.44-40 Henry Loads Revisited

[Dan Chamberlain]

Got my dies, got my bullets, got 3 different kinds of powder.  The bullets are hardcast with the typical blue lube that works best with smokeless, but I'm going to try Unique, FFFg and 777.  Now when I load my .45-70 I use a much softer lube and an over the powder (under the bullet) cardboard wad.  As this is a pistol/rifle cartridge, should I just load the bullet over the powder regardless whether or not it is smokeless or black?  Also, the 777 seems to act like smokeless as far as fouling goes.  I'm thinking I should still load a milk carton wad under the bullet.  Any ideas?

Dan C

[ButlerFord45]

Dan, I have done a bit of informal testing with my 45's, the ones loaded with a wad will consistantly shoot cleaner, less fouling than without.  I understand that the fouling occours behind the wad, so I have no explanation other than the possibility that the extra compression may help but I've tried this with different amounts of powder/compression and the results are always the same, with the wad runs cleaner longer. I must admit, I have never put smokless powder in a 45 Colt, so I can't help there.

[tommy4toes]

depends on how much powder you want to fit in the case - .030 wads are a good compromise. Myself, I think they're worth it.

t4toes