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Hi guys,
I'm very new to black powder cartridge shooting and I recently acquired an old winchester lever in .44-40. When looking to reload, what is a good starter powder and where's the best place to get lead for those? I understand that things might be hard to find right now, but any advice would be appreciated!


Charles F. Bartlett
 
Posts: 80 | Location: Des Moines, Iowa | Registered: 02 April 2020Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I shoot FFFg and IMR 4198. 40% of the original black powder load in 4198 equals original pressures and ballistics.

Lead? Are you looking for lead bullets or do yo cast? If you cast I have a ton of lead in one pound ingots: about half soft lead and half in wheel weights. I may have bullets and brass but will have to look.
Cal


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Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
1994 Zimbabwe
1997 Zimbabwe
1998 Zimbabwe
1999 Zimbabwe
1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation
2000 Australia
2002 South Africa
2003 South Africa
2003 Zimbabwe
2005 South Africa
2005 Zimbabwe
2006 Tanzania
2006 Zimbabwe--vacation
2007 Zimbabwe--vacation
2008 Zimbabwe
2012 Australia
2013 South Africa
2013 Zimbabwe
2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
2017 Zimbabwe
2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
2019 Zimbabwe vacation
2021 South Africa
2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later)
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Posts: 7281 | Location: Willow, Alaska | Registered: 29 June 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Interesting. I'll have to look at smokeless powder then.
As far as bullets, I'd be looking at lead right now, but buying them as I don't have the molds or any of the other equipment. If you'd have brass, I'd be interested in looking at it.


Charles F. Bartlett
 
Posts: 80 | Location: Des Moines, Iowa | Registered: 02 April 2020Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Before you go too far down the smokeless road, is your Winchester an 1873 or an 1894. There is a significant strength difference between the two. In an 1873, and assuming it is in good condition, I would stick to light smokeless loads if you choose not to go the black powder route. I shoot a lot of black powder and don't find cleaning to be any big deal, as long as you do it the same day as you were shooting.


One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know. - Groucho Marx
 
Posts: 3810 | Location: Eastern Slope, Colorado, USA | Registered: 01 March 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Its an 1873 Winchester. What black powder do you use?


Charles F. Bartlett
 
Posts: 80 | Location: Des Moines, Iowa | Registered: 02 April 2020Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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CFB:
PM me your phone or email. I have a fair amount of bullets and brass for the 44-40. I am planning to take themn to a gun show this weekend.

Your 1873 is not as strong as the model 1892 (not the 1894--that was a typo above)but it is easy to load smokeless to black powder energy ande pressure levels by the formula I noted above.

If I hear from you I will make a count of exactly what I have.
Cal

PS. Also brass and bullets is readily available--search the net.


_______________________________

Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
1994 Zimbabwe
1997 Zimbabwe
1998 Zimbabwe
1999 Zimbabwe
1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation
2000 Australia
2002 South Africa
2003 South Africa
2003 Zimbabwe
2005 South Africa
2005 Zimbabwe
2006 Tanzania
2006 Zimbabwe--vacation
2007 Zimbabwe--vacation
2008 Zimbabwe
2012 Australia
2013 South Africa
2013 Zimbabwe
2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
2017 Zimbabwe
2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
2019 Zimbabwe vacation
2021 South Africa
2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later)
______________________________
 
Posts: 7281 | Location: Willow, Alaska | Registered: 29 June 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Cal, thanks for catching the typo. That is what I get for answering posts too late at night!

In pistol cartridges I would use FFg or FFFg black powder. Make sure to use a bullet lube formulated for black powder cartridges. I use SPG for my bullets with excellent results. I personally stay away from the black powder substitutes.


One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know. - Groucho Marx
 
Posts: 3810 | Location: Eastern Slope, Colorado, USA | Registered: 01 March 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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