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44-40
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 8:31 pm
by Splash
What weight of unique pushing a 200gn hard cast are getting good accuracy ?
Will be in Winchester 1892 carbine
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:37 pm
by PeterN
I would consult my reloading manual for a starting load and experiment from there. What load is accurate in one rifle may not be accurate in another. I do not rely on forum answers for safe loading data, only published sources. You could get a typing error on a forum answer that could lead to disaster if not checked with other published sources.
Regards
Peter.
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 7:43 am
by dromia
Asking for other peoples loads on the internet is an accident waiting to happen.
Use pressure tested data as you source and work from there, the powder manufacturers are the first port of call other peoples loads are meaningless in your rifle and with your handloading procedures, you need to develop your own loads from safe pressure tested data.
Peering at primers is no way of assessing safe pressure either
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:37 am
by FredB
Dromia is right. I often suggest loads, but they are always well short of the maximums and are within the range given by reloading manuals. You not likely to get really good accuracy with a hard cast bullet in 44-40. My bullets are 200 grn, 25 :1, lead to tin and I use 8 grn of Unique. My 116 year old rifle has digested thousands of them with no sign of distress.
Fred
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:57 am
by dromia
I missed the hard cast bit in you post OP, and Fred is correct not only are hard cast bullets unlikely to give accuracy due to the inevitable poor fit unless you are the lottery winner with and undersized bore that the hardcasts will fit they will inevitably give leading.
Hard cast bullets and accuracy is an oxymoron!
Hard cast bullets are only hard cast for the manufacturers benefit not the shooters.
Soft lead gives far better and consistent results all you need is roof flashing or lead pipe with a smidgen of tin to aid castability. Hard cast bullets have done more to put people of cast lead bullets than anything else.
My powder of choice for the 44-40 is Swiss No 2 3fg black powder which is actually cleaner than unique.
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 10:07 am
by Splash
I use unique in my .32-20 with good results. I use Lyman 50th for published loads, and check with quick -load.
Use shelllhouse bullets as don’t wish to get involved in casting .
Was told to Ask advice and make my own mind up what was useful and safe . I have read my post and it doesn’t mention I need a hot load or a lecture on safety
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 10:26 am
by dromia
You also didn't say you wanted a light load, as to whether a "lecture" on safety was asked for you got what members on here deemed sound advice.
Your OP is a brief request for loads using unique and hard cast bullets to which the members you sought advice form told you what they thought.
As to safety, asking for "loads" on an internet forum as you have done suggests that you do need some advice on safety but obviously you think contrary and spitting out your dummy in pique at people who have taken time to try and help you suggests that perhaps your attitude to handloading might be better received on other less circumspect forums.
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 10:50 am
by Mike95
The various reloading manuals divide the loads between Group,1.. weak actions and Group 2, strong actions. The 1892 Winchester is listed in the "strong action".. groove size also varies with the rifle model.. I had an Armi Sport in 44/40 which was barrel grooved identical to the original 44/40 (WCF .44) model.. about .427.. most modern 44/40 models are fitted with a .44 mag barrel..
amc577
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 11:53 am
by Splash
I can apologise if you mistakenly think I’m stupid or insulting.
Thought the idea of a forum was to ask specific questions .
Re: 44-40
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:30 pm
by FredB
Over the years, I have slugged about 8 original Winchester barrels. I have never found one in .427" diameter. Mine is .429", like all the others.
Fred