While Jim is casting, I'm loaded for the Winchester 44-40...
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Wanted to push some loads up to 30-32k psi. To accomplish this, I used pretty stout loads of Unique. Not testing for max velocity, just wanted to see how the gun handled high pressure loads.
The Starline 44-40 Brass holds about 1.5 grn more powder than their 44 Magnum Brass. I just extrapolate load data from there. It's not exactly rocket science.
When I reached 1400 fps, I quit. This doesn't sound powerful, but is about typical of most 44 Magnum Revolvers. Most consider them fine hunting ballistics and I agree
I loaded Missouri Bullets TC on the left and Acme SWCs on the right. Both 240 grn and both coated with Hi-Tek Coating.
The SWCs fed like glass and I'm glad the tapered/necked case eliminated my friend's 44 Magnum problem. I'm not sure if his gun's feeding problem is due to the straight wall case or just his gun.
Surely, H110 and 2400 will produce higher velocity. I'm expecting 17-1800 fps at the end of testing.
I don't think in our Magnum Era that the old 44-40 WCF is ready for a back seat just yet. It's been around a lot of years and still will get the job done...
For WB, I'll add...
There is no resistance when I drop the lever. The two locking lugs slide down without and sticking.
Fired cases drop back in the chamber after firing.
I just promptly got in an order from
Bear Creek Cast bullets in CA. They are my .323 (8mm) heeled 120 gr. RN. For the .310 Martini (rechambered for the .32-20 case) you typically shorten the case about 1/10" and press fit the bullets. This way the bullet does not get in the throat with the OAL. They are normally pushed to 1200 fps +/-. These are dry lubed and mic 0.322" and step to 0.313" at the heel. Actual .310 brass is very rare and has a very thin rim, you can lathe cut .327 Fed. I'm told. The .32 Winchester hulls make life easier.
They have bullet moulds. I'd want one with a flat point. But (500) store bought will last a long time in a single-shot.
I'll scan his product sheet and post it. The guy was real nice and called me to confirm the order.
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