Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors What to shoot in my original 1873?

Having been blessed with a gift of an 1882-built Winchester Model 1873, which had been found recently in an old home, and having cursed my way through 140 years of lead fouling removal to reveal a very good bore,

I now with trepidation approach its first shooting. I ask the collectors here what you would recommend for .44-40 ammunition which would:
A. Be safe to shoot in this fine old rifle, and
B. Not foul this bore again after all my labors?

I think I'd get a copy of Ken Waters' Pet Loads. IIRC he discusses loads of different power ranges, including those suitable for an 1873.

I'd get some .44-40 brass, a good mould and a can of 2fg Swiss or KIK blackpowder and have at it. Nothing else would be allowed if it was my rifle. That's what it was made for, and it works every bit as well today as it did then.

Brent

+1. A properly tempered/lubed lead bullet + black powder won't lead the bore significantly and at the same time won't stress the gun any more than original 1882 factory loads did.

Good advice. I am closing in on a somewhat reduced load from the original 40 grains of blackpowder. Likely will use loose Pyrodex RS (FF Equivalent) to reduce powder fouling, and a 200 gr 20:1 (Lead to Antimony) lubricated cast Round Nose Flat Point bullet.

I want to keep velocities below the point at which the lead fouling begins in earnest.

The 44-40 was a helluva cartridge back in the days of black powder and there is really no reason to avoid shooting it at the original power level with either black or smokeless powder. The 1873 action was MADE FOR black powder shells and developed a true reputation for a very effective rifle/cartridge combination.

Check the manuals for loading info, especially for Trail Boss and lead bullets, since they are careful with this old round; enjoy the little slice of the past that has been bestowed upon you. Don't "hot-rod" this rifle. Modern steels and more modern rounds are available, so appreciate what you have and don't try to duplicate .44 Magnum ballistics.

I've still be working my way through a couple cans of "CTG" (cartridge) Pyrodex for the past 30 years. The other powder I use in these old rifles (e.g. Winchester 1873's, Colt Lightnings, Whitney-Kennedys) and others is Trail Boss. All with lubricated lead bullets of course. Trail Boss powder has better volume in the case and there is not a need for fillers. Even though you will find loading books list reduced loads with Unique, I would advise against it. I'm thinking if, "Shrapnel" checks in, he will agree with me.

Thank you boltman. I am awaiting dies, but the first batch will be Pyrodex RS (FF) pushing a 200 grain round nose flat point lubricated bullet 20:1 lead/antimony. I am assuming about 40 grains, but will adjust to bullet base/Pyrodex contact. BP/Pyro doe not like empty spaces!

The old rifle's bore is looking beautiful. I finished up the lead removal with Montana X-Treme bore polish, and while it doesn't totally gleem like a new one, I am delighted at the condition now of this 130-year old .44-40 bore.

Can't wait to shoot!

Well the first .44-40 loading was a bust. 40gr equiv Pyrodex RS behind a lubed ".428" flat-base 200gr, and all just tumbled out the muzzle, keyholing at any range. Puzzled, I measured the bullets and discovered most were only .425, not the .428 as labeled.

Found some 222gr ".429" hollow base, also 20:1. This time I measured them before purchasing and found they also were undersized, at .426. I am not sure why the casters don't identify the actual diameter. Nonetheless, I figured maybe the hollow base, like a minie-ball, might fill the bore of my old Winchester. They worked! No more keyholing, nice round holes and a moderate pattern of 2" or so at 25 yards. Haven't been able to check at range beyond yet, but at least it is a start.

I still remember when Clint Walker killed a giant Griz with his 44-40 ---

You surely were blessed --- What a gift!

There is a guy that casts bullets for the CAS shootes that are designed for BP loading. He will size the 44's at .427 or .429. I shoot his 45's in my Colts and replica '73 and have good results. I recall he will do "sampler packs" too. His name is Mark Whyte, http://www.whyteleatherworks.com/

Good luck with your Winnie!

Thank you Razz! I also received a call from the owner of Buffalo Arms and they are about to launch .428 200 grains that are actually .428 also.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/