Cast bullets for .44 WCF leverguns

Today we have a large choice when it comes to .44-40 (.44 WCF) leverguns. Replicas are available patterned after the Model’s 1860, 1866, 1873 and 1892. I have a replica ’92 with an octagon barrel and several other versions, as well as the first three models mentioned above all chambered in .44 WCF. Marlin has also offered their 1894 in several versions chambered in .44-40. We ordered two of these with 24″ octagon barrels when they came out in the closing decade of the last century.

Diamond Dot’s has been cut to 19-1/2″ for ease of handling and the ability to still hold 10 rounds, while I’ve kept mine at the original length. This Marlin makes a dandy close-range hunting levergun, every bit as good as the .44 Magnum. These rifles have the older cut rifling rather than Micro Groove so they are not so selective when shooting cast bullets.

Rossi Retinue

I’ve had one of the early Rossi .44 Magnum leverguns since it first came out and soon added a companion M92 in .44-40. The Rossi is a less expensive alternative to the original Model 1892 Winchester with a retail price about one-third, as much as a good used original Winchester 1892, and about half as much as the imported replica 1866 or 1873 leverguns. Sights are the standard elevation-adjusting style on the rear mated with a front post fitted into the barrel band. The rear sight can be adjusted laterally by tapping the sight to the right or left in its dovetail slot.

The action on the .44-40 is much smoother than that on the early .44 Magnum. The following are very pleasant shooting loads for the .44-40 Rossi 20″ levergun. Groups are three shots at 50 yards and all loads are assembled with the Oregon Trail 200-gr. Round Nosed Flat Point hard cast bullet. I might say here these bullets have been offered in not only 200-gr. weight but also 225 and 240 grains as well as diameters of 0.427″, 0.429″ and 0.430″, allowing loads to be custom tailored to any particular sixgun or levergun.

Here then are the muzzle velocities and three-shot groups at 50 yards using the Oregon Trail 200 RNFP in the Rossi — 7.0 grains of WW231 gives 1,076 fps and a 7/8″ group; 5.3 grains of N100, 1,017 fps, 1-1/4″; 8.0 grains Unique, 1,195 fps, 1″; 10.0 grains of Unique, 1,377 fps and 8.5 grains of Universal comes in at 1,145 fps both with a 1-3/8″ group. I also shoot a lot of black powder in the .44 WCF and with this bullet over 35.0 grains of Goex FFg for 1,220 fps and a most satisfying 1-1/4″ 50-yard group. A most pleasant shooting load, especially for youngsters getting started is assembled with this same bullet over 4.8 grains of Hodgdon’s Clays for right at 925 fps and an accurate shooting 1″ group — almost as pleasurable as shooting a .22 levergun.

Down To Brass Tacks

Reloading the .44-40 presents very few problems especially since we now have Starline brass with a case mouth not prone to buckling as early examples of brass. The cartridge itself is tapered precluding the use of a carbide sizing die. However, I spray lube all cases before sizing whether I am using a steel die or carbide die as with the latter it reduces the effort necessary for sizing. Loading on a progressive press is also no problem.

RCBS offers two types of reloading dies for the .44-40. One set is their standard steel sizing die set in the green box while the other comes in a tan box marked as a Cowboy Die Set. The latter is especially designed for cast bullets. The original set works for both types of bullets. However, the Cowboy Dies are designed to handle cast bullets a little more efficiently. If I had only one, I would go with the original but I prefer to have both sets and load accordingly.

We Disagree

One could easily say the .44 WCF is old and ancient and not worth bothering with. My friend Mike Venturino and I would both dispute this as the cartridge is not only a step back into the past, it’s also still a most viable choice. With the right loads, it is accurate and is certainly more than adequate for close-range hunting just as it was in the closing quarter of the 19th century.

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