Thread: 44-40 ammo

Here is some of the ammo I've got. The winchester stuff will be fine, but what about these older rounds?
Some of the primers are smaller too, my main concern is if they are corrosive. Have no idea on age.

Are you sure the Kynoch round stamped 44W is 44-40 and not 44 mag.
They are similar and with that crimp they may look the same but aren't.

Originally Posted by jim160

Are you sure the Kynoch round stamped 44W is 44-40 and not 44 mag.
They are similar and with that crimp they may look the same but aren't.

It's stamped .44W doesn't say mag on it but doesn't say WCF either.

I would give it a good buffing and place it on shelf in reloading room,a bit of history,I cringe when think of some of the rare n collectable.12ga rounds Ive used over the years.strip the other rounds down and reuse components...probably safest to fire primers off and replace both them and powder with fresh new ones

Originally Posted by jim160

Are you sure the Kynoch round stamped 44W is 44-40 and not 44 mag.
They are similar and with that crimp they may look the same but aren't.

The Kynock round has a very old primer like the lower USC CO round both could be Black powder,
the .44 mag is a straight case the 44/40 is bottle necked
I don't think Kynock load the .44 mag

Handloading for the 44-40 is really only cheaper if you already have loading equipment. If you have to equip yourself new, it could take a few thousand rounds to break even. However, for velocity and accuracy, you would be better off loading your own.

It can be a huge learning curve as well...be patient, chalk up a problem to experience and keep going!

The older cartridge can give you problems. If the powder/primers have been compromised, they will not work very well. If the cases have turned brittle with age, they will split longitudinally. The bullets can corrode and stick to the case wall and increase chamber pressures when fired.

Might be best to put them on a shelf and enjoy looking at them.

There is no turning back now... :-)

I might hold off shooting those older rounds then, but I think reloading will still be effective, I want to get a press anyway for loading other calibers.
At $3.60 per round, it's pretty expensive to buy new, especially for plinking.
I know reloading will be cheaper. I just got to get the die set for my friends press.

Originally Posted by Old_School

I might hold off shooting those older rounds then, but I think reloading will still be effective, I want to get a press anyway for loading other calibers.
At $3.60 per round, it's pretty expensive to buy new, especially for plinking.
I know reloading will be cheaper. I just got to get the die set for my friends press.

Yes it is!

I no longer shoot targets as I once did, almost extinct! I load for hunting now and that's about it.

I loaded for years with a single stage press, but now load with a Square Deal press.
Much easier but I've learnt lots along the way. Crushed plenty of cases and figured out that the old cases are a lot thinner and get crushed very easily.

Pretty much all my cases are Starline, with some Winchester amongst them. They last quite well with the lighter smokeless loads and black powder.

But now finding replacement brass is a lot harder.

Looks like I need to find some cheap reloading gear, been told to stay away from anything made by Lee because it's crap apparently.

well THAT information is a load of crap..... LEE makes great reloading gear....always have done

The problem with 44 magnum rounds is they .429-.430 and they can cause excessive pressure in older 44-40s that tend to be .427. You must slug your barrel. 44-40s vary greatly in barrel diameter and you need projectiles that are 1-2 thou greater than your barrel. Jacketed bullets make this even more crucial.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

well THAT information is a load of crap..... LEE makes great reloading gear....always have done

Totally agree Lee make some of the best gear. I reload black powder 45-70 through to nitro 300wsm and have mostly Lee gear including bullet moulds for most

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

well THAT information is a load of crap..... LEE makes great reloading gear....always have done

Well that's good to hear if it's true. I've been told by a number of people that their stuff is rubbish, hence their lower cost.
What about bullet moulds, are aluminum ones the best to go for or should I look for steel?

LEE gear is made with cheaper materials but works fine . . for me

LEE molds work fine . . some are outstanding

1st shots with LEE 500grn bullet subsonic yesterday evening.
2 shots 45 yards
3 shots 100 yards just over 1 inch or 27mm
rounds loaded with LEE dies


500grn LEE bullet left
405 RCBS right
LEE molds breakin easy and generally speaking are well made for price point and make quality bullets