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Post by Encore64 on Feb 5, 2019 22:22:03 GMT -5
This has irked me for some time. With the dramatic rise in the number of 40 caliber bullets and sturdy Starline Brass, this seems unacceptable to me.
Folks like John Taffin and John Linebaugh have certainly done great service to this cartridge. Lee Martin also has given me insight with his great research and subsequent article.
So, I've decide to build a few custom revolvers with two gunsmiths. Actually one will be more of a souped up factory gun.
The first will be a Custom Cylinder Buckeye. I wanted good tight chambers, tolerances and fit. It will be first and get me started.
I won't argue or debate gun capabilities. I will say that the diameter of the 38-40 case even with the cylinder lock notches is very close to the 44 Magnum's. That's the weakest spot and cylinder wall thickness will be very similar. Ditto on strength, nuff said.
Many point out that the available bullets don't have a cannelure for crimping. News flash, it's not needed. Lee Precision offers a Collet Style factory crimp that squeezes the brass in to hold the bullets.
This will be a slow process and I'll update information as I learn.
The old 38-40 uniquely offers the best possibility of merging new and old. We can't let this opportunity pass unexplored.
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Post by Lee Martin on Feb 5, 2019 22:36:47 GMT -5
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Post by kings6 on Feb 5, 2019 22:43:17 GMT -5
I bought my first 38-40 this last fall. It is a USFA gun that is at Alan's getting a Christie made bisley hammer installed. It should head home soon and I need to get started ordering reloading components.
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Post by boxhead on Feb 5, 2019 23:29:50 GMT -5
I own one of the Ruger 38 WCF/10mm convertibles and two customs built by Alan Harton years ago. A rebored 4" M28 Smith and a rebored 6 1/2" Flattop. The latter two are works of art and shoot exceedingly well with MBW 180gr bullets.
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Post by taffin on Feb 6, 2019 2:38:59 GMT -5
This has irked me for some time. With the dramatic rise in the number of 40 caliber bullets and sturdy Starline Brass, this seems unacceptable to me. Folks like John Taffin and John Linebaugh have certainly done great service to this cartridge. Lee Martin also has given me insight with his great research and subsequent article. So, I've decide to build a few custom revolvers with two gunsmiths. Actually one will be more of a souped up factory gun. The first will be a Custom Cylinder Buckeye. I wanted good tight chambers, tolerances and fit. It will be first and get me started. I won't argue or debate gun capabilities. I will say that the diameter of the 38-40 case even with the cylinder lock notches is very close to the 44 Magnum's. That's the weakest spot and cylinder wall thickness will be very similar. Ditto on strength, nuff said. Many point out that the available bullets don't have a cannelure for crimping. News flash, it's not needed. Lee Precision offers a Collet Style factory crimp that squeezes the brass in to hold the bullets. This will be a slow process and I'll update information as I learn. The old 38-40 uniquely offers the best possibility of merging new and old. We can't let this opportunity pass unexplored. SOUNDS LIKE SOME GREAT PROJECTS. I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING THE.38-40 SINCE 1956 WHEN AS A TEENAGER I BOUGHT MY FIRST CENTERFIRE, A COLT 1ST GEN 4-3/4" SINGLE ACTION. I STILL HAVE A LONG LIST OF .38-40s BOTH DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN. THEY ARE ALL SHOOTERS. ONE NEW SERVICE 5-1/2" IS A ONE-HOLER. AN EXCELLENT CARTRIDGE AND .38-40 BRASS FROM STARLINE (ALONG WITH .32-20 AND .44-40) SOLVES A LOT OF LOADING PROBLEMS. |
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Post by magnumwheelman on Feb 6, 2019 6:53:47 GMT -5
The only one I have is the cylinder from my Buckeye, along with, some older Remington cases, & 100 new Starline cases... along with a set of loading dies I've yet to use... & I will admit that it's 2nd fiddle to the custom 401 Powermag cylinder... but I am looking forward to seeing your projects & the results... hopefully that will stimulate me to at least get Starline cases loaded  |
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 6, 2019 7:12:28 GMT -5
I appreciate all the positive input. It's just strange to me how this fine old cartridge hasn't gained more popularity.
I'll probably do both five and six shot customs for this reaearch.
Maybe a TC Carbine too. Believe this will be more fun than useful. But, that's ok too...
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Post by magnumwheelman on Feb 6, 2019 7:24:09 GMT -5
AS long as you're talking companion rifle... I'd personally rather go something like this... www.gunbroker.com/item/798727819or more likely... the carbine ( sorry, 1st one posted case colored steel & octagon barrel, was actually 44-40... assume the 38-40 is available in that version ) www.gunbroker.com/item/798727827but that's just the cowboy in me  |
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Post by matt56 on Feb 6, 2019 10:11:36 GMT -5
Does anyone know if it would be possible to take the new 10mm/.40 blackhawk and have the .40 cylinder recut to .38-40?
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Post by magnumwheelman on Feb 6, 2019 10:42:30 GMT -5
I would expect it would clean up nicely
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Post by mhblaw on Feb 6, 2019 10:45:09 GMT -5
I have;
Buckeye 38 WCF/10mm and it's matching number 32 WCF/32 H&R;
Horvath conversion of an OMBH to 38 WCF;
OMBH Bisley conversion in 38 WCF by Bowen;
OMBH conversion in 38 WCF by Bowen;
USFA SA in 38 WCF;
Cimarron Model P in 38 WCF;
So, that caliber is very popular in my house, and I shoot them all. I did get a Corbin cannalure tool that worked for jacketed bullets, but mostly shoot cast these days.
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 6, 2019 11:24:25 GMT -5
Does anyone know if it would be possible to take the new 10mm/.40 blackhawk and have the .40 cylinder recut to .38-40? That is no problem... |
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Post by Rimfire69 on Feb 6, 2019 11:37:23 GMT -5
I’m new to them, my first one came to me in the fall, it’s been a fun ride so far, casting and loading for it, likely won’t be my last.
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eskimo36
.375 Atomic
Oklahoma
Posts: 2,071
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Post by eskimo36 on Feb 6, 2019 12:07:29 GMT -5
I have one in a mid frame Horvath gun with 40S&W and 10mm cylinders.  |
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Post by potatojudge on Feb 6, 2019 12:29:29 GMT -5
The collet style crimp from Lee is a huge help loading 38-40.
I talked with Alan Harton last year about a 38-40 he built re-boring an OMFT 357 and he assured me the cylinder was tough enough to take some pretty stout loads.
I wouldn't push that gun with a Linebaugh or Martin load, but it'll split the difference between 41 mag and 41 special without breaking a sweat. Goldilocks cartridge, like others in it's class.
With good brass available the only thing holding it back is the lack of carbide dies.
At this point, it's one of the last guns I would sell.
I think an FA 97 would be a great platform for the 38-40 with a new cylinder and barrel (along with auxiliary cylinders, of course!). TBH, it would be neat but would be at a disadvantage to the same gun in 41 mag.
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