The Whitney Kennedy .38-40 lives again...

[dexterblack]

With thanks for the hints, tips, and advice from many members here, my brother and I got our .38-40 working last Sunday. Because it was very difficult to reassemble the receiver/floor plate (owing to very stiff spring work, and not due to complexity), we had spent some time determining the feasability of smokeless loads, so we most often could clean only the barrel. We ended up using Lyman #2 cast 175gr Lyman 401-043 bullets, starline brass, and 4.6 gr of TrailBoss. I think it needs a couple of tenths additional, powder, as about every fifth round, or so, sooted the outside of the case, a bit.

I haven't used a chrono on it yet, but the loads seemed VERY mild, maybe 750 fps? Still, groups were small at 50 yards, but the drop was Huge at 100. I'll get photos of the rifle up soon. I promise. Man, I love shooting the old stuff!

Regards,