Lead bullet sizing... multi-cartridge?

[ontgunner]

Hope the title is not too misleading.
Before I go putting in my first order for lead, I have to ask some very newbie style questions.
Let me start by saying these will not be target loads... just a way to put more holes in paper.
I will be loading for a variety of calibres and was hoping to keep down the number of sizes I have to buy.
So... can the same bullets I buy for my .44spl/.44mag (lever gun) be loaded for the 44-40 (revolver)?
Similarly, can the ones I buy for .45 long colt load into .45 a.c.p.?
Where there are variances in diameter, I plan on using the smallest to avoid pressure issues. (this may negatively affect my accuracy).
Once I get a handle on all this, I will slug the bores and load specific rounds for specific guns, but I have yet to load one round... this is my warm up.
Also, I will be running everything on the low side for now.
I will be using Titegroup and/or TrailBoss as powders.
Primers... don't know yet.

 

[sunray]

"....45 long colt load into .45 a.c.p.?..." The ACP uses a .452" cast bullet. A .45 Colt normally uses a .454" bullets are are usually much heavier. A regular 230 grain RN will work in both though.
The .44-40 uses a .427" cast bullet. The bore diameter of the revolver will tell you which bullet to use.

 

[anchor3593]

So... can the same bullets I buy for my .44spl/.44mag (lever gun) be loaded for the 44-40 (revolver)?

LIkely you can find a .430 flat-nosed bullet that will work for both the .44 spl/mag and the 44-40. If you can find a schematic of the bullet which shows the distance from the crimp groove to the nose of the bullet and add this to the length of your case, then check to see if your revolver can take that cartridge overall length. ( Remember to measure to the correct side of the case rim.)


"Similarly, can the ones I buy for .45 long colt load into .45 a.c.p.?"

Remembering that the acp will not be crimped, and the .45 long colt will prefer a little crimp into a groove - yes - a 185 gr to a 240 gr bullet with a crimping groove can be used for both ( also for a .454.) A groove may not be necessary for light loads. I use a Lee tumble - lube bullet which comes out at 236 gr for all three.

You will have little load information available to help you in using off-sized bullets - and don't forget that pressures go up quick when you use a little heavier bullet - start on the low side.

Where there are variances in diameter, I plan on using the smallest to avoid pressure issues. (this may negatively affect my accuracy).
Once I get a handle on all this, I will slug the bores and load specific rounds for specific guns, but I have yet to load one round... this is my warm up.
Also, I will be running everything on the low side for now.
I will be using Titegroup and/or TrailBoss as powders.

Titegroup is a fast powder - and cheaper here - I think it is a good choice unless you have a long barreled shooting iron and a yen ( hankering?) for high velocities.

Primers... don't know yet.

Magnum primers light things up a little quicker - adding pressure and velocity - I use them to save on powder. Magnum primers seat a little tighter in old worn - out cases too.

While I'm in the theme of thrifty, consider casting your own bullets - it cuts costs back - way back. .45 acp costs little more than .22 LR.

Old Guy - off for a walk.

 

[ben hunchak]

The .45 ACP does not use a roll type crimp and bullets meant for it do not have a crimp groove. Bullets for the .45 Colt have a crimp provision on the bullet, as do the bullets for the .44/40. The revolvers using the .45 Colt and the .44 Wcf. usually shoot to point of aim with certain bullets weights, and because alot of them don't have adjustable sights, it's best to stick with those bullet weights ie: 200gr. in the .44Wcf. and 250gr. in the .45 Colt.
So to answer your question, I would use 3 diff. bullets in the above guns for a start.

 

[ontgunner]

Thanks for the input, gents!