winchester model 88, 284 winchester loads

I love your choice in rifle and caliber , I have a friend in Wyoming that has taken a ton of game with his 88 in 284. It is the sweetest little rifle , so enjoy ! I would stick to more conventional loads with premium bullets It's not going to be a ultra tack driver but they do shoot well and it's a beautiful rifle to carry. Look if it gives you to much trouble PM me and I'll take it off your hands! Lol you have a rare rifle !
lucked out finding it. wanted one for many years, but i really only wanted it in 284. someone who inherited it didnt really want it. have petersen brass and rcbs dies courtesy of graaf and sons. will be trying berger 168s, 140s, barnes ttsx 130s and maybe 150's.
 
I am exactly like you, I have coveted that gun for years (30+) and only that caliber. Well I shouldn't say that I like the 358 also but the 284 first! One day I will buy one and I will hunt with it as well. When you hold that rifle in your hands you understand what a fine rifle it is!! Pure works of art with a great cartridge for all game on the hoof !
 
Rifle sounds interesting.

The original load that Bob Hutton worked with was the 140 partition and 57 gr of IMR 4350.

That is considered maximum on Hodgdon's site but Nosler lists Max at 53 grains. With your particular rifle I would error on the side of caution due to action strength.

Have been using a 284 Win since mid 80s. Evolved from using IMR 4350 to H4350 or RL-17. Have taken elk with 140, 150 and 160 partitions. Many coues wt and a few muley with 120 nos bt, 140 nos bt, 168 Berger hunting VLD and the original bullet I used, the Sierra 140 gameking. Don't think you can go wrong with any of these bullets on deer sized game. Would suggest you use a premium bullet with larger animals.
 
I have 2 model 88s in 284 and 2 chambered in 358. They are neat little hunting guns and fun to carry. Imr 4350 and RL 17 work great in the 284 win. with 139 gr to 150gr bullets. Heavier bullets take too much space in the case . No need for premium bullets, as the velocity is below 3000 ft/sec. Don't hotrod your loads in the 88s for obvious reasons. Triggers aren't the best on lease guns, but they are hunting guns not target rifles. A good load for my gun is :
139gr horn. spire pt.
53.5 gr IMR4350
fed 210
This load is about moa and 2850fps. Have fun.
Daryl.
 
Loaded for a friend'sin that cartridge a while back. If I remember correctly it preferred the 140 and 150 gr range of bullets, Hornady and Nosler. Good rifle and a great cartridge for short actions. - dan
 
i just acquired a mod 88 winchester in 284 winchester. i am looking for reloading suggestions for this rifle. usually use barnes ttsx or berger hybrids. this is standard, not carbine barrel, 22 in i believe. dont know twist. if it doesnt shoot well i will replace barrel with a benchmark. suggestions
I may have an RCBS seating due for that. Do you need one?
 
I shot one in .358 win for a season or two. Then I had a BLR in the same caliber. The 88 was a slicker gun, more nimble, faster to handle and lighter. I would bet the farm you are going to love that gun and the caliber is spot on for deer and elk👍
 
my neighbor has one and is loading 140 TSX bullets with H 4350 and Reloader 19. his groups are slightly over an inch. load recipies are in the middle of the charts. A 6X6 bull dropped to this rifle last year, so it does the job. I have 3 284's all bolts. Two of mine have magazines and overall length of the finished cartridge are limited. I believe your lever action will be length limited too.
 
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