Model P Colt

[Mike]

With the .44/40 I like to use Lyman's #427098 and I crimp just forward of the first driving band, just like the old timers did. There isn't any crimp groove there but even so I have had no trouble while using my loads in a rifle with a tubular magazine. The bullets don't recede into the case at all. As an added note, I do size my bullets to .429". That bullet over the 9 grains of Unique makes for plenty of good shooting, rifle and pistol. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Mike]

It's only been a month since this thread was added to, so let me add just a bit more. Today I shot my 5 1/2" .44/40 on paper and this was the first time that has happened in a long time. Actually, I didn't do too badly, for a beginner. The load was my favorite 9 grains of Unique under the #42798 Lyman bullet. This must be done more often. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Don McDowell]

That don't look to bad

[Mike]

Thank you, Sir! And I might also add, just for details, that was 16 shots fired offhand, two hand hold, from 50 feet. Next time I might try 55 feet... Shoot sharp, Mike

[Lumpy Grits]

Try backing that load down to 7.5-8.0gn Unique. I'll bet it will shoot closer to the sights.
What did the bore slug out at?
Gary

[Mike]

Lumpy, You're probably right about backing the load down to 8 grains or a bit less but my load of 9 grains is really meant for my '73 rifle copy. With that I like to have my ammo bark somewhat like the old factory loads and with 9 grains good hits at 100 yards with that gun's 24" barrel are taken for granted. I'm not anxious to use two different loadings (although I used to do that) in my .44/40s and the sixgun is slightly secondary to the rifle. I do have some Hornady "cowboy loads" in .44/40 and I'll see how those work in the sixgun since they are loaded quite a bit lighter than the standard level. And I have never slugged my sixgun's bore. Also, mainly for the .44/40 rifle, I size my cast bullets to .429". Shoot sharp, Mike

[Lumpy Grits]

Run'n that load in your 73 is pounding the heck out of those toggle-links.
Gary

[Mike]

Lumpy, My rifle is an Uberti and they're making it in .44 Magnum now. Even so, I won't argue with you and I'll try the 8 grain loading once more to see how things fly. Who knows? You are probably going to save me 1 grain of powder per shot. That will certainly help in the long run. Give me a week or so and I'll report back on how things work out. Shoot sharp's the word, Mike

[Don McDowell]

Mike have you used any 231 in your wcf cartridges? I've got about 5 cans of the stuff, and I'm thinking it might be good fodder for the 38wcfs. I know it works grand in the 45 acp, and somewhat well in the 45 colt, but that's as much as I've used it.

[Mike]

Hey Don, I know that Winchester 231 is a little faster burning than Unique and it might burn cleaner. Even so, I'm so well stocked with Unique that I'd better be using it up. If some 231 falls in my direction I will give it a good try. Shoot sharp, Mike