Home Forums Reloading Handgun Reloading 44-40 vaquero hunting load

Hey all, as title says I'm looking for insight on a hunting load for my old model vaquero 44-40. I understand it's not a 44 mag and bullet weight is limited. What do you guys use ? I recently purchased this one and have a reamer ordered for the throats already as they're extra tight.

The old 200gr lead flat nose factory load killed a bunch of game back in the day. Google shows the original ballistics were around 1200fps for the 200 out of a rifle. I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t duplicate that with a strong revolver like the Vaquero. The same weight bullet at 1000fps would probably be effective and easier to handle too. I guess it’ll boil down to what shoots to the sights. Just make sure whatever bullet design you choose has a good sized flat on the nose.

I happen to have some of those from acme on the way. I will be loading up in the near future, I suppose I discounted those due to the nature of today's "cowboy load". I suppose if I can work something up that is accurate at close to that speed I'll be in business! Mostly I'll be using it as a woods walking gun for varmints and possibly a deer if the opportunity is right.