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Old November 6, 2009, 10:17 PM   #1
davem
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reloading the 44/40

I'm not sure if it is still available but a few years back one of the manufacturer's offered a Colt clone in 44/40 with a spare cylinder in 44 Magnum. Apparently the revolver itself was strong enough for the 44 mag.
In any event that got me to thinking. The 44/40 has historically been loaded pretty soft because it originally had a ballon head on the case but nowadays I would think all the cases are pretty much the same. If so, then it would seem that a 44/40 could be loaded a lot hotter- maybe not up to 44 Mag but maybe close to it. Now on a revolver- that doesn't make much sense if you could just pop in a 44 Mag cylinder but if you had a 1873 Winchester in 44/40 for Cowboy action events and could load the 44/40 to a better level, then the 44/40 ought to do pretty good on deer at fairly close range.
So.....
I don't know anything on this idea or if it is even doable but can the 44/40 be loaded hotter and to what level that is still considered safe in a replica revolver and replica 1873 lever action? Thanks.
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Old November 6, 2009, 10:40 PM   #2
bubba15301
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44/40

you cant load a 1873 up it is a very weak action you would need a model 92 or a marlin . another weak link is the 44/40 cases themselves
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Old November 7, 2009, 02:17 AM   #3
CraigC
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You're probably remembering the special run Super Blackhawk convertible. The SAA isn't strong enough for the pressure (Great Westerns notwithstanding) and neither is the Winchester `73. However, Brian Pearce reported in a recent Handloader that the modern Uberti 1873 .45's can handle loads approaching 20,000psi. That gets you a 250-260gr to 1400fps. Even at standard pressures you can approach that velocity with 200gr bullets in the .44-40.

I plan on using my own Uberti 1873 .38-40 on deer this fall, right after muzzleloader season.
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Old November 8, 2009, 03:21 PM   #4
Hawg
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What Craig said. The 44-40 in a strong action like a 92 can be loaded to .44 mag pressures but the cases wont last as long as straight walled cases like .45 Colt will. 900 fps in a clone revolver and 1400 in a 73 lever gun are decent pressures but i wouldn't go much over in either one. The problem with the 73 Winchester is the toggle link action. The toggles can't handle the back pressure.
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Old November 8, 2009, 03:31 PM   #5
Jim Watson
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There used to be some very heavy published loads for .44-40. There are some loose rifles out there, too, beaten up by the pressure, even 92s.
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Old November 8, 2009, 08:31 PM   #6
Hawg
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Quote:
There used to be some very heavy published loads for .44-40. There are some loose rifles out there, too, beaten up by the pressure, even 92s.
I respectfully disagree. The 92 with it's double locking lugs is one of the strongest actions ever made. They will handle pressures in excess of .44 mag easily.
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Old November 8, 2009, 09:36 PM   #7
davem
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First- I agree about the Model 92 but I was interested in the 1873 since the 44/40 was sort of the cowboy cartridge in the respect it could be used in both the revolver and lever action.
On the 1873 Winchester- the first time I saw one the bolt did seem pretty weak compared to the later models.
So...........
I am going to accept the advise given- my idea that the 44/40 might be loaded to 44 magnum pressures and used in the 1873 is not a doable option.
Thanks everyone for the honest advice.
Advice taken.
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Old November 9, 2009, 01:39 AM   #8
CraigC
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Well, you don't need .44Mag pressures to kill deer. 1200fps is plenty and with a good standard weight cast bullet, will exit any deer on earth.
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Old November 9, 2009, 09:58 AM   #9
Jbar4Ranch
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigC
Well, you don't need .44Mag pressures to kill deer. 1200fps is plenty and with a good standard weight cast bullet, will exit any deer on earth.
I killed an elk three years ago with a revolver, a cast bullet, and a muzzle velocity of only about 1100 fps at a distance of around 160 yards.

Load the .44-40 up with a compressed load of black powder and you'll be pushing 1300 fps with a 200 grain bullet at very safe pressures.
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