Anyone done any 250 grain 44-40 loads?

[John Y Cannuck]

I'm working on a load for my 1892. I found I had to trim the cases back quite a bit to get the OAL correct. The bullets will be into the case a ways, but they feed (at least the first dummy round) very well.

I have yet to decide on powder but I'm aiming for 1200 to 1400fps. Accuracy being foremost of course.

Yes, I'm well aware that 200 to 215 grain is normal bullet weight for the cartridge. Also that most loads are kept down to BP velocities.
But what fun is that?

The 1892's 44-40 bullets have been shoved out the bore at close to 44 mag velocities with the regular bullet weights. So, I want to try a heavy weight at velocities where accuracy is at least possible. Those warp speed loads don't shoot worth a hoot in my rifle.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

I'm working on a load for my 1892. I found I had to trim the cases back quite a bit to get the OAL correct. The bullets will be into the case a ways, but they feed (at least the first dummy round) very well.

I have yet to decide on powder but I'm aiming for 1200 to 1400fps. Accuracy being foremost of course.

Yes, I'm well aware that 200 to 215 grain is normal bullet weight for the cartridge. Also that most loads are kept down to BP velocities.
But what fun is that?

The 1892's 44-40 bullets have been shoved out the bore at close to 44 mag velocities with the regular bullet weights. So, I want to try a heavy weight at velocities where accuracy is at least possible. Those warp speed loads don't shoot worth a hoot in my rifle.

Hey John Y, I still have that RCBS Cast Bullet Handbook I got from you. I checked through that, the Lyman 3rd Edition and my old tattered copy of the Lyman 1st Edition Cast Bullet Handbook. Both the Lyman books have info on 44-40 cast loads for both rifle and handgun and in my 1st Edition, there were some loads listing use of a 250gr bullet, but they were listed under handgun loads. Velocities are not in the range you had in mind but it's all I could find so I thought I'd scan it and send it on to you. The Lyman bullet #, 429421 is the SW designed by Keith for use in the 44Spl and 44 Mag. Crimped in the designed crimp groove and for use in my old 94 Marlin, I wouldn't be able to cycle live rounds through. To use that bullet, I'd have to crimp over the forward driving band. That's why I go with a 200gr cast in mine. I wouldn't think that length would pose similar cycling problems through your 92 though would it?? Not the ejection port size restrictions I have with the Marlin. Let me know.

Johnn

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Thanks for the loads John, I do have access to those powders, and will be using them in load development.

I'll be starting a new thread on this momentarily dealing with the cartridge length issue. It's just as much of an issue for me as it is for you.

In addition, the magazine stop on my '92 prevents anything other than a round nose from feeding properly.

I could make alterations to help fix that, but as It could lead to other issues and I have this heavy round nose to work with, i will leave it be, at least at present.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Thanks for the loads John, I do have access to those powders, and will be using them in load development.

I'll be starting a new thread on this momentarily dealing with the cartridge length issue. It's just as much of an issue for me as it is for you.

In addition, the magazine stop on my '92 prevents anything other than a round nose from feeding properly. I could make alterations to help fix that, but as It could lead to other issues and I have this heavy round nose to work with, i will leave it be, at least at present.

I've gone through the details of my acquiring this old Marlin 94 in past posts.

Suffice is to say, it's been in the family for some time and when it came 'available' I picked it up as it was the first centerfire rifle I had ever shot. I take it out every once in a while for a quick trip down memory lane and 'feed it' some of those 200grs I mentioned previously and Trailboss.

Oh, after trying, with little success, to determine how old it was, I contacted Marlin, gave them the serial number and patient dates on the barrel and the answer came back, 1895!! The old girl's been around for a while.

I'd be interested in hearing how things progress for you with the '92.

Somewhat related to topic and possibly an option. In a Marlin 444S, in addition to using the Hornady 265grFP, I also use two cast bullets.

One, a 250gr SWGC that can be crimped where designed. The second, on top, a 325gr SWGC that to stay within the maximum or 'workable' C.O.A.L., I have to crimp over the forward driving band. Works fine. This is a similar ploy used by Keith when using his designed bullets (173gr PBSW, Lyman #358429, 155gr HP #358439 and #358431 HB) in 357 cases and in guns with shorter cylinders such as the S&W models 27 & 28.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

I would decidedly not use the loads I'm working with in that rifle John, but check out the other thread for the cartridge length discussion.

The rifle I am using is a 1920's vintage 1892. It was in much much morse condition than yours when I first got it. the barrel and action extremely pitted inside and out for the barrel, stock cracked, checked, dented, shrunk, the works. Originally it was in 38-40, and missing action parts, incl the bolt.

I have sourced parts from a kazillion places, got it shooting in 38-40, but the accuracy was piss poor. So, with the Help of a brand new 1894 barrel from tiriaq, it got switched to 44-40.

So now I have a strong action, with a strong new barrel. It shoots quite well, but is a bit weird with 1894 on the barrel and 1892 on the receiver.

I did a draw filing to remove most of the pits, home hot tank bluing job, and just refinished the stock as is. The dents etc give it a strange appeal.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Edit to add pics

 

[sahara]

I shoot a similar rifle. Years ago I got a well thrashed 30/30 '94 Winnie with a bent barrel. Numrich sold me a new 44/40 barrel and internal parts, all left over from Winchesters commemorative stuff. I cleaned it up, refinished the stock, put a nice old peep on it, and shoot it lots. Some hot loads from the old Lyman books, some soft for plinking. Like thousands of rounds. A few years ago I got a deal on one of those Lyman mold sets that casts a soft point, hard base (or vise-versa) bullet. Just finished casting a bunch, gonna try it in my 44/40.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

I shoot a similar rifle. Years ago I got a well thrashed 30/30 '94 Winnie with a bent barrel. Numrich sold me a new 44/40 barrel and internal parts, all left over from Winchesters commemorative stuff. I cleaned it up, refinished the stock, put a nice old peep on it, and shoot it lots. Some hot loads from the old Lyman books, some soft for plinking. Like thousands of rounds. A few years ago I got a deal on one of those Lyman mold sets that casts a soft point, hard base (or vise-versa) bullet. Just finished casting a bunch, gonna try it in my 44/40.

I'd be interested in how those bullets turn out. I've never tried that mould. Years ago I did experiment with pouring soft nose, but getting the bullets to weigh the same was too much of an issue for me.