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Author Topic: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph  (Read 1046 times)

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Offline grumpyErik

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Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« on: September 19, 2011, 11:37:15 PM »
I have a reproduction 1875 Remington in 44-40 that I would like to use for coyotes or very close range deer. I would prefer to use either a jacketed soft point or hard cast 200-205 grain bullet. It seems to me that the cowboy loads could be improved upon and still be safe in an old time design such as the Peacemaker or the 1875 Remington. That said, I don't want to blow my face off either. I am just looking for a load with more power but still safe in older designs like I have. I noticed on the buffalo bore web site that they make a load for the 45 colt that is safe in 1873 colts and clones and was wondering if I could do the same by reloading for my 44-40.
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Offline Graybeard

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Re: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2011, 11:30:40 AM »
I think that's a real BAD idea. I'm not aware of any firearms so chambered that aren't very weak designs. Both the guns you mention are quite weak and so are the cases for the .44-40.

Not all book loads are CAS loads but all are safe in the guns you mention. I suggest you stick with the book loads pressure tested for safety.

I do not want hot loads for it posted to this site. If they are posted elsewhere a link to there is OK. The .38-40 and .44-40 served the folks in days of old quite well as they were and should do the same today. If you need more power or feel you do then go to other rounds which have more modern cases with more strength and for which stronger guns are chambered.
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Offline shot1

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Re: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2011, 02:05:52 PM »
The Lyman manual has some full power 44-40 load data. Like Graybeard said don't try to hot rod the 44-40 or you will have major problems. A case full of black powder and a cast bullet did pretty well for many years. It does not take a cannon to kill a deer. Just put that slug through the vitals and you will eat well.
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Offline grumpyErik

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Re: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2011, 11:47:03 AM »
I think I may not have explained myself too well, sorry about that! I DO NOT want to hot rod my 44-40. I love the 44-40 and gun for what they are. I am merely looking for a load that is both accurate and safe, but also more powerful than the cowboy loads. I have a Lyman reloading manual so I know I can safely squeeze 850-950 fps out of it, but are they accurate? I was simply hoping to avoid the learning curve to get a bit more power and accuracy given how easy it is to booger up 44-40 cases.

So maybe the question I should have asked was, of the SAAMI safe loads, what are more powerful and accurate. I do thank both of you for keeping my safety in mind though. I want to keep shootin' to a ripe old age, besides the wife is expecting and I sure would like to meet the little guy before I leave this Earth.
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Offline mauser98us

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Re: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2011, 06:08:21 PM »
Get a 44 mag and sell  me the 44-40. ;)
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2011, 06:50:37 PM »
Hodgdon's reloading guide has a couple step-ups.  Might look at these and if they end up doing some Leverevolution Powder for that caliber, probably some gain there as well safely.  ;)
Cartridge:
 44-40 Winchester
Load Type:
 Rifle
Starting Loads
 
Maximum Loads
 
Bullet Weight (Gr.)
Manufacturer
Powder
Bullet Diam.
C.O.L.
Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure

200 GR. LEAD RNFP
Hodgdon
Universal
.428"
1.600"
6.6
950
10,000 PSI
7.3
1069
11,100 PSI
200 GR. LEAD RNFP
Winchester
231
.428"
1.600"
5.5
901
9,800 PSI
6.5
1020
12,400 PSI
200 GR. LEAD RNFP
Hodgdon
HP-38
.428"
1.600"
5.5
901
9,800 PSI
6.5
1020
12,400 PSI
200 GR. LEAD RNFP
Hodgdon
Titegroup
.428"
1.600"
5.0
956
8,400 PSI
6.2
1117
12,900 PSI
200 GR. LEAD RNFP
Hodgdon
Clays
.428"
1.600"
4.2
845
8,200 PSI
5.0
924
11,700 PSI
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline grumpyErik

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Re: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« Reply #6 on: September 21, 2011, 11:45:55 PM »
Nice try Mauser98US, I like the 44-40 too much too much to sell it. The older I get the less interested in being beaten up I have become so the 44 mag is out.

Thanks for posting the info for me Tackleberry, that Universal load looks good to me. Nice low pressure load with more poop behind it than a cowboy load. It is a win win for me. I get more power than a cowboy load and less recoil than a 44 mag.
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Looking for 44-40 load data with more umph
« Reply #7 on: September 22, 2011, 04:08:21 PM »
Enjoy.  One thing miffing me a bit is that Hodgdon is being so slow on getting other calibers updated for their new "Super" powders.  8(  I have a few that I might buy some and try with, but no data yet. 8(
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

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