44-40 overall length issue

[Crazeyiven]

I have been reloading 44-40 since 1981. Most of this for toggle-link rifles. The bullet I have used is the RCBS #44-200-FN (part # 82036). This bullet has a crimping groove but have always crimped just over it to get the correct OAL for feeding. This has always worked great for me.

Recently my son-in-law gave a book on Winchesters and loading. In this book there was a section on loading the 44-40. It directly referenced the bullet I use, RCBS #44-200-FN. The article indicated that this bullet was perfect because the crimping groove is in the perfect place to give the correct OAL to feed through toggle-link rifles.

It indicates that the OAL for the brass is 1.305 and the OAL of the complete round is 1.592. My brass runs around 1.300-1.301. That bullet, when crimped at the crimping groove, leaves .3600 above the mouth of the brass giving an OAL for the round of 1.660. That length will not feed (my carriers are the correct length of 1.600).

The cast bullet dimensions are: bullet length: .6285; bullet base to crimping groove: .2685; crimping groove to nose of bullet: .3600. Diameter as cast is .4295.

Considering the author of the book, I am wondering what I am missing? Changed the mold since 1981?

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
David

[Outpost75]

SAAMI max. overall cartridge length for the. 44-40 is 1.592". The cylinder length of original blackpowder Colts is 1.60". You are correct regarding the Winchester '73. The book is wrong.

[Harry O]

When it comes to toggle-type lever actions (1866, 1873, etc) I have experience with the 38-40 and 44-40. The OAL is exactly what it says in the loading manuals, 1.592". More than a few thousandths more than that or less than about 10 or 12 thousandths less than that will not feed.

I have gone through about five 38-40 moulds and three 44-40 moulds. Most did not work. Those that don't give the correct OAL when crimped in the crimping groove don't work, period. Most are too long. Crimping ahead of the crimping groove does not work well with me. I have had several set back in the magazine under recoil before I quit using them. You need a mould with a correct length bullet (measured from the crimping groove). Nothing else will do.

[pworley1]

I use the lyman 42798 in both of my 44 40's and have never had a feeding issue.

[Crazeyiven]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Using my current method of loading the case (since 1981) I have not had a problem with feeding or having the bullets fall back into the case. After reading the chapter in the book about being able to use the bullet noted and the crimping groove to get the correct OAL I thought I'd take another look - maybe not work the case mouth too much.

Due to the book and who the author is I dissapointed that my results would not work. Giving the measurements in my first post I was hoping someone would see something I was overlooking.

Thanks

David