St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905 Posted December 31, 2012 Posted December 31, 2012 Howdy: I have looked for solid copper projectiles (..426-429) Have seen some in the .429.430 - nothing in .427/.427/.428 - so here is my question? 1) based on the fact that I have A Ruger 44-40 - could a load for a .429 be used? Rugers are NOT .426/.427. 2) I am not too interested in speculation, but rather on experience - anyone ever do this? Thanks in advance for your thoughts, opinions, etc STL Suomi Quote
Slowhand Bob, 24229 Posted December 31, 2012 Posted December 31, 2012 Not to sure how well solid copper would take to the rifling, is it possible that pressure or even bore stoppage could be a problem here? I realize that solid brass has been done in certain calibers but wonder if the bullet size is kept at minimum bore diameter? Some outfit was once selling solid brass 25acp bullets, marketed as tire whole punchers, and these were very high velocity. Guessing it was for close range penetration? Quote
Virgil Ray Hality, SASS# 37355 Posted December 31, 2012 Posted December 31, 2012 I have fired Hornady XTP bullets out of an old model Ruger Vaquero chambered in 44-40. I was using R-P brass and AA No. 2 at the time. The XTP bullets is not a solid copper projectile. I did have the cylinder mouths reamed out to match the groove diameter because I was seeking very hot loads. Good luck with your experiments. Quote
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 Posted December 31, 2012 Posted December 31, 2012 (edited) If your cylinder Mouths are ,430 and your barrel is .429 - .4297 in "Groove" diameter ,,, then Yes they will work ... If the cylinder mouths are much bigger than .430 or the timing is off just a might they are hard on your forcing cone ... If the cylinder mouths are smaller than the bore then they won't shoot worth a hoot... And you must understand that you can only use data developed for the (EXACT) Solid copper bullet in Question !!! This is important!!! these bullets give Higher Presures with any powder charge than softer bullets ... Proceed with caution ... I have not seen any published loads for what you propose ,,,,,,,,,,,, probley never noticed as my only .44-40 is a first Gen SAA ... Happy New Year Jabez Cowboy Edited December 31, 2012 by Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 Quote
Trailrider #896 Posted December 31, 2012 Posted December 31, 2012 Howdy, Pard, I would be very careful to check your chamber throat diameters before attempting to shoot solid copper bullets! The early Ruger .44-40's had throat diameters as small as .425, and barrel groove diameters .429"-.430". Shooting bullets this size in the undersized throated chambers could really boost pressures! I personally shoot .44-40 Rugers with the smaller throats, and get excellent accuracy, though I must use .430" bullets that are hard cast...BHN 17-22, so I have never reamed the throats. If your guns have serial numbers in the #55-XXXXX to #56-XXXXX, then definitely check throat diameters! Happy New Years, Pards! Quote
St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905 Posted January 1, 2013 Author Posted January 1, 2013 I have fired Hornady XTP bullets out of an old model Ruger Vaquero chambered in 44-40. I was using R-P brass and AA No. 2 at the time. The XTP bullets is not a solid copper projectile. I did have the cylinder mouths reamed out to match the groove diameter because I was seeking very hot loads. Good luck with your experiments. I think this is ultimately the way I am going to go....I am rather cautious and do not wish to blow the gun up. XTP looks like a reasonable tradeoff. I have .430 mouths and .429 slugged barrels. If your cylinder Mouths are ,430 and your barrel is .429 - .4297 in "Groove" diameter ,,, then Yes they will work ... If the cylinder mouths are much bigger than .430 or the timing is off just a might they are hard on your forcing cone ... If the cylinder mouths are smaller than the bore then they won't shoot worth a hoot... And you must understand that you can only use data developed for the (EXACT) Solid copper bullet in Question !!! This is important!!! these bullets give Higher Presures with any powder charge than softer bullets ... Proceed with caution ... I have not seen any published loads for what you propose ,,,,,,,,,,,, probably never noticed as my only .44-40 is a first Gen SAA ... Happy New Year Jabez Cowboy I have .430 mouths in the cylinders, 429 slugged barrels. I probably could get away with it - 200 gr .429 projectiles. However, I think I will go with the XTP as I stated above. Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate you taking time to give me a response. STL Suomi Quote
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