Just got my first model 81

[Bitter]

Hello model 8 fans. i was able to find a model 81 chambered in .35 remington at my local gun store and decided to buy it.

1640834047250m.jpg (216.8 KiB) Viewed 4662 times

The story i got was that the rifle was a local of my small towns heirloom gun and that the great grandchildren of the original buyer sold it for Christmas money.
Kinda a sad story but i think that old man would be happy to know that at least it ended up in the hands of someone who will appreciate it.
I don't really know all that much about the rifle and figured this would be a good place to learn some things. Ammo seems to be in a complete drought at the moment but thankfully i was able to get a set of dies to hopefully start reloading when i get the brass and bullets.
Not sure if an intro is a place to ask my first question but, what powder do you guys use when reloading and how much? I would rather avoid blowing up this beautiful rifle.

[Sarge756]

Welcome from NE Florida. Good that another of the rifles we love ended up with someone that appreciates it. From the photo it appears to be in good company. Don`t know your experience with reloading but if you are a novice then you could not have picked a better one to begin with. Powder choices of course have been limited by the crazy times but most of the "medium " burn rate powders will work.Would suggest a good current reloading manual and couple of older ones to give you load data. I have used 3031,IMR 4198,H4198, 4064 and BLC2 . 200gr bullets with 33 to 35 grs is normal. The case capacity of the 35 pretty much negates an overload.If you stick with the correct range of powders you will be on safe ground. We`ve had many discussions here about the strength of our old girls. Questions as to whether a souped up round like the Hornady Lever Revolution would be safe to shoot. Consensus being our old girls are plenty strong and handle it fine.
Joe

[Bitter]

Thanks so much, i have only reloaded 5.56 so im new to all this and i figured now is the time to learn.

[81police]

Great find! And great, capable caliber too! Be careful your interest in the rifles might not stop with just that 1 though!

Welcome to the forums btw!

[kenhwind]

Thanks so much, i have only reloaded 5.56 so im new to all this and i figured now is the time to learn.

You'll be fine.
I think I'm using H4198 only because I have a jug on it.

[Bitter]

Thanks so much guys, was already tempted to buy a model 8 in .30 today but my judgment told me to save that money for ammo for the model 81 i already have.
Very happy to have found this forum.

PicsArt_01-01-06.52.44.jpg (136.75 KiB) Viewed 4617 times

[Bandersnatch]

200 gr bullets and IMR 3031 and you can't go wrong. Also, the Hornady Lever ammo shoots just fine out of these ole girls.