I can't recommend use of Dacron as a filler, after spoiling (ringing) a chamber on a nice flatband Win 94 in 25/35 WCF by means of that practice. I discontinued the practice immediately and permanently. The story has a happy ending--that rifle is now a rebored 38-55, which is more cartridge by accident than the 25/35 ever was on purpose, but that's beside the point.
So Al did you find a kit gun to serve your purpose yet? I will trade the 631 I have in 32 mag 4" BBL if I was offered something that rings my bell.Dan, I have been in search mode off-and-on for a while--seeking a 32 SWL D/A wheelgun with 4" barrel. I have seen few ads for Model 631s, and the prices are ridiculous when found. "Ideal" for my uses would be a post-1957 example Model 30 or 31, but if a M-631 showed up for a reasonable price I would grab it. I don't have a clear idea of total number of Model 631s made, but I suspect it might be similar to the S&W Model 16 or 16-4.......not many, and not for long. Sellers will need to wean themselves away from "$100 per brick 22 LR" mindsets if they really expect to sell their wares to me or those like me.
I can't recommend use of Dacron as a filler, after spoiling (ringing) a chamber on a nice flatband Win 94 in 25/35 WCF by means of that practice. I discontinued the practice immediately and permanently. The story has a happy ending--that rifle is now a rebored 38-55, which is more cartridge by accident than the 25/35 ever was on purpose, but that's beside the point.
Good morning
It is a heart stopper to mess up a barrel. But happily being able to rebore to a caliber 38 is not a complete loss.
Only filler I have complete confidence in is something like COW (cream of wheat ) that forms a solid column on top of the charge and compressed a hair by the bullet base.
Naturally you must start the load development with the arrangement. Have a caliber 38 WCF that defied shooting groups without a COW filler. Even 3F with a fat .382 40-1 was hardly better than patterns. Took a .385+ cast with 3F to finally get that one to shoot minute of corn cruncher.
Cannot chamber a fat enough cast with smokeless. Have no interest in reaming the throat or reaming case necks either for a 1896 rifle. Happily 3F does the trick.
Mike in Peru
Aw jeeze! The old 25/35 is no more? Sad to hear. 38/55 is nice, but I would have been tempted to go with the 32/40 High Speed!
jerry w
I am very interested in hearing about your 25-45 sharps. What twist rate did you go with?