Manual

BLACK POWDER WARNING: Never substitute smokeless powder for black powder or Pyrodex
®
or mix smokeless powder
with black powder or Pyrodex. Never use smokeless powder in black powder firearms or in saluting cannons. Smokeless
powder has much more energy than black powder or Pyrodex. Substituting or mixing powders may cause the firearm to
blow up resulting in personal injury, property damage, or death.
Pressure
All new pressure data has been measured with the latest piezo electric system showing actual pounds per square inch (psi) and cannot be compared
directly to the old data which used the copper crusher pressure measurement method. This data replaces all previously published load data.
CENTERFIRE RIFLE LOADING DATA
The data for metallic cartridges contained in this handbook were obtained using Winchester cases and primers unless otherwise noted. Substitution of
components other than bullets of the same size and weight from reputable manufacturers could alter the ballistic level and safety of these loads.
Winchester strongly urges when using this information you use the components as shown.
Extrapolation of additional loads from this data should not be attempted. Such practice can be dangerous. Winchester has strived to show those
applications for which BALL POWDER® smokeless propellant is most ideally suited. While other loads are certainly possible, the only way such loads can be
developed is in a ballistic laboratory. Winchester cautions against the use of any other loads with Winchester smokeless propellant except where such loads
have been adequately proven with the proper testing.
Velocity
Velocities quoted in the tables are averages of a series of shots fired in accordance with equipment and techniques universally used throughout the
American arms and ammunition industry. Listed loads have given uniform velocity results in our tests.
All rifle velocities quoted have been measured in standard SAAMI* barrels of 24-inch length, except the 30 carbine data which was obtained in a 20" barrel.
*Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute.
WARNING: Fail Safe® bullets are longer than many other bullets of the same weight. To avoid excessive pressure,
DO NOT load Fail Safe and Partition Gold
®
bullets to the same powder charge recommended for other bullets of the same
weight. Handload only in strict compliance with load data for Winchester Fail Safe and Partition Gold
®
bullets. Incorrect
use of these components or incorrectly handloaded ammunition can cause serious injury or damage. Wear eye protection
when handloading.
CENTERFIRE HANDGUN LOADING DATA
The data for the metallic cartridges contained in this handbook were obtained using Winchester® cases, primers and bullets unless otherwise noted. Any
substitution of components other than bullets of the same type and weight from reputable manufacturers could alter the ballistic level and safety of these
loads. We strongly urge when using this information use the components as shown.
Extrapolation of additional loads from this data should not be attempted. Such practice can be dangerous.
We have endeavored to show those applications for which Winchester smokeless propellant is most ideally suited.
While other loads are certainly possible, the only way such loads can be developed is in a ballistic laboratory. We caution
against the use of any other loads with Winchester smokeless propellant except where such loads have been adequately
proven with the proper testing.
Warning– Loads using 296 powder require heavy bullet pull (heavy crimp). 296 powder is not suitable with light
bullets. The use of 296 powder with light bullet pull (light crimp) or lightweight bullets can cause squib loads. Such loads
create a hazard to both the shooter and bystander as a bullet lodged in the barrel may cause the gun to burst if not
removed before the next round is fired. 296 powder is considered to be one of the best powders for use in magnum
handgun cartridges. Please refer to page 6 for recommended primer and use a very heavy crimp.
Failure to follow this procedure could result in poor ignition and/or squib loads under extreme circumstances, particularly
in loads where less than 90% of the available powder space is being used (low loading density).
Velocity
Velocities quoted in the tables are averages of a series of shots fired in accordance with equipment and techniques universally used throughout the
American arms and ammunition industry. Listed loads have given uniform velocity results in our tests.
Handgun velocities quoted were measured in SAAMI* barrel lengths as listed.
*Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute, Inc.