Winchester M1917 action pressures.

[Clackamas Jack]

I inherited a Winchester M1917 chambered in 35 Whelen. My uncle had it custom made many years ago and its a beautiful rifle but I am worried about modern ammunition or reloading for 35 Whelen with hotter loads and can the 1917 action take higher modern pressures? The Nolser load data for a 200 grain bullet is pushing 2700+ fps up to 2800 fps and that seems pretty high.

 

[wolfkpr]

The 1917 was the primary WW1 ( issued more of these than the “ official 1903”), original issue caliber was .30-06, and they were rebarreled in all kinds of calibers.. so while im no expert on the pressure ratings, it shouldnt be an issue

 

[mr ed]

The action was tough and 35 whelen was the most popular cartridge to rebarrel it to. Second was probably 375 H&H
Eddystones were prone to cracking end of receiver, but that was mostly by not relieving barrel pressure before removing barrel.

 

[HiredHand]

I’d think any factory loads would be made to work within the official SAMMI specs for 35 Whalen; same for any reloading data from a modern reloading manual unless, it was specified otherwise. I don’t think I’d be worried about a Mauser style action chambered in a cartridge developed 100 years ago.