June 14, 2008, 09:28 AM | #1 |
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45 LC versus 44-40
Hello everyone. I got a question. What is the overall best rifle cartridge?
The 45 Long Colt or the 44-40. I know the 44-40 is the most historic caliber and I don't think the ballastics or that much different. Is the 44-40 hard to reload and can a 1860 Cap & Ball pistol be converted to the 44-40? Thanks |
June 14, 2008, 09:51 AM | #2 |
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Last edited by rogertc1; June 15, 2008 at 05:19 AM. |
June 14, 2008, 10:11 AM | #3 |
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44-40 cases are thin. They take a little more care to reload but they're not bad. If you shoot bp 44-40 is best. The thin case expands to keep fouling out of the action. As was stated .44 c&b's are converted to .45 Colt.
Historically the .45 Colt was never chambered in rifles, the 44-40 was. The .45 can be loaded hot in a strong action like the 92 but so can the 44-40, just 44-40 cases won't last as long loaded hot. |
June 15, 2008, 11:42 AM | #4 |
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Thanks HAWG for the information. Let's make some smoke!
Last edited by Zeb Kingsford; June 15, 2008 at 11:43 AM. Reason: spelling |
June 15, 2008, 12:01 PM | #5 |
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i know you are gonna think i am nuts but i swear the 44 40 is just a little bit faster to feed in a lever gun during a cowboy shoot. however watch mixing up ammo when loading. it will definately ruin your day....bobn
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June 15, 2008, 12:09 PM | #6 | |
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Bottlenecks do feed easier than straight wall cases but some of the .45 shooters are pretty dang fast.
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June 15, 2008, 01:53 PM | #7 |
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.44-40 ain't gonna go well in an 1860 because it is awful fat for the cylinder and because a .44 c&b is really a .45.
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June 15, 2008, 05:28 PM | #8 |
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No fatter than a .45. That's why conversion cylinders only hold five. True the .44 c&b bore is .45.
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June 15, 2008, 06:40 PM | #9 |
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Thanks for the info guys, I think I will stick with the 44-40. I guess I would like to stick with the historical aspect of the caliber. Just as long I would be able to convert the 1860 Armys to cartride at a later date if I choose.
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June 15, 2008, 07:43 PM | #10 |
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I don't recall reading of any early guns being converted to 44-40? Came along after the 45 didn't it?
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June 15, 2008, 08:05 PM | #11 | |
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June 16, 2008, 08:35 PM | #12 |
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I thought that conversions were done to 38-40 and 44 Russian, then, and sometimes to 38 Special or 38 S&W now. It's probably much cheaper to just buy another pistol in the caliber that you want and keep the 1860 cap & ball. Is it a Colt or Remington replica? I've had a conversion cylinder for a Remington. Not sure about the 1860 Colt. What's the caliber of your 1860? I've seen replicas in .36, .38, .44 and .45.
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June 16, 2008, 08:37 PM | #13 |
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Oh yea, for accuracy in rifles, I like 38-40 and 44-40. For hunting loads, 45 Colt.
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June 16, 2008, 09:15 PM | #14 |
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I've hunted with my 92 in 44-40. I do jack the loads up some. Haven't actually shot anything with it yet tho.
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