work well, so I have no first hand knowledge of that being true..... by the way I've never attempted to "hot rod" the old rifle, factory velocity of 1080fps is it. I've never been able to measure any case expansion what so ever and only resize the case down to where the bullet stops, hope this helps, John

 

[DHD]

I have to ask, why are you interested in smokeless and such light bullets? Twist rate, availability of heavier bullets, no good access to black powder? Out of curiosity, what twist/barrel length, original rifle, single trigger or DST?

I don't have a 40-82 but do have a Dave Crossno 40-65 Hepburn (1-16" twist 30" Douglas) and the lightest mold I have is a 395 grain. I haven't used smokeless as the BP is so easy (except for availability).

 

[2023Mar]

My understanding is that the 40-82 Hepburn was designed with the .408 dia. 260 grain round nose bullet. The barrel is 30" half round/octagon, with single trigger. I have used black powder, but was inquiring about possible smokeless powder .

 

[DHD]

Understood. I know 5744 is well thought of and 4198 is also. Your twist rate will tell you how long of a bullet, more or less, the barrel will allow. You already knew this though.

 

[2023Mar]

I can’t help you unfortunately but I would like to see some photos of the Hepburn.

here are 4 photos, using the serial # this was about halfway thru production, I believe total #'s between 10,000 11,000,

 

[Herzo]

17.0 grains of Trail Boss pushes a 370 grain bullet out of my .44-77 Rolling Block right smartly.