model 92 44 40 HELP!

[Larry]

Hello all, I'm new to the leverguns! I'm excited to find this site. Steve Young had given this web site to me. Anyway, I am wanting some info on the 44 40 in the model 92.
I'm looking for advise and info reloading for it. I am currently looking to buy a Rossi, I already have an old Winchester carbine which was made in 1908.
How far can I push the loads in the old gun?new gun?
What do you all think as far as making loads up for deer and elk, etc. ? What kind of bullets are best? How far can I push the loads? Cast versus jacketed and so on? Powder? Any ideas that I haven't mentioned that would be of interest?
Thanks,
Larry

[Griff]

How far can I push the loads in the old gun?new gun?

Welcome to the Forum. There'll be a lot of guys along shortly... or in the next day or two that know all you'll want about the .44-40. What I know about them wouldn't begin to fill an empty case.

But... I can answer the above question: Answer: "till they hit the ground!" Just had to get my yuk in first!

[Larry]

Thanks Griff, It sounds like I found the right site for the info I'm looking for!!!
Larry

[Griff]

Welll... there was a post last fall or the one before about a father/son that had taken an original '73 Winchester in .44-40 deer hunting and harvested the son's first deer. I don't recall if they used factory ammo or not.

I do know you can hot-rod a Rossi '92 a little more than I'd hot-rod an original. It wasn't all that long ago that it was said the .44-40 had taken more deer in the US than any cartridge to date. The .30-30 still holds 1st place the last time I've seen anything written about that, being the only cartridge to surpass the .44-40.

[O.S.O.K.]

Here's a link you may find interesting: http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=89

I would feel comfortable with loads pushing a 200 grain bullet to around 1600 fps in the Winchester or Rossi in this caliber - maximum.

In fact, a good 200 grain bullet like the Speer Gold Dot at 1400 fps will do a number on deer out to 100 yards. No need for more power if the bullet goes in the heart/lung.

[Moonlitin]

Welll... there was a post last fall or the one before about a father/son that had taken an original '73 Winchester in .44-40 deer hunting and harvested the son's first deer. I don't recall if they used factory ammo or not.

I do know you can hot-rod a Rossi '92 a little more than I'd hot-rod an original. It wasn't all that long ago that it was said the .44-40 had taken more deer in the US than any cartridge to date. The .30-30 still holds 1st place the last time I've seen anything written about that, being the only cartridge to surpass the .44-40.

It was the fall of 2006, but I remember it like it was yesterday. My son used factory ammo, Remington Express 200 grain soft pont, 1190 fps, and that doe dropped in her tracks.

When I posted this picture last time, a few very observant levergunners noticed the cocked hammer in the picture. We unloaded the rifle before we set up for the picture, but in the excitement of the moment we forgot to let the hammer back down on the empty chamber.

Moonlitin

[blackhawk44]

OSOK is about right. Once you push beyond that range, the thin cases begin to come apart. The guns can handle the pressure, the cases can't.