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Post by Encore64 on Jul 29, 2019 12:45:57 GMT -5
I've been posting about the 38-40s in another thread. But, feel like each gun will deserve it's own discussion.
I don't expect any of them to catch on fire due to the extremely limited popularity of the old forgotten round. That's ok...
The first 38-40 revolver arrived today. A simple conversion by Gary Reeder.
I'd found the gun in nearly new condition. Some brilliant soul had lost the cylinders that went with the gun. At least I was able to pick it up for chump change.
I slicked up the action, installed Power Custom Springs and some Bear Paw Grips. Before sending it to Gary, I put in a Belt Mountain Base Pin.
Gary's crew measured the gun out and converted it to 5-Shot with a free spin cylinder. Then added a polished 5-Shot Stainless Cylinder. I have to say they done an outstanding job.
The outside wall thickness of the chambers is a uniform .090" on all five. That's the exact same as my BFR 475 Linebaugh. Throats all measure .401" as I requested for cast bullets. Barrel gap is uniform at .0015" on all five chambers.
I'd sent Gary Starline brass to fit the gun with. He did so with .0025" clearance between the rims and recoil shield.
The result is one sturdy gun. Cylinder walls are .005" thicker than my Ruger 454 Casull Conversion which operates at enormous pressures.
This will be the gun to test the 38-40 in. Range report and pictures will definitely follow.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 29, 2019 16:47:22 GMT -5
Using 2400 (plenty of it) I pushed the 200 grn GT Hollow Points out the muzzle at a solid 1375 fps. I worked up to this load using the same five cases. They remain in excellent shape. Fired cases fall from the chambers with no effort. The tight chambers nearly eliminate the need for resizing.
I didn't experience a hint of leading with the none gaschecked bullets.
Loaded rounds drop into the cylinder with no problem. Accuracy averaged 1-1.25" and I believe that's about my best.
I have Linebaugh's Data to push the 200s up to 1600 fps. But, probably won't ever load it that hot. This moves another old warhorse into the very useful category.
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Post by z1r on Jul 29, 2019 17:06:46 GMT -5
Nice. Truly a fan of the .38-40.
My N-Frame .44-40 used to see it's share of High Velocity loads as well.
Me, I'm taking a slightly easier approach by fitting one of Bowens' cylinders to a 3 screw flat top frame and chambering to .41 Mag.
Keep the range reports coming. Pics? Love pics!
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jul 29, 2019 17:57:13 GMT -5
Huey’s 38-40 🥴
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Post by z1r on Jul 29, 2019 18:16:31 GMT -5
Nice. Thanks!
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Post by highplains on Jul 29, 2019 18:21:05 GMT -5
Those Buckeye burl grips look great Encore -
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 29, 2019 18:59:55 GMT -5
I appreciate that. I couldn't resist with the gun being a Buckeye Blackhawk.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 29, 2019 20:40:16 GMT -5
The only negative issue so far is neck location on the brass.
The brass needs to be fireformed to fit the chambers. I simply use .402" cast bullets sitting into the .401" throats.
Seat them long until some resistance is encountered. Then fireform with a stout load of Unique.
The dies and chambers are a perfect match.
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Post by sixshot on Jul 29, 2019 20:43:22 GMT -5
Huey, that is one fine looking shooter! Really like the Buckeye Burl, I need to make me a pair. I think in that 5 shooter the brass would give up long before the gun would. Really nice!
Dick
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 29, 2019 20:53:14 GMT -5
Huey, that is one fine looking shooter! Really like the Buckeye Burl, I need to make me a pair. I think in that 5 shooter the brass would give up long before the gun would. Really nice! Dick Brass strength and setback will be the limiting factors for sure. But, as Dick Casull proved with old 45 Colt cases, a tight chamber works! I've got an easy 1500 fps with 180s and 1400ish with 200s. As Lee Martin has already proven, matching the 41 Magnum is easy. Recoil is about the same too and similar to hot 44 Special loads. Bullet jump has not been an issue. The Lee Collet Crimp Die makes bullets w/o cannelures stay in place just fine. H110 burns a little hot for plain based bullets. Will try it with jacketed, coated and GC Bullets. The Lee Collet Crimp Die also makes long seating bullets easy too. This adds considerable more powder capacity. Hmmmm...
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Post by magnumwheelman on Jul 30, 2019 5:47:38 GMT -5
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 30, 2019 5:54:36 GMT -5
The factory cylinders usually had throat dimension problems. I had my cylinder cut to .401". I'd check it before I bumped the loads up.
I prefer throats .001-.002" over barrel groove.
I know you're handy with such things, so should be a piece of cake.
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Post by magnumwheelman on Jul 30, 2019 5:58:52 GMT -5
I've not ever put a bullet through the 38-40 cylinder ( so you're right, it needs a check out before firing anything more than standard low velocity 38-40 )... I'm just grooving on the 401 Powermag so much, I have a hard time pulling that cylinder out of the gun
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 30, 2019 6:02:33 GMT -5
Man have I ever been there. But honestly, I've never met a 10mm anything that I didn't like.
Even the 40 S&W made a terrific Trail Gun on a Single Six Frame.
Gary makes the 401 GNR which is the 44 Magnum necked down to 10mm. Might just have to try it next.
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Joe S.
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 2,517
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Post by Joe S. on Jul 30, 2019 9:31:04 GMT -5
I have been eying the new 10mm/40 guns to have the 40 cylinder chambered to 38-40. these posts don't make it any easier.
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