Fired up the old 44-40 NS yesterday....

[Michael Boynton]

I finally got around to securing a set of 44-40 dies, 200 gr. bullets and brass for my 1917 44-40 NS 1917 44-40 NS rescue
and took it to the range yesterday. Having access to the definitive article on reloading 44-40 but NO access to PB powder, a series of loads with Unique (7.5 - 9.0), Trail Boss (5.5 - 6.5) and Goex FFG (cases full!) were fired. The lower end Unique load shot 12" low at 25 yards; the low end TB shot 8" low. Top load of Unique pretty much hit to point of aim at 25 yards; this is the load recommended by Taffin as an everyday load. The top end of the TB impacted 4" low at 25 yards. The TB loads were softer in recoil than the Unique.

The first round of BP caused a temporary lull in the firing line as the smoke drifted down the row of stalls. Pretty much of an attention getter!. I only loaded up 10 rounds but it was fun. However, the impact was about 10" low at 25 yds, and I am going to have to experiment with a tighter crimp, different powder or finer (FFFG) granulation. The BP rounds were loaded with a 20" drop tube and compressed slightly. Cleanup was easy.

I have to say that the 9.0 Unique load was a real attention-getter. I can understand how attractive a 44-40 carbine can be. May have to scrounge one of those up!! Now to find some PB....

[1873Bob]

Goodonya mate. My 44WCF SAA loves Unique anything from 8 to 9g with a 200g pill. My Uberti 1873 in the same cal loves Alliant 2400 13.5 to 15g is real good with again the 200g pill. The revolver seemed to like 14g but not quite as good as Unique though. Have used Swiss BP 3f Have not tried to squeeze any more in though, managed to drop 33g by volume into the case, again using a drop tube, was very good in both. Could probably have squeezed a little more in. Its a sweet cartridge to reload, saving to get a SAA in 38WCF.