44-40 Reloads and cast bullets - questions

[ArtyMan]

Hey Guys,

Im in the process of picking up a nice Yellowboy in 44-40. I reload currently for both 8mm Mauser and 7.62x54r and now I am making the jump to 44-40. I am just wondering if there are any differences to loading cast bullets as opposed to jacketed? I have only ever loaded jacketed/plated bullets, never cast. I was also wondering what people seem to think of this cartridge? And where can one look for brass? I have searched the site sponsors but cant seem to find any 44-40 brass.

Any advice would help!
Thanks

 

[ben hunchak]

As a cast bullet, black powder cart. it is one of the best, because of it's large case cap. and low pressure requirement it is not the best revolver or rifle cartridge using smokeless powder. It is a good cartridge for CAS and fun shooting/pest control. It does best with a soft cast bullet of .427" or .428", bullets meant for the .44 mag. are bigger and heavier and may not chamber in the 44/40. It has pressure limits which make it a close range deer gun at best. Enjoy it!!

 

[ArtyMan]

Excellent! Just the info I was looking for. Thanks a lot! As of now I have not ventured into the world of black powder, however I feel it wont be too long

 

[commonman]

I have purchased brass from EE and Wholesale sports. Also Higginsons powder had some a while back. I believe Marstar had Winchester cartridges when I looked, but that was a while ago too. I cast with the Lee .429 200 grain with just strait wheel weight metal for my 94, these are working well for target shooting. For my SAA I have been using hard cast .427 from Cactus Plains. I had only ever cast for 30 cals before, but these are eazier to cast for some reason.

From what I can find out the older style levers etc. should stay with light loads, but I have found references in an older Lyman manual to some fairly potent loads for use in stronger actions, ie: win 92, 94 etc. Those were pushing a 200 grain jacket to almost 2000 fps, so not recommended for your SAA.

Funny but when I was a kid in the maritimes the 44-40 was considered the best bush gun for deer, even beter than my 410 with a slug (ha, ha).