I tried a new load in my fairly new ‘73 Miroku 24” bbl. RCBS 44-200-CM over 15 gr. of slow burning IMR-4227. I was looking for a low velocity load for cowboy action shooting. This load showered my face with unburnt powder granules.
Next I pulled out about 5 Colt’s SAA’s and put them on the bench in front of me. One was a .44-40. I thought I’d try the unsuccessful rifle load in the Colt’s, expecting it to be even more unsatisfactory. When I fired it the report made me question if the boolit even made it out the barrel. I checked the bore and found it clear. I fired the other four (4) rounds out of it anyway. Later I picked up my trusty .45 SAA and started to load it with my favorite load of 454190 over 8.5 gr. of Unique. Huh, a lot of unburnt powder granules in the chambers. How could this be? The unburnt powder granules should be in my .44-40, not my .45. I didn’t. No! I checked the spent .44-40 brass and found the mouths were belled to .45. Yep, I loaded and fired the wrong gun.
How did this happen? First, matching guns in different calibers all laying out on the bench next to each other. Second, over confidence in my 454190 over Unique load, and no confidence in my IMR-4227 load. My attention was focused on handling ammo I didn’t like, but neglected to give attention to which firearm I was picking up.
IMR-4227 would have potential as a .44-40 powder if it were loaded to a higher pressure to achieve a cleaner burn, but I was trying a load for cowboy so the load was light.
The .44-40 brass is Winchester and they all re-sized nicely back to proper spec with lube in RCBS steel dies.
Trail Boss works fine in the 24” .44-40 with 44-200-CM.
I have a lot more time and experience with the .44 Special and .45 Colt than I do with the .44-40. My .44-40 Colt’s is going to be re-calibrated to .45 Colt and would be done by now except Covid has held up delivery of my new Colt .45 barrel which I have ordered. Numrich Arms took my order but held up delivered.