Originally Posted by
Larry Gibson
I use the 44-40 in an original Ruger Vaquero and a Chiapa/Cimmaron M92. Thus I load the cartridge to a bit higher pressures. In the M92 I use 44 magnum data which pressure testing has shown to produce 90% of the 44 magnum pressure when the same load is used in the 44-40. While I've not killed any deer with the 44-40 I have with a 44 magnum carbine. I have also hunted/shot several Texas whitetails.
In the 44-40 M92 carbine I would suggest using the Lyman 429215 or the RCBS 430-225-SWC at 1400 - 1600 fps. The usual 44 magnum powders [Blue Dot, 2400, 4227] will get you there with relatively mild pressures, nothing the M92 can't handle with aplomb. I'd use the 429215 cast of 16-1 alloy and my mould gives fully dressed (GC'd and Lubed) bullets at 220 gr. I also would HP the loaded bullets with the Forster 1/8" HP tool to 3/16" deep. Not really necessary but would give a bit better terminal effect on the relatively smaller Texas deer. The recoil should be fine with your boy.