Have a model 92 44-40, serial number puts it around the turn of the century, well over 100 years old. Shot a couple hogs and a deer with it just to say I have. Close range, 50 yards or so, bullet so slow you can see it's trajectory. Also have a 32-20. Back in 1997 I was offered $3500 for the 44-40, didn't consider it then, won't now.

Most of the ammo you will find for your 44-40 these days has a flat point round nose bullet loaded between 725 and 800 fps for cowboy action shooters. The original black powder loading was much more than that. Winchester offers a jacketed soft point at velocities not watered down for cowboy action rules and Magtec has a lead bullet load also at higher velocity which is closer to the original loading.

I if not a handloader I would go for either the Winchester or Magtec factory ammo to hunt with. An extra 50% in velocity will make a big difference.

Oh in its day there were loads listed for 1800fps, would not be surprised if those were from the 1873 musket with its 30 inch barrel. But generally most was in the 1100 t0 1200fps range.

The cowboy action loads are about on par with the black powder loads they had back in the day, 800 or so fps in a pistol and 1100-1200 fps in a rifle


A .45 colt loaded with a proper charge of smokeless powder meant to be fired in a modern firearm is no joke

Yes Sir I'd think your right on the 06,lots of rifles have been chambered for the 30-06,

Thank u all for the info. Lots of stuff i never knew.

Hell no! Look at the ballistics. Sounds like a good way to wound an animal or lose it unless you're going for a head shot. Look at the energy...thats only slightly more than a 45 acp. Why even risk it when you can use a 30-30 or .270 or something

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
200 gr (13 g) lead 1,245 ft/s (379 m/s) 688 ft·lbf (933 J)
217 gr (14 g) lead 1,190 ft/s (360 m/s) 682 ft·lbf (925 J)
225 gr (15 g) lead 750 ft/s (230 m/s) 281 ft·lbf (381 J)



Now, here's the ballistics for a 30-30

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
110 gr (7 g) FP 2,684 ft/s (818 m/s) 1,760 ft·lbf (2,390 J)
130 gr (8 g) FP 2,496 ft/s (761 m/s) 1,799 ft·lbf (2,439 J)
150 gr (10 g) FN 2,390 ft/s (730 m/s) 1,903 ft·lbf (2,580 J)
160 gr (10 g) cast LFN 2,330 ft/s (710 m/s) 1,929 ft·lbf (2,615 J)
170 gr (11 g) FP 2,227 ft/s (679 m/s) 1,873 ft·lbf (2,539 J)

What's funny is of the testimonials from yesteryear. Claiming kills from 200-400 yards away with open sighted 73's in 44-40's

A nice cast lead bullet with a nice big flat meplat clocking along at 1100 fps will make a nice hole and Will get good penetration on a whitetail!

Try these guys out Hoytman...

Had great luck with them in the past


http://www.powderrivercartridge.com/

if the o.p. is skilled enough to be
a successful archery and handgun hunter,
i'd imagine he'd be able to lay out
a whitetail deer with a 44/40 rifle with
the right ammo. with practice i know i could

You could do it with a .22 hornet too. Stick to neck or heart shots at close range (50 yards or less)

i've stocked my freezer using arrows
and patched round balls and black powder
with little trouble.

Thanks sniper. will give those a try. Im sure i can hit a deer at anything short of 100yds or closer but just wasnt sure about how lethal the caliber would be and at what range.

Your only handicap will be limited range

yep i agree. my feeder is only 20yds from stand so wont be shooting more than 50yds max

Outstanding...

Will Harvest a Doe this year with my 44 Mag...