Questions about 44-40

ArmedGinger

ArmedGinger

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Picked a lever action up in one of these and didn't realize how hard it is to find ammo for this thing, and what you do find seems to be pretty pricey. I'm not set up for reloading yet so Iwas wondering what is decently priced out there and who has it in stock. So far the cheapest I found was $62 for a box of 50 which is Winchester.
 
44-40 is not a cheap gun to run if you don't reload, even at your lowest price factory ammo you would likely still be at $45 for 50, they will be mild cowboy loads, what kind of rifle did you get?
 
Craig0ry said:
44-40 is not a cheap gun to run if you don't reload, even at your lowest price factory ammo you would likely still be at $45 for 50, they will be mild cowboy loads, what kind of rifle did you get?
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$45 I was willing to pay until I get set up to reload but the only ones local is Wholesale Sports which has in stock Winchester Super X for $99 a box. I bought a used reloading kit from a family friend but have no idea how to set it up properly. I learn more from someone actually showing me than trying to learn out of a book so I've been asking around for someone to show me, still no luck yet.

I picked up an 1873 Model Lever action. Normally I always check into a caliber before buying the gun. This time it was an impulse buy so now I'm stuck looking for ammo :D
 
Google the bullet barn, they are located in BC and have 44-40 for $39 per 50, shipping won't be the cheapest so I would suggest a larger order, If you ever get your loading set up done, see if you can find someone to help show you. Once you start tinkering it's alot of fun, especially if your only starting with a caliber or 2
 
Craig0ry said:
Google the bullet barn, they are located in BC and have 44-40 for $39 per 50, shipping won't be the cheapest so I would suggest a larger order, If you ever get your loading set up done, see if you can find someone to help show you. Once you start tinkering it's alot of fun, especially if your only starting with a caliber or 2
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I found the bullet barn and fired them off an email, they are on vacation for two weeks.

I had heard that reloading 44-40 is a little more difficult due to the case tapering?
 
ArmedGinger said:
I found the bullet barn and fired them off an email, they are on vacation for two weeks.

I had heard that reloading 44-40 is a little more difficult due to the case tapering?
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It's possible, I have brass bullets and dies but have never loaded for the 44-40 yet since the rifle is almost 130 years old and doesn't get shot much, I've never looked into it, I was just going to load like I normally do, maybe there is more to it. Where about are you located in BC?
 
You need to flare the case mouth a wee bit as the brass is a tad soft.
I bewgurred up a few cases on my first try.
A buck a round isn't a horrible price to pay considering you will end up with the brass?

Some kibble fur yewse.

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I've been reloading 44/40 for about 35 years in my 94 Winchester, done thousands of them. The tales of it being difficult to reload are hooey.
Just don't force bullets into cases and you're fine. And pick up your brass before you step on it or you will crush it.
 
I seen Lyman had what they called the 310 tool which seemed sort of handy. Then went looking for one and Lyman are listed as sold out and the ones on Amazon.ca are going for $200-$400 for one!
 
After paying about $75 for a box of 50, (once only) I have been loading my 44-40 with Goex black powder using Lee dies on a Dillon 550B. Lots of good articles and videos on how to load on youtube. I'm shooting a Pietta 1873 and a Puma 92. The revolver prefers 200 gr .429 diameter bullets from the Bullet Barn. Starline brass is also available from them. I crushed the first two cases setting up the press but all good since then. I have also started using a Lyman 310 but only with 45 Colt. It is very easy to use once you figure out how to set it up. Again, lots of how to videos on youtube. Have fun.
 
Some of the best 44-40 ammo is the old - CIL Dominion - you'll find them at the gun shows for about $30/box of 20 rounds. Velocity is around 1600fps and it states on the top of the box "for use in rifles only" - they'll potentially blow up a single action Colt.

These are like a light 44 Mag load - great on deer - I buy every box I can find.

D.
 
The only thing that kept me away from 44-40 is you can't use carbide cases and have to lube. It's no biggie, but with 45 colt it's just 2 less steps I need to do (lubing and cleaning it off)
 
Well I picked up a set of Lee Dies for my press today. Also bought a work bench from Canadian Tire so I'll set up my reloading setup and start getting it ready.
 
Doubletap sports at the top of the page has starline brass in stock right now (and it's excellent brass). It's about $310/ 1000 rds (you can usually get it in increments of 100 also). It's one of the few cartridges that is usually cheaper to buy the components (as long as you are shooting lead) than it is to buy the loaded rounds first and then use the brass
 
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