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44-40 Winchester and Lack of Stores Selling It
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Von Fourche
Mar 12, 2012, 10:30:42 PM3/12/12
to
About eight year ago or so I wanted to get a lever action rifle that the
cowboys used. I ended up getting a 44-40 Winchester lever action made by
Winchester. I love that rifle. It does not kick hard, not too heavy, not
too loud, etc... I picked 44-40 because I read it was used in both rifles
and revolves back in the 1870s era.
So after I got that rifle I would buy 44-40 Winchester cartridges at
Wal-Mart and other stores. That was eight or so years ago. Well the last
few years I've not really shot my rifle much. Plus, a few years ago when I
started looking for this cartridge at Wal-Mart and they did not have any.
Plus none of the other stores that stock cartridges carry 44-40 cartridges.
Now when I go to stores that sell cartridges, including a Gander Mountain
store, they don't carry this caliber. I see 45 Colt. I always see 45 Colt.
But I don't see 44-40 Winchester. The only place I can find it is online.
So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
(50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
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SaPeIsMa
Mar 13, 2012, 5:49:00 AM3/13/12
to
"Von Fourche" <khon...@hotmail32865473.com> wrote in message
news:jjmbgi$b47$1...@news.albasani.net...
#
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
# (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
# And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
Start looking at reloading
I have started with a manual loader.
Not very fast, but it's a nice way to learn.
I do about 100 rounds at a time.
I've already saved enough to cover the original setup costs, loader, dies,
primers, powder & bullets
Already have all the cases I need.
So now, all my point and shoot practice ammo is reloads
Gunner Asch
Mar 13, 2012, 11:15:57 AM3/13/12
to
# Now when I go to stores that sell cartridges, including a Gander Mountain
#store, they don't carry this caliber. I see 45 Colt. I always see 45 Colt.
#But I don't see 44-40 Winchester. The only place I can find it is online.
#
# So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
#shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
#popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
#
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
#(50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
#And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
45 Colt has become more popular than 44-40. Shrug. Its actually a
"better" cartridge in many ways.
Neither cartridge has a huge following in the grand scheme of things and
most stores stock what actually sells.
So your choices are simple. Buy online, or buy enough stuff to handload
your own.
Frankly...if you have decided to start shooting it again..Id at the very
least...buy a Lee Loader, a hammer, a pound of the proper powder, some
primers and learn to use it. That $80 price for 100 rds, if applied
properly would get you close to 1000 rds of ammo if you handloaded them.
Humm..just guessing..but somewhere between 600 and 1000 rds if you
bought the Lee Loader on Ebay or used.
Or..if you know anyone who handloads their own ammo..make a deal with
them to use their press/measure/scale and buy a set of dies, and go over
on a weekend and crank out 200-500 rds while exchanging war stories and
having a good time.
Gunner, who has a few guys who do exactly that with my gear a couple
times a year.
Stanley Schaefer
Mar 13, 2012, 11:16:00 AM3/13/12
to
.44-40 is one of those calibers that the ammo companies make one run
for the whole year. If you don't grab it when it's available, you
lose. Most of the original guns are collector's items and if they're
in good condition, don't get shot. What with Big O getting in and the
resulting shortages of the more popular calibers, probably .44-40 is
at the bottom of the list for production. As far as Cowboy shooting,
that's a regional thing. .44-40 is an authentic caliber, but straight
wall cartridges are a lot easier to reload in quantity and are more
popular. Hence .45 Colt being available more than .44-40 and
cheaper. $80 is most of the way towards what a reloading outfit would
cost new, you can put together something with used equipment for
less. First couple of boxes you'd reload would pay for the outfit.
Stan
for the whole year. If you don't grab it when it's available, you
lose. Most of the original guns are collector's items and if they're
in good condition, don't get shot. What with Big O getting in and the
resulting shortages of the more popular calibers, probably .44-40 is
at the bottom of the list for production. As far as Cowboy shooting,
that's a regional thing. .44-40 is an authentic caliber, but straight
wall cartridges are a lot easier to reload in quantity and are more
popular. Hence .45 Colt being available more than .44-40 and
cheaper. $80 is most of the way towards what a reloading outfit would
cost new, you can put together something with used equipment for
less. First couple of boxes you'd reload would pay for the outfit.
Stan
Von Fourche
Mar 13, 2012, 4:58:36 PM3/13/12
to
"Stanley Schaefer" <sta...@prolynx.com> wrote in message
news:jjnobg$3se$1...@news.albasani.net...
As far as Cowboy shooting,
# that's a regional thing. .44-40 is an authentic caliber,
Yes, authentic caliber. That's why I chose that caliber in the first
place. I wanted something authentic. My brother says the
smart thing to do, if you want to shoot, is buy a rifle with a popular
caliber, .22 or something similar. I know, .22 is fun, but it's not my
cowboy 44-40. This warm weather we've been having has been making me want
to shoot it. Plus I've been watching that show on History Channel - Top
Shots. Stupid show I know, but I guess that's why I like watching it. It
puts me in the mood to shoot.
Is there anything more fun than shooting a lever action gun rifle? Pulling
the lever down, pushing is up, aim, fire, and repeat.
Rubaiyat of Omar Bradley
Mar 13, 2012, 6:11:12 PM3/13/12
to
On Monday, March 12, 2012 8:30:42 PM UTC-6, Von Fourche wrote:
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
# (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
Your best bet would be to sell the rifle, and purchase the same model in 45LC or 44mag. You can shoot 44spl in the 44mag, and get ballistics very similar to the 44-40.
You could also get a Winchester in 30-30. That round is available just about everywhere.
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
# (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
Your best bet would be to sell the rifle, and purchase the same model in 45LC or 44mag. You can shoot 44spl in the 44mag, and get ballistics very similar to the 44-40.
You could also get a Winchester in 30-30. That round is available just about everywhere.
SaPeIsMa
Mar 13, 2012, 6:11:13 PM3/13/12
to
"Von Fourche" <khon...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:jjocds$fgj$1...@news.albasani.net...
#
# Is there anything more fun than shooting a lever action gun rifle?
Pulling
# the lever down, pushing is up, aim, fire, and repeat.
#
Well, maybe hitting your target...
:-))
Diogenes
Mar 13, 2012, 9:34:08 PM3/13/12
to
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
#(50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
#And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
Years ago my parents had a friend who had worked for an oil
exploration company. He said that in the back country of South America
the .44-40 rifle was so common that its cartridge was a recognized
form of currency. On market day you could go into town and use .44-40
ammo to buy just about anything, and there was even a pretty standard
rate of exchange (one round for a couple dozen eggs, etc.).
Nowadays it has been supplanted by the .44 magnum and (as you've
noted) the .45 Colt. I don't know of many guns being chambered for it
any more.
nord...@yahoo.com
Mar 13, 2012, 9:34:09 PM3/13/12
to
I've been at the shooting game since the 1960s and 44/40 is easier to
find these days than it ever has been, thanks to the plump wallets of
the cowboy actions shooters. Didn't say it was cheap these days, no
ammo is, but for the longest time a fella could have his pick of 44/40
ammo as long as it was a 200 gr jacketed flat-nose soft in a
Winchester-Western or Remington-Peters box. Personally, I wouldn't
care to own a 38 WCF or 44 WCF rifle or pistol as the bottle-necked
case requires lubrication during resizing, which sucks the fun out of
producing them in quantity. Straight case cartridges like the 45
Colt, 44 magnum, and 357 magnum are not historically accurate but are
much more pleasant to load by the ammo can full.
find these days than it ever has been, thanks to the plump wallets of
the cowboy actions shooters. Didn't say it was cheap these days, no
ammo is, but for the longest time a fella could have his pick of 44/40
ammo as long as it was a 200 gr jacketed flat-nose soft in a
Winchester-Western or Remington-Peters box. Personally, I wouldn't
care to own a 38 WCF or 44 WCF rifle or pistol as the bottle-necked
case requires lubrication during resizing, which sucks the fun out of
producing them in quantity. Straight case cartridges like the 45
Colt, 44 magnum, and 357 magnum are not historically accurate but are
much more pleasant to load by the ammo can full.
Martin Eastburn
Mar 14, 2012, 6:33:06 AM3/14/12
to
Midway sells parts and fully loaded up boxes of shells.
That is a 'cowboy' contest gun (NRA, etc) so there are shells for sale
and reloading as well.
Forget Wal-Mart for it - see if you have a local gun store or web to Midway.
Martin
That is a 'cowboy' contest gun (NRA, etc) so there are shells for sale
and reloading as well.
Forget Wal-Mart for it - see if you have a local gun store or web to Midway.
Martin
Stanley Schaefer
Mar 14, 2012, 9:39:42 PM3/14/12
to
So get an older Marlin 39A, preferably '50s or '60s. That's my
plinker, the 1894 only gets range time at deer season or there-
abouts. I can shoot a whole bunch more .22 LR than .44 mag, even with
reloading. Of if you just gotta have that flying W, look up a 9422.
If you track the 39A's pedigree, it goes clear back to 1893.
Original Winchesters are worth a buncha bucks these days, even beatup
barn guns. Shooting them just knocks off value.
Stan
Kevin Snodgrass
Mar 15, 2012, 1:56:03 PM3/15/12
to
On Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:39:42 +0000, Stanley Schaefer wrote:
#
# Original Winchesters are worth a buncha bucks these days, even beatup
# barn guns. Shooting them just knocks off value.
Yes and no. Antique Winchesters in good shape are pricey, but "good
shape" for these is a different rating scale than for more recent
manufactured guns. But anything under a 90 can be shot as far as I'm
concerned. Using mild loads and lead bullets won't cause any damage,
just clean them up good, especially if using "real" loads, i.e. black
powder loads....
#
# Original Winchesters are worth a buncha bucks these days, even beatup
# barn guns. Shooting them just knocks off value.
Yes and no. Antique Winchesters in good shape are pricey, but "good
shape" for these is a different rating scale than for more recent
manufactured guns. But anything under a 90 can be shot as far as I'm
concerned. Using mild loads and lead bullets won't cause any damage,
just clean them up good, especially if using "real" loads, i.e. black
powder loads....
SaPeIsMa
Mar 15, 2012, 2:31:13 PM3/15/12
to
IF you are into cowboy shooting, ask those other "cowboys" where they get
their ammo
their ammo
hangf...@gmail.com
Mar 20, 2012, 2:11:45 PM3/20/12
to
On Monday, March 12, 2012 10:30:42 PM UTC-4, Von Fourche wrote:
# So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
# shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
# popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
Blame the old National Brewing Company and Billy Dee Williams. If they had named the Malt Liquor "Colt 44-40", things might be different today.
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
# (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
# And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
It sounds like you are talking yourself into reloading. I hope you saved your brass.
If you continue to go with buying, talk to your local gun shop about stocking the ammo, if you make a commitment to buying a certain amount every year.
HF
# So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
# shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
# popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
Blame the old National Brewing Company and Billy Dee Williams. If they had named the Malt Liquor "Colt 44-40", things might be different today.
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
# (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
# And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
It sounds like you are talking yourself into reloading. I hope you saved your brass.
If you continue to go with buying, talk to your local gun shop about stocking the ammo, if you make a commitment to buying a certain amount every year.
HF
byronw999
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:49 PM4/6/12
to
I shoot 44-40 in pistols and levergun using black powder for cowboy
action... Yes cowboy action is popular, however something like 90% shoot
38/357, .45 colt prob 8% and rest would be what is nowdays an oddball
caliber..
Short story: If you want to shoot this reasonably you need to reload
your own.. I even cast my own... My per box cost is about $6 to reload..
action... Yes cowboy action is popular, however something like 90% shoot
38/357, .45 colt prob 8% and rest would be what is nowdays an oddball
caliber..
Short story: If you want to shoot this reasonably you need to reload
your own.. I even cast my own... My per box cost is about $6 to reload..
byronw999
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:52 PM4/6/12
to
Absolutely no reason these cant be loaded in quantity... I use a Hornady
LNL with 2 powder measures... 1 is BP and second has filler (I like a 24
gr BP load, nice amount of smoke without to much kick)..
I easily crank out 500+ per hour without breaking a sweat and that's
counting loading up primer tubes etc.. I use the RCBS Cowboy dies..
LNL with 2 powder measures... 1 is BP and second has filler (I like a 24
gr BP load, nice amount of smoke without to much kick)..
I easily crank out 500+ per hour without breaking a sweat and that's
counting loading up primer tubes etc.. I use the RCBS Cowboy dies..
rfr...@gmail.com
Apr 7, 2012, 3:45:45 PM4/7/12
to
Well, I feel I need to add a story. Sometimes you get a real chance to own,
sometimes you want to respect a tradition. Some 50 years ago, I worked in the
boonies of Brazil, where the Win. .44-40 was known, popular and respected.
One day, one sort of followed me home from the hardware store. Perfect, maybe
re-blued, barrel badly leaded. And for $28.00.
I got dies and started reloading and have never looked back. I know there are alternatives, newer caliber, etc. But thank you very much, I'll not switch.
sometimes you want to respect a tradition. Some 50 years ago, I worked in the
boonies of Brazil, where the Win. .44-40 was known, popular and respected.
One day, one sort of followed me home from the hardware store. Perfect, maybe
re-blued, barrel badly leaded. And for $28.00.
I got dies and started reloading and have never looked back. I know there are alternatives, newer caliber, etc. But thank you very much, I'll not switch.
kman...@gmail.com
Mar 4, 2016, 10:55:03 AM3/4/16
to
On Monday, March 12, 2012 at 10:30:42 PM UTC-4, Von Fourche wrote:
# About eight year ago or so I wanted to get a lever action rifle that the
# cowboys used. I ended up getting a 44-40 Winchester lever action made by
# Winchester. I love that rifle. It does not kick hard, not too heavy, not
# too loud, etc... I picked 44-40 because I read it was used in both rifles
# and revolves back in the 1870s era.
#
# So after I got that rifle I would buy 44-40 Winchester cartridges at
# Wal-Mart and other stores. That was eight or so years ago. Well the last
# few years I've not really shot my rifle much. Plus, a few years ago when I
# started looking for this cartridge at Wal-Mart and they did not have any.
# Plus none of the other stores that stock cartridges carry 44-40 cartridges.
#
# Now when I go to stores that sell cartridges, including a Gander Mountain
# store, they don't carry this caliber. I see 45 Colt. I always see 45 Colt.
# But I don't see 44-40 Winchester. The only place I can find it is online.
#
# So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
# shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
# popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
#
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
# (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
# And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
in Canada... It's a sin.
# About eight year ago or so I wanted to get a lever action rifle that the
# cowboys used. I ended up getting a 44-40 Winchester lever action made by
# Winchester. I love that rifle. It does not kick hard, not too heavy, not
# too loud, etc... I picked 44-40 because I read it was used in both rifles
# and revolves back in the 1870s era.
#
# So after I got that rifle I would buy 44-40 Winchester cartridges at
# Wal-Mart and other stores. That was eight or so years ago. Well the last
# few years I've not really shot my rifle much. Plus, a few years ago when I
# started looking for this cartridge at Wal-Mart and they did not have any.
# Plus none of the other stores that stock cartridges carry 44-40 cartridges.
#
# Now when I go to stores that sell cartridges, including a Gander Mountain
# store, they don't carry this caliber. I see 45 Colt. I always see 45 Colt.
# But I don't see 44-40 Winchester. The only place I can find it is online.
#
# So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
# shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
# popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
#
# So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
# (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
# And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
in Canada... It's a sin.
chasseur
Mar 4, 2016, 5:41:33 PM3/4/16
to
# Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
# in Canada... It's a sin.
#
Time to start reloading. As a bonus you will be able to vastly expand
the types of bullets you use. If you start casting also, then it will be
Nirvana.
Chasseur
Just Wondering
Mar 4, 2016, 7:47:23 PM3/4/16
to
On 3/4/2016 3:41 PM, chasseur wrote:
# # Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
# # in Canada... It's a sin.
# #
#
# Nirvana.
#
There's nothing particularly difficult about buying ammo online.
There's plenty of 44-40 ammo available.
https://www.wikiarms.com/group/44-40WCF
# # Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
# # in Canada... It's a sin.
# #
#
# Time to start reloading. As a bonus you will be able to vastly expand
# the types of bullets you use. If you start casting also, then it will be
# Nirvana.
#
There's nothing particularly difficult about buying ammo online.
There's plenty of 44-40 ammo available.
https://www.wikiarms.com/group/44-40WCF
nuke_them_...@sulaco.com
Mar 4, 2016, 7:47:23 PM3/4/16
to
Well, I just looked around a bit and now I'm depressed. I have an Uberti
SAA in .44-40.
If you reload, that is the way to go. You gotta buy the dies, the cases and
bullets .427 diameter, but the powder and primers could be used on other
calibers, too. The bullets are still a bitch, you might consider casting
your own. Of course if you have a gun store nearby that sells reloading
supplies you might find deals on bulk, I have bought 500 bullets in a box
for not bad prices. Usually cast lead wadcutters or flat noses of some
sort.
Gunner Asch
Mar 5, 2016, 6:51:09 AM3/5/16
to
On Sat, 5 Mar 2016 00:47:21 +0000 (UTC),
<nuke_them_...@sulaco.com> wrote:
#
#Well, I just looked around a bit and now I'm depressed. I have an Uberti
#SAA in .44-40.
#
#If you reload, that is the way to go. You gotta buy the dies, the cases and
#bullets .427 diameter, but the powder and primers could be used on other
#calibers, too. The bullets are still a bitch, you might consider casting
#your own. Of course if you have a gun store nearby that sells reloading
#supplies you might find deals on bulk, I have bought 500 bullets in a box
#for not bad prices. Usually cast lead wadcutters or flat noses of some
#sort.
Most..not all..but most newer 44-40s will shoot .429 bullets just fine
(44 Magnum) and simply running a cast .429 through a sizer for the
..44-40 wont hurt a thing and gives you the best of both worlds. There
are tons of various .429 bullets available by bulk and they work just
dandy in the 44-40, sized .002 smaller or not.
Btw..most lever guns..as is...kinda sorta mandate round(er) nosed
bullets being used, but most can be tweaked a bit and will shoot SWCs
just fine. My Marlin 1894 makes very nice cloverleafs with 240gr SWCs
over a bit of Unique.
<nuke_them_...@sulaco.com> wrote:
#
#Well, I just looked around a bit and now I'm depressed. I have an Uberti
#SAA in .44-40.
#
#If you reload, that is the way to go. You gotta buy the dies, the cases and
#bullets .427 diameter, but the powder and primers could be used on other
#calibers, too. The bullets are still a bitch, you might consider casting
#your own. Of course if you have a gun store nearby that sells reloading
#supplies you might find deals on bulk, I have bought 500 bullets in a box
#for not bad prices. Usually cast lead wadcutters or flat noses of some
#sort.
Most..not all..but most newer 44-40s will shoot .429 bullets just fine
(44 Magnum) and simply running a cast .429 through a sizer for the
..44-40 wont hurt a thing and gives you the best of both worlds. There
are tons of various .429 bullets available by bulk and they work just
dandy in the 44-40, sized .002 smaller or not.
Btw..most lever guns..as is...kinda sorta mandate round(er) nosed
bullets being used, but most can be tweaked a bit and will shoot SWCs
just fine. My Marlin 1894 makes very nice cloverleafs with 240gr SWCs
over a bit of Unique.
Gunner Asch
Mar 5, 2016, 6:51:09 AM3/5/16
to
On Fri, 4 Mar 2016 15:54:59 +0000 (UTC), kman...@gmail.com wrote:
#On Monday, March 12, 2012 at 10:30:42 PM UTC-4, Von Fourche wrote:
## About eight year ago or so I wanted to get a lever action rifle that the
## cowboys used. I ended up getting a 44-40 Winchester lever action made by
## Winchester. I love that rifle. It does not kick hard, not too heavy, not
## too loud, etc... I picked 44-40 because I read it was used in both rifles
## and revolves back in the 1870s era.
##
## So after I got that rifle I would buy 44-40 Winchester cartridges at
## Wal-Mart and other stores. That was eight or so years ago. Well the last
## few years I've not really shot my rifle much. Plus, a few years ago when I
## started looking for this cartridge at Wal-Mart and they did not have any.
## Plus none of the other stores that stock cartridges carry 44-40 cartridges.
##
## Now when I go to stores that sell cartridges, including a Gander Mountain
## store, they don't carry this caliber. I see 45 Colt. I always see 45 Colt.
## But I don't see 44-40 Winchester. The only place I can find it is online.
##
## So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
## shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
## popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
##
## So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
## (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
## And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
#
#
#Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
#in Canada... It's a sin.
44-40 has become a "has been" among the cowboy action shooters with
the 45 Long Colt taking the lead..and damned few people shoot it in
any other application, since the 44 Mag and 357 Mag are available in
lever guns.
Its a very nice cartridge and is a sweet shooter..but frankly..its
going back to the obscure shelf. Best thing to do is buy a bunch of
brass from Starline or any other maker, a Lee Loader of some sort and
reload your own cartridges. Its very simple, much much cheaper than
buying loaded ammo off the shelf and will allow you to shoot as much
as you want, very cheaply.
Want to find other great but nearly impossible to find
cartridges...32-20, 25-20, 30 Remington, and a host of others. Some
of which may be regional..like 35 Remington. It may..may be available
in the midwest..but its invisible here in California, etc etc etc.
Gunner
#On Monday, March 12, 2012 at 10:30:42 PM UTC-4, Von Fourche wrote:
## About eight year ago or so I wanted to get a lever action rifle that the
## cowboys used. I ended up getting a 44-40 Winchester lever action made by
## Winchester. I love that rifle. It does not kick hard, not too heavy, not
## too loud, etc... I picked 44-40 because I read it was used in both rifles
## and revolves back in the 1870s era.
##
## So after I got that rifle I would buy 44-40 Winchester cartridges at
## Wal-Mart and other stores. That was eight or so years ago. Well the last
## few years I've not really shot my rifle much. Plus, a few years ago when I
## started looking for this cartridge at Wal-Mart and they did not have any.
## Plus none of the other stores that stock cartridges carry 44-40 cartridges.
##
## Now when I go to stores that sell cartridges, including a Gander Mountain
## store, they don't carry this caliber. I see 45 Colt. I always see 45 Colt.
## But I don't see 44-40 Winchester. The only place I can find it is online.
##
## So what's the deal with this cartridge? I thought cowboy action
## shooting was popular. I also thought with cowboy action shooting so
## popular, this cartridge would always be in demand and stores would carry it.
##
## So for me to get two boxes plus shipping, for a total of 100 cartridges
## (50 per box), I'm going to have to spend around $80.00.
## And I can shoot 50 rounds really quick on a summer day. Expensive.
#
#
#Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
#in Canada... It's a sin.
44-40 has become a "has been" among the cowboy action shooters with
the 45 Long Colt taking the lead..and damned few people shoot it in
any other application, since the 44 Mag and 357 Mag are available in
lever guns.
Its a very nice cartridge and is a sweet shooter..but frankly..its
going back to the obscure shelf. Best thing to do is buy a bunch of
brass from Starline or any other maker, a Lee Loader of some sort and
reload your own cartridges. Its very simple, much much cheaper than
buying loaded ammo off the shelf and will allow you to shoot as much
as you want, very cheaply.
Want to find other great but nearly impossible to find
cartridges...32-20, 25-20, 30 Remington, and a host of others. Some
of which may be regional..like 35 Remington. It may..may be available
in the midwest..but its invisible here in California, etc etc etc.
Gunner
Gunner Asch
Mar 5, 2016, 6:51:11 AM3/5/16
to
On Sat, 5 Mar 2016 00:47:22 +0000 (UTC), Just Wondering
<fmh...@comcast.net> wrote:
#On 3/4/2016 3:41 PM, chasseur wrote:
## # Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
## # in Canada... It's a sin.
## #
##
## Time to start reloading. As a bonus you will be able to vastly expand
## the types of bullets you use. If you start casting also, then it will be
## Nirvana.
##
#There's nothing particularly difficult about buying ammo online.
#There's plenty of 44-40 ammo available.
#https://www.wikiarms.com/group/44-40WCF
http://ammoseek.com/
<fmh...@comcast.net> wrote:
#On 3/4/2016 3:41 PM, chasseur wrote:
## # Don't feel too bad, I just paid $97.01 for a box(50) of 44-40 200GR Winchester's
## # in Canada... It's a sin.
## #
##
## Time to start reloading. As a bonus you will be able to vastly expand
## the types of bullets you use. If you start casting also, then it will be
## Nirvana.
##
#There's nothing particularly difficult about buying ammo online.
#There's plenty of 44-40 ammo available.
#https://www.wikiarms.com/group/44-40WCF
http://ammoseek.com/
nuke_them_...@sulaco.com
Mar 5, 2016, 9:16:29 PM3/5/16
to
Gunner Asch <gunne...@gmail.com> wrote in
news:nbeh7c$jrs$1...@news.albasani.net:
# On Sat, 5 Mar 2016 00:47:21 +0000 (UTC),
#<nuke_them_...@sulaco.com> wrote:
#
# #
# other #calibers, too. The bullets are still a bitch, you might consider
# casting #your own. Of course if you have a gun store nearby that sells
# reloading #supplies you might find deals on bulk, I have bought 500
# bullets in a box #for not bad prices. Usually cast lead wadcutters or
# flat noses of some #sort.
#
# Most..not all..but most newer 44-40s will shoot .429 bullets just fine
# (44 Magnum) and simply running a cast .429 through a sizer for the
# ..44-40 wont hurt a thing and gives you the best of both worlds. There
# are tons of various .429 bullets available by bulk and they work just
# dandy in the 44-40, sized .002 smaller or not.
#
# Btw..most lever guns..as is...kinda sorta mandate round(er) nosed
# bullets being used, but most can be tweaked a bit and will shoot SWCs
# just fine. My Marlin 1894 makes very nice cloverleafs with 240gr SWCs
# over a bit of Unique.
#
#
The .429 is very good news. They are quite plentiful. I'll need to grab
some brass myself and the dies. Do they really need to be treated like
rifle cartridges?
news:nbeh7c$jrs$1...@news.albasani.net:
# On Sat, 5 Mar 2016 00:47:21 +0000 (UTC),
#<nuke_them_...@sulaco.com> wrote:
#
# #
# #Well, I just looked around a bit and now I'm depressed. I have an
# Uberti #SAA in .44-40.
# #
# #If you reload, that is the way to go. You gotta buy the dies, the cases
# and #bullets .427 diameter, but the powder and primers could be used on
# #If you reload, that is the way to go. You gotta buy the dies, the cases
# other #calibers, too. The bullets are still a bitch, you might consider
# casting #your own. Of course if you have a gun store nearby that sells
# reloading #supplies you might find deals on bulk, I have bought 500
# bullets in a box #for not bad prices. Usually cast lead wadcutters or
# flat noses of some #sort.
#
# Most..not all..but most newer 44-40s will shoot .429 bullets just fine
# (44 Magnum) and simply running a cast .429 through a sizer for the
# ..44-40 wont hurt a thing and gives you the best of both worlds. There
# are tons of various .429 bullets available by bulk and they work just
# dandy in the 44-40, sized .002 smaller or not.
#
# Btw..most lever guns..as is...kinda sorta mandate round(er) nosed
# bullets being used, but most can be tweaked a bit and will shoot SWCs
# just fine. My Marlin 1894 makes very nice cloverleafs with 240gr SWCs
# over a bit of Unique.
#
#
The .429 is very good news. They are quite plentiful. I'll need to grab
some brass myself and the dies. Do they really need to be treated like
rifle cartridges?
the_shadow
Mar 6, 2016, 4:47:59 PM3/6/16
to
# The .429 is very good news. They are quite plentiful. I'll need to grab
# some brass myself and the dies. Do they really need to be treated like
# rifle cartridges?
#
In what respect?
nuke_them_...@sulaco.com
Mar 7, 2016, 7:47:01 PM3/7/16
to
the_shadow <the_s...@xcoxx.net> wrote in news:nbi8ic$pul$1
@news.albasani.net:
# # The .429 is very good news. They are quite plentiful. I'll need to grab
# # some brass myself and the dies. Do they really need to be treated like
# # rifle cartridges?
# #
#
# In what respect?
#
#
The case is tapered. I have been told or read that the case needs to be run
in rifle dies which means they have to be lubed. It's messier than pistol
dies which don't need it.
@news.albasani.net:
# # The .429 is very good news. They are quite plentiful. I'll need to grab
# # some brass myself and the dies. Do they really need to be treated like
# # rifle cartridges?
# #
#
# In what respect?
#
#
The case is tapered. I have been told or read that the case needs to be run
in rifle dies which means they have to be lubed. It's messier than pistol
dies which don't need it.
Gunner Asch
Mar 8, 2016, 5:46:03 AM3/8/16
to
On Tue, 8 Mar 2016 00:46:58 +0000 (UTC),
<nuke_them_...@sulaco.com> wrote:
#the_shadow <the_s...@xcoxx.net> wrote in news:nbi8ic$pul$1
#@news.albasani.net:
#
## # The .429 is very good news. They are quite plentiful. I'll need to grab
## # some brass myself and the dies. Do they really need to be treated like
## # rifle cartridges?
## #
##
## In what respect?
##
##
#
#The case is tapered. I have been told or read that the case needs to be run
#in rifle dies which means they have to be lubed. It's messier than pistol
#dies which don't need it.
No different than running a rifle case..though they are a
bit..fragile. One of the reasons I recommend Starline brass..they make
em a bit thicker..so watch your loads!! when using Starline brass in
this caliber
<nuke_them_...@sulaco.com> wrote:
#the_shadow <the_s...@xcoxx.net> wrote in news:nbi8ic$pul$1
#@news.albasani.net:
#
## # The .429 is very good news. They are quite plentiful. I'll need to grab
## # some brass myself and the dies. Do they really need to be treated like
## # rifle cartridges?
## #
##
## In what respect?
##
##
#
#The case is tapered. I have been told or read that the case needs to be run
#in rifle dies which means they have to be lubed. It's messier than pistol
#dies which don't need it.
No different than running a rifle case..though they are a
bit..fragile. One of the reasons I recommend Starline brass..they make
em a bit thicker..so watch your loads!! when using Starline brass in
this caliber
noylj
Mar 8, 2016, 5:46:04 AM3/8/16
to
.44-40 is a bottleneck case. Also very thin and easily damaged.
Bluey69
Mar 15, 2016, 7:52:44 AM3/15/16
to
I was given a model92 Winchester in 44-40 cal as payment for some work
that I have done,manufacture date is 1910 and its in excellent
condition.Now if you think that the old 44-40 is not popular in the US
you should try getting the ammo here in Australia.
I did manage to get 2 x 50 rounds boxes of Winchester factory 200gn ammo
at 125.00AUD pre box old stock right at the back of the shelf in our
local gun shop . He said he wont be oredering any more as it took him
nearly a year to get that order filled for four boxes , he got two .
Cant get ammo sent by post here , have to get it sent by courier with
dangerous goods endorsement which adds another 120 AUD to the cost of
the ammo.
The rifle has a pristine bore and shoots a treat even my 85 year old
Father had a ball .
I bought a set of Lee dies from Titan , and 100 starline cases locally .
Also got a 200gn 6 cavity Lee mold and a sizing kit . so I'm ready to
get "rolling my own." thecost of Lee mold and dies and sizing kit will
be well and truly reovered by the first 100 reloads.
Most of the cowboy action guys here use 357Mag, 45Colt and 44 magnum
with reduced loads.
Cant really see the advantage of the 44 mag over the 44-40 with reduced
loads , apart from the availability of the 429" bullet.
In my mind if you want to shoot authentic cowboy action then the 44-40,
32-20, 25-20 , 38-40 all fit the bill.
The person who gave me the M92 also has a 1873 in the same caliber in
better condition than the M92 ( by his description) , Im negotiating a
price for that .
Manufacture date for that rifle is 1889 .
Both rifles have full length magazines.
Seems we are going to experience a drought of manufactured and shipped
from the US in the next couple of years , so reloading and casting your
own is the way to go.Just been casting up some 215gn bullets to feed my
303 British rifles.
I reload for all of my rifles save 22 rimfire ,have been for years, and
have a big store of ammo that will last me for along time.
Apologies to Gunner for sending this to his e-amil was meant to be
posted here.
that I have done,manufacture date is 1910 and its in excellent
condition.Now if you think that the old 44-40 is not popular in the US
you should try getting the ammo here in Australia.
I did manage to get 2 x 50 rounds boxes of Winchester factory 200gn ammo
at 125.00AUD pre box old stock right at the back of the shelf in our
local gun shop . He said he wont be oredering any more as it took him
nearly a year to get that order filled for four boxes , he got two .
Cant get ammo sent by post here , have to get it sent by courier with
dangerous goods endorsement which adds another 120 AUD to the cost of
the ammo.
The rifle has a pristine bore and shoots a treat even my 85 year old
Father had a ball .
I bought a set of Lee dies from Titan , and 100 starline cases locally .
Also got a 200gn 6 cavity Lee mold and a sizing kit . so I'm ready to
get "rolling my own." thecost of Lee mold and dies and sizing kit will
be well and truly reovered by the first 100 reloads.
Most of the cowboy action guys here use 357Mag, 45Colt and 44 magnum
with reduced loads.
Cant really see the advantage of the 44 mag over the 44-40 with reduced
loads , apart from the availability of the 429" bullet.
In my mind if you want to shoot authentic cowboy action then the 44-40,
32-20, 25-20 , 38-40 all fit the bill.
The person who gave me the M92 also has a 1873 in the same caliber in
better condition than the M92 ( by his description) , Im negotiating a
price for that .
Manufacture date for that rifle is 1889 .
Both rifles have full length magazines.
Seems we are going to experience a drought of manufactured and shipped
from the US in the next couple of years , so reloading and casting your
own is the way to go.Just been casting up some 215gn bullets to feed my
303 British rifles.
I reload for all of my rifles save 22 rimfire ,have been for years, and
have a big store of ammo that will last me for along time.
Apologies to Gunner for sending this to his e-amil was meant to be
posted here.
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