Thread: 44/40 reloads ( therapy needed )

Ok, so I have a problem.
Actually, I have a few, but hopefully the one you guys can help with is my handloads.
Loaded up about 20-25 loads with different powder weights, using some previously fired
brass, that came with my Rossi.
All good, reloads went well, no probs. Multiple case types, incl Starline.
Treated myself to some new Starline brass, dies set exactly the same, crushed 2 cases, seating the projectiles.
WTF, the previously fired Starline brass loaded fine.
Loaded up another couple of previously fired cartridges ( after crushing the new ones) and they loaded fine
Doing my head in.
Why would the ‘old’ cases load fine, and the ‘new’ cases won’t ?

Have you got an expander for the cases.
If you dont expand the neck for the projectiles then you will crush them.
I've loaded shitloads and only crushed a few cause I didnt expand the neck.

Yip my die expands the neck.
I can place the projectile in the flared neck, prior to seating it.
I can’t get my head around why the new Starline gets crushed, and the previously fired, doesn’t.
The dies set exactly the same.
Do you lube the inside of the neck, on new brass ?

Assuming the neck/shoulder brass thickness is the same as the old lot, the only other obvious variable is the virginity of the brass. The older stuff will be somewhat work hardened and may be less prone to crushing?

Originally Posted by Frogfeatures

Ok, so I have a problem.
Actually, I have a few, but hopefully the one you guys can help with is my handloads.
Loaded up about 20-25 loads with different powder weights, using some previously fired
brass, that came with my Rossi.
All good, reloads went well, no probs. Multiple case types, incl Starline.
Treated myself to some new Starline brass, dies set exactly the same, crushed 2 cases, seating the projectiles.
WTF, the previously fired Starline brass loaded fine.
Loaded up another couple of previously fired cartridges ( after crushing the new ones) and they loaded fine
Doing my head in.
Why would the ‘old’ cases load fine, and the ‘new’ cases won’t ?

Starline brass is a little softer than some other brands and they harden up with working get a Lyman M die to expand the necks stand die sets don't properly
expand the 44/40 necks it was an originally a black power round load with lead bullets and needs to be treated as such, M dies are about $50.00 and well worth the money
the Lee expander is useless for the 44/40 and other original black powder cartridges.

Although I haven't owned or loaded a 44-40 myself, I've come across a bazillion references to the, being a fragile case to load as you mention. As for why the old cases don't collapse and the new ones do, well we all love a good mystery hahaha

Ok, looks like I’m
A- reusing my previously fired brass. ( for the present )
B- buying a Lyman M die.

Thanks guys.
I’ll put it down to shooternz being right.
Any recommendations on where to get the new die ?

If you have no luck with your local gun shop I can source Lyman products and can recommend the Lyman dies I have them in 44/40 and a few others their current dies are very good

Originally Posted by shooternz

If you have no luck with your local gun shop I can source Lyman products and can recommend the Lyman dies I have them in 44/40 and a few others their current dies are very good

Frankly mate, I’d rather buy through you
I’ll flick you a PM, cheers

Originally Posted by Tommy

Although I haven't owned or loaded a 44-40 myself, I've come across a bazillion references to the, being a fragile case to load as you mention. As for why the old cases don't collapse and the new ones do, well we all love a good mystery hahaha

Quick Shaggy, to the mystery mobile!

Just get Robert to load some up for you.

Originally Posted by The bomb

Just get Robert to load some up for you.

Sorry don't load ammo for non locals too much hassle with the paper work and trying to freight it anywhere, Try Mark at Custom Cartridges he uses my bullets
and has the transport sorted.

Go along to Antique Arms and chat to someone there. The old fullahs know their shit.