In the few blackpowder loads I use in an original Rem. 44-40 1875 revolver, I run them as full power. Same with 45 colt and balloon cases.
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In the few blackpowder loads I use in an original Rem. 44-40 1875 revolver, I run them as full power. Same with 45 colt and balloon cases.
Just don't try dealing off the bottom of deck when using the playing card stock, you may not get your desired results.
I've been running 25gr of 2f Pyrodex or Goex (until they shut down) followed by a veg / paper disk, then Ox yoke wad, pushing a 250gr LRN.
Using an Uberti Schofield and a Taylors '58 Rem 5in with Howell conversion cylinder. The Uberti leaks like a sieve. The BP would gunk it up very fast. So it eats Pyrodex now. The Remington is tight. Recoil manageable and smacks the snot out of the steel.
Cleans up fast with Windex and Ballistol.
If I was worried about keeping the powder near the flash hole, I'd try using clothes dryer lint. Wads and cards are substantial enough that they can act like "secondary projectiles" and ring a barrel.
I use a 1/8" thick wad over a paper punch under a well greased thick grooved bullet meant for BP. 25gr of 3f is all I need for 10-15 yard backyard target practice in my 45 colt. When I up the charge to 30gr, I only use the paper to prevent contamination.
never, none at all.
I don't load 44-40 but in my 38s and 45 Colt or Schofield BP cartridges I don't use anything - need had an issue to complain about.
Shotgun Buffer from Ballistic Products in 44-40 No contamination of powder.
I do NOT use a wad in .44 handgun loading. But, for my rifle loading in this calibre I use both a paper punched from a business card and a thin extruded lub ribbon -- tools for both, pictured, from Buffalo Arms.Attachment 294385Attachment 294386
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Depends on the bullet. If loading a Lee 255 RNPP, I find it doesn’t carry enough lube to suit me. I place the wad I use for my cap and ball revolvers, a Gato Feo saturated wool wad between the bullet and a waxed milk carton wad. With the RCBS 270 grainer, it doesn’t hold quite enough lube but more than the Lee bullet and I load it without a cardboard or or wool wad.
never!. not needed!
Attachment 294411
I have been using this "shotgun wad" for a few years. They are labeled as .125" but for me they measure at .140" thick. It is a tight fit in the case and takes up about 9 grains of Swiss 2F space. I just insert it in the case mouth and compress the reduced charge of powder with the paper wad. This way the top off the reduced load is at the same height as the top of a full load. The process adds maybe 3 seconds to each reload. I used to use Cream of Wheat, never again.
Interestingly, for 36.5gr of Swiss 2f and my cast 220gr bullet I use no card of any type. Accurate out to 200 meters, I don't see the need.
Hercules tested RL7 with a 240-grain bullet. Accurate 43-240F is my design for a heavy bullet in .44-40.
Larry Gibson has some for pressure testing to compare with Winchester .430" diameter, 240- grain JHP for which he has already established 20kpsi loads for Winchester 92, Marlin 1894, Italian Colt clones, post-1920 heat treated New Service and modern Colt Gen3 Single Actions.
Attachment 319789Attachment 319790
Test data from 8.4" Contender pistol with Oehler 43PBL interface. Starline .44 Mag. cases with Winchester primers, OAL 1.598" - Winchester .430" diameter 240 JHP:
7 grains Bullseye 935 fps @ 18,900 psi
7.5 grains Bullseye 992 fps @ 20,700 psi
18 grains IMR4227 1028 fps @ 19,200 psi
19 grains IMR4227 1089 fps @ 20,300 psi
24 grains IMR4198 1137 fps @ 19,700 psi.
Expected velocity for a 7-1/2" revolver -50 fps from above.
Expected velocity for a 5-1/2" revolver -100 fps from above.
Expected velocity for a 20" carbine + 100 fps from above.
Until Larry completes additional testing we cannot confirm whether it is safe to substitute a softer cast lead bullet for the jacketed bullet in these loads. The above data are provided for reference only.