I have a winchester 1917. I want to hunt with it. Can I use modern 30.06 ammo in it?

Answer 1

"The United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1917, developed at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Middlesex.

When the United States prepared for WWI, there were shortages of the m1903 Springfield. The '03 manufacturing was not able to keep up with U.S. demand for armaments.

The U.S. companies of Remington, Winchester, and the Remington-Eddystone Arsenal, had just completed contracts for m1914 Enfields, for England and were able to retool the existing manufacturing facilities to produce the m1914 in 30-06. Thus the m1917 was born."

M1917s arew climbing in value in original military configuration. Drilled and tapped for a scope will cut that value in half, as will a shortened barrel, etc. Please don't ruin an original rifle by modifying it. If it's already been drilled and cut, oh well, it's a good platform to build a custom sporter on.

That a very heavy rifle to be hunting with, in military config ot not. You need to think about that too.

I would have the headspace checked as has been suggested. Enfields tend to be sensitive in that area. Youi don't want a facefull of hot burning gasses or worse.

And, Yes, you should be able to shoot any .30-06 in a 1917. An M1 Garand, no, but the 1917 it's ok.

Answer 2

The P17 will digest any 30-06 shell you feed it. The action is so strong they used it after WW I to build african hunting rifles of quite a few different calibers. In its original military configuration it can be worth a thousand or more very easily. I paid eleven hundred for my last Eddystone purchase last week. If you hunt with it please keep it original and don't have it cut off and tapped and drilled for a scope; go buy a Savage or Remington for hunting if you want a scoped rifle. The M1917 in either P14 or P17 model is a piece of history and they are increasing in value quite a bit. Keep it safe. I have a Remington P17 that had been fitted with a scope base and the barrel shortened two inches; I bought it in that configuration. At 100 yards it just shoots an elnlarged hole in the bullseye. It is a little heavy, which is normal for military rifles, but I still use it for hunting. I find it amusing when people show up with rifles costing more than some people make working for several months; and here I am with this old warhorse looking thing that you can't miss with. Talk about a contrast; I just pray that I am never reduced to having to use a new sleek sports model, it would be so embarrasing.

Answer 3

I have winchester, remington, and eddystone M1917's and all three shoot modern ammo just fine
If you are not 200% sure the rifle is in shooting condition have it check by a reputable riflesmith.

Answer 4

I have a Remington M1917 myself,same as your Winchester,I use mine for whitetails,my buddy has one too.they are safe to fire modern ammo in,I use 165 gr,2 inch group at 150 yrds through the peep sight.if you have any concerns take it to a Gunsmith and have him check the headspace,and other components,he may charge you a fee,but it is cheap peace of mind.

Answer 5

find a gunsmith/gun shop and have the rifle checked by a
professional, if you are unsure of the condition of the piece--
they should be able to set you up with the correct ammo as well