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7/20/2011 4:03:37 PM EDT
Basically I may need to load for something with a .44-40 barrel, but chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge. The bullets have a slight difference in diameter; about .427 in to .429 in I think.

Since they are similar, I wondered whether it would be possible to use the .44-40 bullet in the .44 Magnum case? If this is a completely retarded idea, I apologise. It isn't something I've ever had to consider doing, or heard of being done.

It may turn out not to be necessary - the rifle may have the correct barrel.

Thanks.
7/20/2011 4:06:59 PM EDT
[#1]



Quoted:


Basically I may need to load for something with a .44-40 barrel, but chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge. The bullets have a slight difference in diameter; about .427 in to .429 in I think.



Since they are similar, I wondered whether it would be possible to use the .44-40 bullet in the .44 Magnum case? If this is a completely retarded idea, I apologise. It isn't something I've ever had to consider doing, or heard of being done.



It may turn out not to be necessary - the rifle may have the correct barrel.



Thanks.


There's a lot of variety on .44-40 diameters.  But yeah, ideally, you'd slug the barrel and shoot bullets sized to fit.





 
7/20/2011 4:16:08 PM EDT
[#2]
They would be .427 in, RNF lead bullets. I heard .429 might run better in an original (worn?) barrel? .429 is the diameter of the lead .44 bullets I'm using in my other .44 Magnums.
7/20/2011 4:30:49 PM EDT
[#3]
I shoot .429 RN and SWCs through my 44-40.  If I remember right, the bore measures 427 on it.  It's got a terrible looking bore, but still shoots about an inch at 50yds.
7/20/2011 7:27:55 PM EDT
[#4]
Slug the barrel first then find a bullet IMO,  and when u goin to post pics of that lever action
7/20/2011 7:40:53 PM EDT
[#5]
The .427 bullets may not seat and crimp securely in the 44 Mag case which used .430 cast bullets.

If they spin in the case after loading, they are definitely too loose.

Like mentioned you really should slug your barrel.

You may have to try shooting .430 bullets, starting low and working up carefully.

I just realized you didn't mention jacketed or cast bullets. My answer pertains to cast bullets.
7/20/2011 9:05:45 PM EDT
[#6]
The bore appears to be in pretty good condition. It is stamped with various Winchester information, so perhaps that would clear up what calibre it is? What, err, size lead ball would I want for slugging it? Not something previously attempted.

Bullets will be cast lead, but I'd like to shoot jacketed, if it turns out to be safe/possible to do so.

Thanks again.

Quoted:
and when u goin to post pics of that lever action


I have a couple of poor photos from the ad. Need authorization from the police for a rifle in this calibre and action to be added on the firearms license first, then I can take possession of it. It's vaguely like the NFA process, or that's the only semi-comparable process the U.S has. Should have it Monday morning (hopefully).

Quite an interesting rifle, so I will take some and post them, but here is one of the sale photos. I did check it carefully in person at the shop. Possibly the most interesting part is the Parker Hale tang sight with adjustable target aperture; they specialised in target sights for Enfields.





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