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Historic 44-40 information request


Sierrita Slim

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I’m looking for information on what type of hollow based bullets (projectiles) were used in commercial 44-40 ammunition during the 1870’s. I have found information on powder, bullet weight and nose shape but no mention at all of bullet base style. I’m hoping someone on here will know. 

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Thanks for the sites, but I’ve already been there, just checked again. Lots of good information but nothing about hollow based. Thanks though, it is a good site. 

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Look for Savvy Jack and send him a PM.  He is deeply into the history of the .44-40.  My own thought is why would there be a hollowbase bullet for the .44-40?  The bullet was bore size and did not need a hollowbase.  I have never seen a hollowbase .32-20 or .38-40 either.

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2 hours ago, PowerRiverCowboy said:

These are Savvy Jack's website.

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1 hour ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

My own thought is why would there be a hollowbase bullet for the .44-40

I wondered the same. Hollowbase bullets, in fixed cartridge ammunition, is almost always because the cartridge was originally loaded with a heel bullet and outside lubricated. When they went to an inside lubricated bullet, it is smaller in diameter than the hole in the barrel. So they would load it with a hollowbased bullet, which would expand to grip the rifling.

 

The 44 Winchester was always an inside lubricated bullet, so I see absolutely no need for a hollowbase.

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I found a misfired 44-40 and an empty 38-40 case that were manufactured between 1873 and 1879 on my property. Nearby I found a spent hollow base bullet, mangled a bit. The base is distorted and measures between .40 and .44 depending on where you measure. I have the exact measurements at home. It weighs 198.2 grains. The style of hollow base looks old to me. 
your thoughts?

071E8664-4E93-485B-AC6D-25E222545851.jpeg

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On 8/17/2022 at 11:10 AM, Sierrita Slim said:

I’m looking for information on what type of hollow based bullets (projectiles) were used in commercial 44-40 ammunition during the 1870’s. 

 

Thanks fellas!!

Hollow based bullets were not used by Winchester in the  1870's 44 WCF cartridges

 

Data is here: https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/chasing-the-44-40/cartridge-details/winchester/bullets

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On 8/17/2022 at 5:09 PM, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

Amazing how much information turned up the DID NOT answer the original question.

Did the links everyone was posting not work?

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A side issue, also interesting: Ruger made the original Old Model Vaqueros in .44-40 with undersized throats (.425") compared to the groove diameter of the barrels (.429-.430").  Stage, yes?  But I have an original Colt's Frontier Six Shooter (SAA) in .44-40 that has a .428" barrel and the cylinder throats are .4245"!  Go figure that one! :wacko:  Had John Kopec, back when he was selling SAA parts, make me a cylinder with .428" throats. Figured I'd have to have the replacement fitted by a pistol smith.  Tried installing it, just for the heckofit, and it locked up like a bank vault!  Most accurate SA revolver I've ever shot! :)

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10 hours ago, Savvy Jack said:

Did the links everyone was posting not work?

Most of them did, but a lot of folks got way off the subject.  I suppose I shouldn't gripe because I can't recall a subject with mote than a half dozen or so responses that didn't wander off subject....not that I ever do that myself.  :rolleyes:   :P

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