Reloading 44-40 with black powder

[Dalekeeton]

Hello all,

I shoot BP muzzle and Breachloading shotguns and have been offered a .44-40 Henry rifle by Uberti.

I’d love to shoot it with black powder, does anyone have experience of reloading BP in brass? Any advice (including steer clear) would be gratefully received

[DesG]

The 44 40 was originally a black powder round. The 40 indicates 40gns of bp. Go for it, great fun. The only issue is that the brass goes black very quickly.

[Dalekeeton]

Yup, think I’m going to have to jump in! I have an ultrasonic cleaner at work I can use to lean the brass

[DesG]

Yup, think I’m going to have to jump in! I have an ultrasonic cleaner at work I can use to lean the brass

Chuck them in soapy water as you fire them, that helps.

[loiner1965]

Chuck them in soapy water as you fire them, that helps.

as above....take a sealed container with you . windscreen washer fluid is good too

[andrew375]

I knew someone who played with black powder in .44-40. The problem he had was that modern cases have considerably less capacity than the originals so couldn't get anyway near 40 grains in. Just load enough so it is compressed by the bullet and use a heavy crimp.

[tacfoley]

Chuck them in soapy water as you fire them, that helps.

^^^^^
THIS.

You'll need to load with 3Fg/FFFg grade BP. It being a lever action, it will get absolutely filthy inside of ten shots. And NO jacketed bullets, either, just flat-nosed, prolly 240gr. It feels totally wondrous to shoot, BTW, and the smell of cow-fart soon drifts away.

...but not from your clothes.

[DesG]

^^^^^
THIS.

You'll need to load with 3Fg/FFFg grade BP. It being a lever action, it will get absolutely filthy inside of ten shots. And NO jacketed bullets, either, just flat-nosed, prolly 240gr. It feels totally wondrous to shoot, BTW, and the smell of cow-fart soon drifts away.

...but not from your clothes.

and so easy to share with all your family when you clean your musket in the kitchen!