Savvy_Jack
New member
I performed some pressure tests for the 44-40 cartridges a few years ago. I discovered a few things I was not expecting....
First, the 44-40 (44 W.C.F.) has always been a "solid-head" case since first advertised in 1874. (see attached photo).
Second, the size of the solid-head's, "semi-balloon pocket" varied over the years, meaning...starting out large and tapering off over time until becoming a full solid head.
Third, Black Powder was loaded by weight (40gr) and compressed as needed in order to fit 40gr and a lead bullet. Typical compression of the powder varied between .17" and .21", pending the weight per volume density as well as the size of the "pocket". It is 100% possible to compress 40gr of Swiss FFg into a starline case...and has been done by me many many times. An early unheadstamped case handloaded with black powder yielded no compressed powder of which was 37gr. This can be seen here, look at item #8:
Forth, velocity seams to be effected by the "pocket" design. Note the velocities from the tests using period cases, as per velocity advertised.
Fifth, smokeless powder loads used the same semi-balloon pocket brass thus the reason the 44 W.H.V. loads were not to be reloaded.
On to the test results...enjoy!
44-40 Solid-Head, Semi-Balloon pocket velocities and pressures.
.
.
.
.
.
First, the 44-40 (44 W.C.F.) has always been a "solid-head" case since first advertised in 1874. (see attached photo).
Second, the size of the solid-head's, "semi-balloon pocket" varied over the years, meaning...starting out large and tapering off over time until becoming a full solid head.
Third, Black Powder was loaded by weight (40gr) and compressed as needed in order to fit 40gr and a lead bullet. Typical compression of the powder varied between .17" and .21", pending the weight per volume density as well as the size of the "pocket". It is 100% possible to compress 40gr of Swiss FFg into a starline case...and has been done by me many many times. An early unheadstamped case handloaded with black powder yielded no compressed powder of which was 37gr. This can be seen here, look at item #8:
Forth, velocity seams to be effected by the "pocket" design. Note the velocities from the tests using period cases, as per velocity advertised.
Fifth, smokeless powder loads used the same semi-balloon pocket brass thus the reason the 44 W.H.V. loads were not to be reloaded.
On to the test results...enjoy!
44-40 Solid-Head, Semi-Balloon pocket velocities and pressures.
.
.
.
.
.
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