Model P Colt

[Mike]

Lumpy, Okay, I loaded 40+ rounds today using the 200 grain bullet over 8.0 grains of Unique. Some of them will be used up on Wednesday and a short report shall follow. But for now, a short story. Back in the very early 80s, when Colt brought back the .44/40 as a standard chambering, I bought two of them; a 4 3/4" and a 7 1/2". At that time I got a double cavity mold from Lyman for #42798 and I had a talented 'smith hollow-point one of the cavities, so I get a solid and a hollow-point each with each pour when casting bullets. With those two bullets I had different loadings, the solid was usually loaded over 8.0 grains of Unique, just as you recommended. The hollow-points were generally loaded over 10.0 or 10.5 grains of Unique to be used in my old '92 carbine. Those worked great and the hot load could be used in the revolvers. I didn't like using the hot ones in a six-gun but it could happen. Back then I didn't have a '73. Now I don't dare load the hot ones anymore and I have weeded all of my old loads out, carefully. My idea with using the 9.0 grains of Unique loading was to have a semi-serious load that could be used in the '73 and the revolvers. In all likelihood I'll be pleased with the 8.0 grain loadings and stay with them.

Many years ago I had a friend who gave me a box of .38/40s by Peters. They were headstamped "38-40 HV" and my friend hadn't noticed that. He had an old Model '73 and that gun took three of the HV loads before coming apart. No injury but a non-repairable rifle that was quite a loss. Now I'll have to see if I still have what's left of that old box of ammo, maybe just to keep it safe. I don't have a gun that shoots the .38/40 anymore but I used to have a Bisley.

Anyway, I am somewhat familiar with the weaknesses of the '73 and I can only agree with your comments. Shoot sharp, Mike