Early .44-40 H.V. factory loads ran close to 1,600 f.p.s. with a 200 gr. metal patched (jacketed) bullet. Lately, I have been working to replicate that early loading in my recently acquired '94 Marlin Cowboy rifle. With a 200 gr. Remington jacketed bullet, 22/H4227 clocked a bit faster at a bit over 1,700 f.p.s. with good accuracy.
I then decided to try that load under a 200 gr. cast bullet from my Magma mold.
Alloy was air cooled w.w.+2% tin / bullet diameter .429"
For a gas check I used PSB (poly shot buffer). Using my Lee scoops I found that .7cc allowed for some compression over the filler to keep the filler tight against the powder charge.
Accuracy was good with a group at 50 yards running 1.06" for 4 shots.
I did not get the chance to chronograph that recipe yet but plan to later this week. Based on the velocity with the 200 gr. jacketed, I would expect the cast bullet velocity to be a little higher.
NOTE: Do not use in '73 or '66 clones.
w30wcf