Huey
Modern 44-40 WCF Load Data...
Saturday, April 11, 2020, 16:01

Spoke to Gary before I posted this. I'm always a little apprehensive about posting loading information. So, don't try this at home...

One of the drawbacks of these vintage and hyphenated cartridges is the lack of data using modern powders. But, some new powders produce impressive velocity at low or reasonably low pressure.

In my experience, case capacity and bullet size are key. The 44-40 holds a tad more powder than the 44 Magnum. But, it operates at much lower pressure due to the guns it's available in.

Hodgdon's did me a huge favor here. Lots of cast bullet data for the 44 Magnum in the 20k psi range. So, I use this for working up loads for my reproduction 44-40s. I won't say this is a great idea for vintage guns.

Above is a picture of the same charge in the 44-40 on the left and the 44 Magnum on the right. These are both Starline Cases.

None of this is new stuff. But, sure is fun to bring these old rounds back to life as hunting loads. I'm finding I can easily match the old Keith 44 Special loads. Those have killed a lot of game.