Winchester Model 54 experiences?

[cash_tx]

I have this Winchester Model 54 in 30-06 (labeled 30-Gov't-06) that I inherited from my late father a few years back, but still haven't shot it yet. Based on the serial number, it appears to have been made in 1929. It has a Leupold Vari-X II 3-9 in Conetrol rings and mount, 1:12 twist, and what I believe to be an aftermarket stock. I recently worked up a modern duplicate of the M72 match load using Sierra Match King 175gr BTHP's and 46.0 grains of IMR-4895, and will try to take it out sometime in the coming weeks. Just curious to hear if any other members have any experience with this model of rifle.

 

[jburton9]

I’ve recently acquired a 1930 model 54 and have absolutely fell in love with it. It’s been extremely consistent shooter with factory core lokts of all weights from 150-220 grain. I’ve loaded some 180 partition loads with IMR 4350 but haven’t been able to get to the range with them yet.

Jeff

 

[cash_tx]

That's great to hear, and hopefully I'll get mine out soon as well. And I'm glad to hear that they shoot the heavier bullets well; I was a little concerned about that with the 1:12 twist. Cheers!

 

[Lourenço Fontes]

Amazing rifle , congrats

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Used a Winchester Model 54 in .30-06 Springfield (loaded with 220Gr Remington Core Lokt soft points) to take a zebra. One shot kill (double lung shot). The things are damned accurate, but the stocks must be properly re-bedded and cross-bolted. Otherwise, they are quite prone to splittling.

Has yours been re-barreled ? I was under the impression that the Model 54 always had a 1:10 twist rate.

 

[cash_tx]

Used a Winchester Model 54 in .30-06 Springfield (loaded with 220Gr Remington Core Lokt soft points) to take a zebra. One shot kill (double lung shot). The things are damned accurate, but the stocks must be properly re-bedded and cross-bolted. Otherwise, they are quite prone to splittling.

Has yours been re-barreled ? I was under the impression that the Model 54 always had a 1:10 twist rate.

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I don't know the history of the rifle, but I suppose it's possible that it was rebarreled. I measured the twist rate using the spinning cleaning rod technique, and it was 1:12. My other 30-06's measured at the expected 1:10 twist. I am pretty sure that it has been restocked, as it seems fancier and more glossy than the ones I've seen with the original stock. I haven't taken it out of the stock yet to see if it's bedded, by may do that this weekend.

 

[BnC 04]

Both of my 54's are 1:10. I've used them on mulies to yotes without issue. The M54 set the stage for the M70 a few years later.

 

[Luvthunt]

The 54 was one of the early bolt actions that helped the USA hunter convert from lever to bolt.

 

[S-3 Ranch]

I don't know the history of the rifle, but I suppose it's possible that it was rebarreled. I measured the twist rate using the spinning cleaning rod technique, and it was 1:12. My other 30-06's measured at the expected 1:10 twist. I am pretty sure that it has been restocked, as it seems fancier and more glossy than the ones I've seen with the original stock. I haven't taken it out of the stock yet to see if it's bedded, by may do that this weekend.

30-06 history
“”
Over a hundred years ago, the .30-03 shot long, heavy 220 grain round nose bullets. It needed a 1:10 twist at the velocities they left at.

Three years after its origin, the bullet was changed to a 150 grain spitzer. It only needed a 1:12 twist to stabilize it. But the US Government in all its infinite wisdom decided to keep the 1:10 twist for that new cartridge they called the .30-06 'cause it was thought that would be OK.

50 years later when Remington designed the 7.62 NATO round, they knew a 1:12 twist was best for the 147-gr. bullet it used. Even though that bullet left about 100 fps slower than the .30-06's 150 grain bullet, it was still very well stabilized. In fact, the 1:;12 twist was better for accuracy. When the 172 grain match bullet was used, accuracy was even better with that slightly heavier bullet.

But sporting rifles had 1:10 twist barrels 'cause the public thought that was best. They knew the famous M1903-A3 Springfields had it and so did the M1 Garand. So it had to be perfect for the .30-06. But competitive shooters knew that a 168 grain bullet leaving at .30-06 and .308 Win. velocities was the most accurate with a 1:12 twist. A 1:13 twist is the standard for Palma rifles shooting their 145 to 155 grain bullets out at 3000 fps for long range competition.

So yes, a .30-06 with a 1:12 twist will do just fine with 165's. It may not be fast enough for long, heavy, bullets over 200 grains, but such is life.””