Reloading for the 44-40?

[Oro]

Does anyone here reload for the 44-40? I've searched back about a year and found no discussions on it.

I've recently acquired a S&W 544 - N frame 44-40. No prior experience with the cartridge, but have some with .44spcl and .44mag. The .44-40 looked to me like I could about replicate 44 special performance, so that's good enough for me.

What is a good source for load data? I've found very little in my books or online?

I do not know the throat size/barrel size yet - though other owners of this guns have said .427 worked better - so presumably it's bored correctly I hope. I am particularly wondering about effective loads on the higher end of the spectrum for the woods - ones I can work up to and stay within spec - I gather the weakest point in this gun will be the brass, not really the cylinder! Input appreciated on any aspect of 44-40 reloading and the S&W 544 in particular.

 

[243winxb]

You may want to do a search on this website http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve Also there is load data on the Alliant & Hodgdon website.

 

[MMCSRET]

It is a relatively large case and the small charges recommended for most powders leave a lot of air space in the case. Standard bullet was 200 gr. cast lead. Remington markets a 200 gr. jsp of .426 dia. that can be loaded interchangably with the cast bullet. Trail Boss powder works very well as it leaves less air space. Check IMR site for data.

 

[Oro]

Both good leads, thanks. The speer .426 JSP would be just what I want to complement lead loads. Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Lots of good info here:
http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt4440.htm

rcmodel

 

[The Tourist]

I would also search out newer brass cases, and trim to length with a bit more regularity.

The 44-40 and the 38-40 had a bad reputation for the "crumple factor" during resizing. Additionally, the 44-40 is used in lever action rifles, and a uniform crimp is necessary in tube feed rifles. Trimming to a uniform length is the best maintenance for that.

 

[rcmodel]

The "Crumple Factor" depends entirely on whether or not you run the case mouth into the bottom of the sizing die by accident.

They don't crumple during sizing unless you screw up and miss the die!

They don't crumple during seating either if you use enough bell to get the bullet started easily.

rcmodel