rufus
.30 Stingray
Posts: 454
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Post by rufus on Oct 2, 2020 8:32:45 GMT -5
Encore64, good to know Are you using 2400 powder to achieve those results?
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Post by Encore64 on Oct 2, 2020 8:37:30 GMT -5
Encore64, good to know Are you using 2400 powder to achieve those results? Actually, 2400 is my favorite powder for heavy 44-40 loads and Unique for my lighter loads. But, any of the powders for the 44 Magnum can be used. I keep my 44-40s at or under 30,000 psi and clearly marked so they don't come near my Colt or Uberti Revolvers. I avoid 296/H110 simply because it doesn't load to the density required. Currently experimenting with Longshot and 572.
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Post by dougader on Oct 2, 2020 13:28:24 GMT -5
My grandfather had one rifle, a '92 in 25-20. He hunted rabbits and deer with that one rifle. Now that the uncles have all passed away, I have no idea who ended up with the rifle. It had a cracked stock that was held together with old canvas tape. It had a heavy octagonal barrel, weighing a significant amount more than my Dad's 30-06.
I still have a few of the old .25-20 shells I scrummaged from my grandfather's tool chest. Would love to have a new '92 in .25-20.
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rufus
.30 Stingray
Posts: 454
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Post by rufus on Oct 2, 2020 15:22:12 GMT -5
I believe the James Jordan buck was killed with a 25-20 although if I recall correctly it took him a number of shots to accomplish the feat. It was the world record typical for quite a few years.
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Post by Encore64 on Oct 2, 2020 15:28:14 GMT -5
I believe the James Jordan buck was killed with a 25-20 although if I recall correctly it took him a number of shots to accomplish the feat. It was the world record typical for quite a few years. I took a TC Contender 25-20 to Africa in 2018. Made a one shot kill on a Springbok at 103 yards.
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Post by z1r on Oct 2, 2020 18:38:37 GMT -5
Got a '73 in .44-40, I limit those loads accordingly. Recently got a '92 in .45 colt. Love that rifle. 24" barrel, shoots like a dream. Congrats on the .44-40. I used to load 240 gr JHP's over 12.8 grains of Bluedot in my S&W.
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Post by Encore64 on Oct 2, 2020 19:17:25 GMT -5
I'd sure love to see the 25-20 and 32-20 brought back in these guns.
A complete void in small game rifles these days.
I've got the Marlin Trio in the above two calibers and 218 Bee.
One of the few production small game rifles these days is the Henry 327 Federal. Bought the first Henry Steel 20" I could find so chambered. It's a dandy and readily available.
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Post by dougader on Oct 2, 2020 19:27:17 GMT -5
I'd sure love to see the 25-20 and 32-20 brought back in these guns. A complete void in small game rifles these days. I've got the Marlin Trio in the above two calibers and 218 Bee. I remember reading about the release of those rifles, and I balked at the price. Boy, was that a stupid move...
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Post by warhawk on Nov 17, 2020 3:22:18 GMT -5
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 17, 2020 7:44:03 GMT -5
I'm focusing on TC Profile Bullets in the Winchester 92. This gun is very forgiving on nose length, so some flexibility.
All the jacketed bullets feed just fine. I always lean towards the 250 grn XTP Bullets for my 44 Mag guns. Working just as well in the 44-40.
I just bought a "few" 240 grn TC Coated Bullets from Missouri Bullets and Kings.
Even with very modest handloads, this gun matches 44 Mag revolver ballistics. That easily does what I need and the 44-40 just seems right in this gun.
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Post by Encore64 on Dec 19, 2020 16:31:26 GMT -5
I've been busy and have taken longer to get this gun going than expected. But, today I loaded some ammo to an estimated 30-32,000 psi.
The Winchester easily handled these loads as expected. The thin brass is probably the weak point. I know Phil Sharpe loaded early Winchester 92s to far greater pressure. I've got no interest in mimicking his loads.
Using Unique Powder at these pressures resulted in 1400 +/- fps. Switching to 2400 Powder increased velocity to 1750 +/- fps. Brass life has been unlimited so far. I've lost count of loadings, but think the original 20 cases I started with have been loaded 11 times.
The old 44-40 still has a lot to offer the modern hunter. This combined with a lengthy history makes this project fun.
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