44-40 bullet mould

[Mik1]

I just picked up a 44-40 cal. Model 92 Winchester (post 64) and am trying to figure out the best bullet to cast for it.  I would really appreciate any info from any one out there that has found a good mould/weight for the 44-40 rifle.  I would also be very interested in any one's experience with any particular mould/weight that didn't work well.  Thanks for your help.  Mike

[Jim 44-40]

Might want to slug the barrel first. Could be .427/.428 etc..

[Mik1]

Jim 44-40
Thanks for the response.  You're right and I will definitely slug the barrel before purchasing a mould.
I guess my real question is more about bullet weight and design.  Almost everything I have read only talks about two different moulds for the 44-40, the Lyman 42798 and 429434.  There is a fairly large number of .429 bullets out there, listed for all the other .44 cartridges, especially in the heavier weights.  I was just curious what experiences others had had with different moulds or if there was any reason to shoot anything other then the two old standby's.

Mike

[Jim 44-40]

I have a Ruger that shoots .427 bullet from a old Winchester mold.And I use Lyman 42921 SWC sized .429 for my Win TrailsEnd with Winchester brass only.Other brass to thick at the neck with .429 bullet . Will not chamber in the TrailsEnd. Now, if you are just going to shoot your 92 once here and there,I would get me some .426 JFP  200gr from MidWay.Also that Win mould is the 42798 . Send me your address, and I'll send you a couple of each just bullet .. By the way My Mother did live in WhiteHorse years ago, been there once sure would like to go back again.

[w30wcf]

Mik 1,

I have used 4 different cast bullets in my original 1873 .44 W.C.F.
The 200 gr. Lyman Cowboy bullet,  200 gr. Magma, Lyman 427098 and the 200 gr. bullet from an early Winchester mold.  All shot well. Alloy used was wheel weights + 2% tin.  I have not tried the 200 gr. RCBS, but Mike Venturino recommends it highly.

For smokeless, I would stick with the bullets that have a crimping groove... 200 gr. Lyman Cowboy bullet,  200 gr. Magma, 200 gr. RCBS.

For black powder, the Lyman 427098 is THE bullet.  It also works very well with smokeless, BUT unless your resizing die will produce a neck that is slightly longer than the seating depth of the bullet, or you use a capacity load of slow burning smokeless (REL 7 works well for this) this bullet can telescope into the case under spring pressure (and recoil) from the magazine since it is designed to crimp over the front driving band.

Have fun with your .44-40.
w30wcf

[Mik1]

Thanks all for the the info.  Jim, I sent you a message through the forum.  I have never used that function before so hopefully you have received it.
Mike

[rbwillnj]

There is a really nice Hensley Gibbs 44-40 mold on ebay right now.  Looks brand new.   I'm sure it won't go cheap......and no its not mine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7247014429&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[Jim 44-40]

Sure wish the H&G mould wasn't a bevel base. I like the plain base myself.

[rbwillnj]

44-40

You just need to get yourself a Star Lubrisizer.  Than you don't need to worry about bevel basis anymore.

[Jim 44-40]

If I could just start all over again with the info I found on this site,I could have saved some money and time. I would have more gascheck molds,no bevelbase,and I would have not spent a dime on a Lee mould!!!Now,the 44WCF has been good to me. Started out with Ruger then Winchester. Recoil not punishing,Shot a bunch groundhogs with both here in southwestern PA.Anyway The next mould I buy will be a 429434  215gr gascheck.

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

There is only ONE mould I use for all my .44's.  The RCBS .44-200FP.   Drops at .429 with wheelweights.   Takes enough SPG or green lube.  (I have a lubrisizer for each lube)  Sizes perfectly to .427, or anything in between, and has the perfect OAL and profile for .44-40.  Mike Venturino refers to it often in his loading/shooting articles as his standard to compare other bullets

[sharps4590]

I have to agree with Sir Charles.  The RCBS mold is the only one I use in 44-40 and a fine bullet it is.

Vic

[Lloyd Smale]

I agree too the rcbs bullet is probably the best going for the 4440

[Marsh1]

I use the RCBS 200gr and recommnend it highly. 250 gr bullets are too heavy & long for the 92 action and are usually too large.
Marsh