44-40 how good is it

[the rifleman]

i was wondering what is the velocity on a 44-40 winchester out of a 20" barrel and how much will it drop at 100 yrds i am gonna purchase the flip special - the lucas mccain reproduction rifle an 1892 winchester in 44-40 just curious :usa: :blink:

[Deputy Al]

Factory ammunition runs a little over 1100 FPS from the 19" barrel of my original 1873 x 44-40. I handload cast bullets for it that get to 1200 FPS, and that is about as strong as you want to run them in that action. These when sighted in at 50 yard zero drop about 3.5-4.0 inches. Kind of a rainbow trajectory at factory velocities.

The 1892 action series is capable of containing significantly more pressure than the '73, and you can get fairly close to 44 Magnum velocities (80%-85%) in the 92 using handloads. 200 grain bullets at 1650-1700 should be possible safely.

The carbine I use was used as a ranch gun by my great-grandfather, and accounted for a LOT of deer and several black bears. Most of these shots were fairly close range affairs--25 to 75 yards. I won't try a shot past 75 yards with factory-level loads on critters. The carbine has seen A LOT of use, but still shoots into 1.5"-2.0" at 75 yards.

Handloading the caliber is a little more difficult than straight-wall revolver rounds, due to the thin cases used. They can be bent EASILY, and going slow while running cases into loading dies will prevent case loss by crumpling. The cases also need a light crimp into a bullet cannelure or groove, and these cases stretch--so keeping case lengths consistently trimmed will pay off accuracy-wise.

At 42-45 bucks a box for factory rounds--50 count--handloading is a real attractive option.

[the rifleman]

B) thanks again for the advice pilgrim . good shooten to ya ,

best to ya , the rifleman