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I posted this in another thread but I’m not getting updates or email notifications so easier to start a new post where I can see it on the current topics.
I can buy 44-40 in 225gr Winchester brand cowboy load(750 FPS) but also buy the 200gr jacketed Winchester Brand(1190 FPS). The 225 are a lot cheaper in price and I only want to punch paper. So, do I go with 225gr 750fps or the 200gr. It seems the 225gr 44-40 cowboy load would be less pressure on these antique guns but I don’t know what fps a vintage 1873 can handle?
My purpose is a safe load to punch paper in my antique 44-40 m1873. Any & all comments welcome.
RickC(AG)
If the “cowboy” loads are cheaper, don’t know why you’d consider any other.
Rick,
I would try both and see which one shoots better in your Model 1873 rifle… the choice then become self evident.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
If shooting a rifle I would think the 1190 FPS stuff would be best for anything over 50 yards..
This 1873 rifle in 44(44-40) is my first 44 cal gun. So when I went to buy some ammo the gun store clerk asked if I wanted cowboy loads or the other loads ?
I said I just want to target shoot and he suggested full lead cowboy loads. The 200gr are jacketed & more money than the 225gr cowboy loads. I just want whatever cartridges today are the safest for a vintage 1873 to handle. What is the max fps for an original 1873 made in 1885.
RickC(AG) said
What is the max fps for an original 1873 made in 1885.
Nothing off the shelf is going to blow up the gun, because it has to be safe enough to fire in .44-40 revolvers. But for making holes in paper, why worry about max fps?
Best thing to do is by buy dies & load to the vel. YOU want–BP if you want to do it the old timey way, though you can’t stuff 40 g. into a modern case.
clarence said
Nothing off the shelf is going to blow up the gun, because it has to be safe enough to fire in .44-40 revolvers. But for making holes in paper, why worry about max fps?
Best thing to do is by buy dies & load to the vel. YOU want–BP if you want to do it the old timey way, though you can’t stuff 40 g. into a modern case.
I would be lucky if I ever shot more than a box of 50 through any Winchester I own other than my 22’s Clarence so reloading & the equipment etc is not feasible for me with any caliber.
But, if anything off the shelf today is safe to use as you said, I’m going to lay this thread to bed. Appreciate your input.
RickC
Rick, I had no idea how expensive factory ammo is at a gun store, $75 a box. Not a big deal if you just need one box, but if you like to shoot it, 44WCF is cheap and simple to hand load. The hand loading for these old guns is a hobby in itself. I recently sold my late brother-in-law’s loading tools for pennies on a dollar at a gun show. One hobby makes the other hobby cheaper. T/R
Appreciate the reply T/R. It’s not something that interest me at the moment but might ponder this down the road. I take a few of my acquisitions to the range a couple times a year and put 4 or 5 rounds down range With each rifle. $75 worth of factory 50 rd box last me about 10 yrs lol.
RickC
Rick, I understand. My situation is different, most of my guns have obsolete calibers and I cannot buy factory ammo nor can I depend on the supply of the currently available ammo. Having powder, lead, cases, and the tools assures me a life time supply for a lifetime hobby. With a small inventory of supplies I can create what I need when I need it! T/R
November 7, 2015
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RickC(AG) said
Appreciate the reply T/R. It’s not something that interest me at the moment but might ponder this down the road. I take a few of my acquisitions to the range a couple times a year and put 4 or 5 rounds down range With each rifle. $75 worth of factory 50 rd box last me about 10 yrs lol.RickC
Taking a 44WCF to the range is reason enough to consider reloading. I’ve probably never saved a dime by reloading but I’ve never paid $75 for a box of recreational ammo either. Getting into old Winchesters has breathed new life into my reloading hobby. I no longer shoot competitively and I only need so much hunting ammo. I enjoy studying and loading for many of the near-obsolete cartridges. Casting is enjoyable but not really necessary for the 44WCF. I’ve heard a few complaints about the accuracy and velocity variations in some of the cowboy ammo but considering the intended purpose I doubt it’s a concern for the manufacturer or many of the consumers.
If you have any questions about hand loading if you ponder this in the future please let me know, Rick.
Mike
TXGunNut said
Casting is enjoyable but not really necessary for the 44WCF.
Mike
Mike, do you know anyone that makes custom molds? I’m have searched everywhere I can think of and no one makes a mold for the 44 RF that is a .445″ diameter. These bullets are also heeled like a 22 RF. I have made some dummys where I put bullets in my drill press and ran a file against them to make the correct diameters.
TXGunNut said
Casting is enjoyable but not really necessary for the 44WCF.
How about using .44 or .45 round balls seated on top of a case full of BP? No tools needed except a universal decapper.
Chuck said
Mike, do you know anyone that makes custom molds? I’m have searched everywhere I can think of and no one makes a mold for the 44 RF that is a .445″ diameter. These bullets are also heeled like a 22 RF. I have made some dummys where I put bullets in my drill press and ran a file against them to make the correct diameters.
Chuck, you may try accuratemolds.com to see what they have in their existing catalog or see if they can make a mold for what your wanting.
Chris
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
November 7, 2015
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Chuck said
Mike, do you know anyone that makes custom molds? I’m have searched everywhere I can think of and no one makes a mold for the 44 RF that is a .445″ diameter. These bullets are also heeled like a 22 RF. I have made some dummys where I put bullets in my drill press and ran a file against them to make the correct diameters.
Chris is correct, Tom @ Accurate makes some fantastic custom moulds but I’m not aware of any heeled bullet moulds in his “catalog”. I feel pretty sure that it’s something he can do as he makes gas checked bullet moulds. I don’t believe he can make a hollow base but it won’t hurt to ask.
Mike
November 7, 2015
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clarence said
TXGunNut said
Casting is enjoyable but not really necessary for the 44WCF.How about using .44 or .45 round balls seated on top of a case full of BP? No tools needed except a universal decapper.
That sounds like fun, Clarence. What I meant was that quite a variety of commercial cast .429-430 bullets are available.
Mike
So just to conclude, is everyone in agreement 1190 fps at the muzzle is fine to shoot thru a 73 if the rifle is sound ?
RickC
RickC(AG) said
So just to conclude, is everyone in agreement 1190 fps at the muzzle is fine to shoot thru a 73 if the rifle is sound ?RickC
Yes…
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
RickC(AG) said
So just to conclude, is everyone in agreement 1190 fps at the muzzle is fine to shoot thru a 73 if the rifle is sound ?RickC
Rick,
Your statement is flawed, you do not refer to bullet weight, size, powder type, and all other varibles that influence chamber pressure. Velocity is not the only factor. I assume you were referring to factory 44-40 ammo. I told you what I do and I make no recommendation. You have to make your own decision! T/R
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