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44-40

longspur riderlongspur rider Member Posts: 2,620 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited December 2008 in Ask the Experts
Had this on the reload forum but didn't get any response. Going hog hunting this winter with a friend & would like to plunk one with my Win 92 44-40. Anyone have a good load to try?
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Comments

  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    I load 7gr of Unique with a 200gr lead bullet. That is not a hot load. What is the condition and age of your 92. I would be not want to shoot a hot load in an old rifle.
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  • longspur riderlongspur rider Member Posts: 2,620 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It's made in 1918, excellent condition. Also planning on taking my old Ruger vaquero in 44-40.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    GOOGLE, Elmer Keith's 44 Special load(s), ( there very famous, though much less hot then .44 Mag ). Long as the 92 is tight and in good shape, you will have no problem. Use a hard cast, gas checked, flat nose,( large meplat ) bullet. It will do the job.
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  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    I would go with a maximum load of 9gr of Unique with a .427" bullet.
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ackley shows RIFLE loads using 2400 and 4227 giving velocities up to 2100fps.
    Phil Sharpe also shows 2400 loads up to 2100fps.
    The High speed loads for 32-20, 38-40 and 44-40 were developed about 1903 for the Winchester 92.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by v35
    Ackley shows RIFLE loads using 2400 and 4227 giving velocities up to 2100fps.
    Phil Sharpe also shows 2400 loads up to 2100fps.
    The High speed loads for 32-20, 38-40 and 44-40 were developed about 1903 for the Winchester 92.



    Shooting a 200/220 grain bullet @ 2100 fps from a Model 92, would guarantee to make your eyes water and shoulder hurt. Stick to Keith's loads @ 1400/1500 fps. It will do the job without giving you a permanent flinch.
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  • Grunt2Grunt2 Member Posts: 2,524 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a custom built 94 with an original Winchester 44-40 barrel. I'm shooting 200gr "Colorado Cast Bullets" (.429) over 12gr of BlueDot. Haven't killed anything with it but it shoots great and has easy recoil..I use the same powder charge with Sierra 185gr JHP's and it shoots even better..Sure is a fun shooting the old 44-40..
    Good luck..
    Retired LEO
    Combat Vet VN
    D.A.V Life Member
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  • Bert H.Bert H. Member Posts: 11,281 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree that 2100 fps is a "bit" hot for an original Model 1892. The original WHV loads were in the 1600 - 1800 fps range, and that is what I would stick to.

    WACA Historian & Life Member

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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Commercial high speed 44-40 ammunition specifically made for the 92 Winchester was 200 grain bullet at 1570fps and 160 grain bullet at 1980 fps.
    Keith's loads were for the Colt SAA in 44-40 using 18.5 gr 2400 and a 200 grain bullet. His loads were for folded head brass which had greater capacity than today's solid head brass.
    To match his loads in solid head brass, powder charges need to be dropped by 1- 1 1/2 grains.
    Ackley and Sharpe offer a range of loadings. Those cited above were maximum loads.
    When the 44 magnum cartridge came out, Numrich offered conversion barrels to 44 Mag for 92s in 38 & 44WCF.
    Minor changes need to be made to the cartridge guides.
    It's in the NRA Gunsmithing guide in case you're timid about using
    high speed loads.
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  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Weren't the highest velocity loads with lighter bullets?

    Ken Waters stops at 1500 fps with the stronger actions like the 1892. He says the 1800 fps loads in some old sources are too hot.
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