I've neglected my 40 S&W Trail Gun for too long...
The cartridge has been dubbed the "Short & Weak." Something I don't agree with, but to each his own.
My gun has a 5 1/2" barrel and practically no barrel gap. In fact, I just added a Belt Mountain #5 Base Pin and cannot tighten the locking screw much. No issue with that.
I decided to use the same bullet in this gun as my 10mm TG, the Berrys 180 grn Plated Hybrid HP. These things expand and penetrate like crazy.
Berrys recommends 975-1075 fps for best performance. I can easily reach the 1075 fps mark with starting loads using several powders. My pick thus far is hands down Longshot.
The revolver allows bullets to be seated out with no issue of creep. Using pressure tested data, I figure I'm around 23-24,000 psi. The longer barrel and cylinder length varies from most data using a 4" (including chamber) autoloader ballistics.
I did put a slightly taller front sight to compensate for muzzle flip using heavy bullets. Accuracy is superb and bullets expand to nickel size at 50 yards. I find this more appealing than flashy numbers on paper.
Not really sure what more one could ask from a Trail Gun. I gravitate towards the 10mm, but have to give this little gem it's due.
There is generally only a 10-15% difference or so
and in a revolver it's simple to seat long and load full 10mm. If you have enough bullet, so 175gr.+ In my experience the revolver does not lose any performance at all compared to the auto. That has been a surprise.
As is, the .40 S&W is full equal of the old .38-40 and I have never heard folks poor mouth it too much. Indians, bears, and most in between have been taken with it and the nominal 180 gr. .40 cal. bullet. It never promised anything but to be there when opportunity knocked. The rest was up to the shooter.
I'm interested in trying it on that small SSM chassis. The shooting sensation must be intense with full power loads. I'd figure backing down a bit would make a capable and more comfortable shooter. You'd described it to me before but it has to bounce pretty good. The lightest .44 Spec. I have is about 32 oz. Wonder what your trailgun runs?
It weighs 33.4 oz...
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I think I weighed this rig at 34 oz. and
shooting my .44 Special load, 240 gr. at 1050 fps it is fine. (it has six pretty big holes drilled in that cylinder) I had it built to use and it's my go to wheelgun friend. The SSM in .40 S&W I commissioned will be an interesting contender. The weight similarities are interesting indeed.
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