Questions on Shooting .44-40 Ammo

tenringbound

tenringbound

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I recently bought a Chaparral Arms 1873 revolver and rifle both chambered in44-40. After reading the manual it warns against using modern smokeless powder in the guns and to use black powder rounds instead. My question is isnt the .44-40 ammo sold at most gun shops formulated for these types of guns? My local shop said they had .44-40 in cowboy action loads and .44-40 WCF, unfortunately they couldn't tell me if they used black powder or not. I haven't shot anything out of them yet and don't want to damage them or have any issues. I don't plan on reloading at this point. This is the first time outside the black rifle world for me so I appreciate any help on what's best suited to use in them. Thanks!
 
tenringbound said:
... My local shop said they had .44-40 in cowboy action loads and .44-40 WCF, unfortunately they couldn't tell me if they used black powder or not.
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Cowboy action loads were meant for these types of actions. No, they are not loaded with black powder; however, they been loaded to low pressure. I have no issues shooting the winchester cowboy ammo in my original '73.
 
Thanks OneBarfly, that's what I was wondering. Do the Cowboy Action loads have enough power to allow for small game hunting? What's the largest game you could take with this cartridge? Thanks!
 
I have been using a Uberti 73 rifle in CBA for a few years now, I reload al my ammo and have tried the CBA loads by Winchester. The factory CBA loads are more intense then my reloads though should not create issues. The BP loads will create problems with the inherent fouling, particularly with accuracy and chambering.
Years ago I tried BP loads in an original 73, they worked ok and were reasonably accurate though I did clean the bore after every shot. I never used BP loads for CBA though.
Cheers
 
tenringbound said:
Thanks OneBarfly, that's what I was wondering. Do the Cowboy Action loads have enough power to allow for small game hunting? What's the largest game you could take with this cartridge? Thanks!
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While I have no actual expirence hunting with cowboy loads, due to their low muzzle energy (281 foot pounds), I don't feel that it's up to the task - by comparision, a modern 9mm round fired from a pistol has more engery.

The 44-40 round has taken plenty deer, including through-and-through shots in it's original loading - depending on the source, say 200gr lead bullet at approx 1150-1200fps. I intend to load some up to this level and take my out this year for old times sake.
 
"...they couldn't tell me if..." Not BP. Light 'target' smokeless loads.
"...enough power to..." Yep. Wouldn't use 'em on deer, small game you don't want to eat. .44 calibre cast bullets will shred small game without a head shot.
The .44-40 is a bit of a pig to reload due to the relatively thin brass. Not impossible though.
 
The Note on .44-40 is aimed at the rifles rather than the SA revolvers.... Don't worry.
Obviously in the 1866 and the 1873 rifles one would want to be cautious with whatever loads you decide to use
John
 
Thanks Sunray, appreciate the info, small game or targets is my plan for them anyway, for fun. Thanks Johnone for the clarification and for the service, I was able to buy the guns while serving in A'stan and everything went off without a hitch! Got to play with them while home on leave and they are beautiful pieces. Anxiously awaiting the M305B and Norc M4!
 
I used to shoot black powder loaded .44-40 in a Uberti 1866 "Winchester" and a Uberti 1873 "Colt" revolver. I had no issues with loading, feeding or accuracy. I certainly did not clean the bore after every shot and still had good accuracy. As long as your loads have enough lube the fouling stays moist and does not wreck the accuracy.
 
sunray;4280280The .44-40 is a bit of a pig to reload due to the relatively thin brass. Not impossible though.[/QUOTE said:
I've only ever munched 3 or 4 cases in the last 15 years of handloading this wonderful little round. And I'm talking several thousand. I died a little inside everytime with each one I squished. Just be careful when running the ram up into the size, and make sure you have enough bell, but not too much. Also, I limit my crimp, and that extends case life.
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