Favourite Loads For The 44-40

[Pop Watts]

Hello all,

I am playing around with some of my 44-40's and was wondering what your favourite loads were for this calibre?

The rifles are

- original 1873 made in 1900
- original 1892 made in 1894
- original Colt lightning made in 1897

I have been using Australian ADI powders, but I can buy Alliant and Winchester powders here as well. ADI reccomend AR2205 as well as a couple of their pistol powders for low velocity loads in 44-40 with 200 and 240 gn lead projectiles.

Some of the loads (published by ADI) that I have been using are leaving a lot of unburned powder in the cases. The cases are not sooty, and they shoot OK, but it sure makes a mess.

Any way, what are you guys using? I am interested to see.

Pop.

[Lefty Dude]

Ya after lead loads or Jacketed stuff ?

[Dewight]

8grs. Unique, 200 gr cast bullet.

[Pop Watts]

Hi,

I am only going to shoot lead through these guns. Mostly 200gn. The 240gn projectiles that are made by Hawkesbury here in Australia are just a little too long to feed in the 1873 and the Colt, but give me no problems in any of my 1892's even though the OAL is about 1mm longer than standard.

Thanks,

Pop.

[the telegraphist]

Gday Pop, 8g Unique is not a bad way to go. However with the 200g lead by Hawkesbury sized 427 13.5 to 14 of 2400 in my rifle is a tackdriver, the pressure levels equate to blackpowder loads, so should not be a problem in your originals. Start at 12.5 if you have any misgivings and work-up slowly. Dont think you will encounter any problems. The Unique load may reach peak pressure a little too quickly for the old guns, slower powder may be better, have not had a great deal of success in the 44/40 with AR2205, perhaps a tad too slow, groups very ordinary like 5 inches at 50m. Sometimes a little better. So suggest 2400 with a firm roll crimp. Tried some Hawks sized 429 and they worked pretty well out of my rifle, but not as good as the 427. Will keep them for my revolver, it thrives on 429 sized bullets but dont shoot the 427 that good. They are all a law unto themselves. The revolver is a Pietta in 44/40, chamber slugs 430 barrel 429. 44/40 rifle barrel slugs 427. Good luck and lets know how you go. Have used the 8g Unique loading, but 2400 is just totally more accurate. The rifle just produces a different sound when using 2400 and thrives on it. Very little unburnt powder left after firing.

AS an aside, I even tried some loads with Swiss BP 3f. managed to stuff about 34 grains in with a drop tube, they shot very well also, but very messy. The accurracy was still not up to 2400 loads though. Nice sound from the muzzle though according to spectators.

Rgds
Bob

[Marc]

I also use 8 gr. Unique with a 200 cast bullet in an 1873 made in 1916. It is dirty. It leaves partially burned powder and heavy soot. It does shoot good.

[Sixgun]

8grs. Unique, 200 gr cast bullet.

+`1 That load and 5.5 grains of Bullseye is what I use in my Colt Lightnings, 73's and 92's. Sometimes I push the 92 with 10 grains. Ditto on these loads for the 38-40--------Sixgun

[Old Time Hunter]

8grs. Unique, 200 gr cast bullet.

Absolutely....+ whatever! Newer stuff is much cleaner too.