44 40 The first universal cartridge

[@robertrobert7924]

I love the .44-40 WCF. I have been shooting it thru my Uberti lever guns for decades. I have reloaded it many times with BP and smokeless. The slight neck expands in the chamber to seal the gases in the barrel, and stops the blowback of gases into the action, making it much easier to clean. unlike str8 walled cases. With a Lee mould and dies you can reload forever, as long as you have lead, powder, and primers.

[@tomcurran8470]

In CAS loads that's the problem with 45 Colt, it does not seal and you get blowback in rifles especially. That's why the 45 Colt Cowboy Special was invented...a cut-off 45 Colt for Cowboy Action Shooting. This could be avoided by using the 44 WCF. Additionally, 45 Colt was never originally chambered in the cowboy era rifles (see Mike's vid on that).

[@blueduck9409]

YAHOO!

[@ScubaOz]

Ummm... No. The 45 Colt special was invented for volume reasons in cases when using light loads in SASS, Its still a straight walled brass just shorter and can be used in all 45 Colt guns. A 44-40 brass has a slight taper to it and some claim this is what seals the gases from blowback in the action. So using 45 Colt Special is no different than using 45 Colt regular brass in terms of sealing, just a gimmick to get people to spend money on crap they dont need, use a filler wad or filler and your case will be full, as for the blowback people should quit resizing the hell out of the case if they are using it in the same gun all the time.@@tomcurran8470

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

44-40 sounds like it was the 9mm of it's day, although much more capable. Def a worthy cartridge. Great video, thanks for sharing it.

[@duelist1954]

My pleasure!

[@blueduck9409]

I have read several times, in old journals abd news paper articles where grizzly brears have been killed with the 44WCF. (44-40) the old loads were much stronger than the puny crap thats made in factorys today. They even made a commercial 44WCF high velocity load. The only way to get the most out of the 44WCF is to hand load.

[@craigfinley2507]

​@@duelist1954what size bullet did the calvery use to fight the indians with in their winchesters

[@craigfinley2507]

​@@blueduck9409was it stronger than the 44 that Clint Eastwood used

[@davisrs1]

​@@craigfinley2507 The Cavalry had 45-55 Springfield carbines and the trapdoor rifles were the standard 45-70 Springfields .

[@richardlahan7068]

I'm starting to get into muzzle loaders but that 1873 Winchester sure is nice!

[@invisibletosociety8338]

Yes it is, would love to own one.

[@justinappling614]

One of the greatest parts of life is learning. As usual, I was entertained and informed. Thank you sir for being one of those rare individuals who can make learning fun.

[@garylewis3641]

The 44-40 is more powerful than I thought, good video!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@buckshot4428]

When I was a kid an older man in the neighborhood befriended us and took us hunting in his Scout. He had a 92 Winchester in .44-40 and let us shoot it. It was a really sweet combination. I bought his Scout, but it never occurred to me to try and buy his 92 or his .250-300 Savage 99.

[@win1885]

So glad you did not talk about difficulties reloading 44-40's. Every article I've read (just about) does. They talk about the thin necks getting messed up. My favorite old cartrifge is the 38-40. I've loaded thousands. Rarely do I get a wrinkled neck, and if I do, it's my fault, not the cartridge. Thanks for a great video, Mike. Tom Ireland

[@mkshffr4936]

Besides the biggest problem is guns with mismatched throats.

[@TUCOtheratt]

I've reloaded tons of 44-40 with very few mishaps on the Dillon.

[@kennethhamby9811]

Had an original Bisley in 38-40, great shooter.

[@brianalbee4153]

Heck, I can even wrinkle a 38 special

[@davidgardner863]

I don’t understand why people have trouble reloading the 44-40. I’ve been doing it for years and never had a problem.

[@johngallagher2313]

I got my 44/40 around 5 years ago in a Miroku Winchester Model 92. It is a great shooter with both black and smokeless. Reloading the thin brass takes a little TLC but other than that is easy to load and shoot. Great round that modern shooters should appreciate more.

[@MilagroMadMan]

Well you talked me into buying a revolver chambered in 44-40. Thank you for the helpful info.

[@blueduck9409]

Get the most out of it. Buy reloading dies and make your own. Theres a world of difference between factory 44 -40 ammo and hand loads. Check out Lymans cast bullet hand book for great load data.

[@clintfoster1639]

I have always loved the 44 40 round.

[@jason60chev]

Good work, Mike! I have a repro 1860 Henry and a repro Remington 1875, both in 44-40. Few months ago, was able to acquire an original Ideal loading tool in 44-40, as well.

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you Mike. Few years back the 45 Colt and 44.40 were called obsolete. But now still running and well alive.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

People keep trying to say the same thing about the 1911 and yet it's outlived many pistols younger than itself, and has been in continuous manufacture at Colt since it was adopted.

[@marktwain2053]

You will still find a lot more .45 Colt than 44/40 WCF though.

[@davidgardner863]

@@marktwain2053, That’s because cowboy action shooters don’t care much for authenticity.

[@KRRabbit1]

I just had my .44-40 out two days ago! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@bernardflood8289]

Greetings from Ireland. Great video as always.

[@franksmodels29]

Morning coffee with Mike and another great vid niching better 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnjackson2256]

In this time of long range magnums and ultra mags it is a real pleasure to listen to someone who shoots and loves these old calibers.

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

The .44-40 was a pretty potent cartridge impressed with the test

[@blueduck9409]

It still is when hand loaded. Lymans cast bullet handbook list some really stout loads for it.

[@TM-ev2tc]

A story about a 45-70 would be interesting.

[@waynehendrix4806]

I once shot a 45-70. End of story.

[@danielcurtis1434]

The thing is he’d have to start with the 1865 Springfield in .58 rimfire then the .50-70 a d only then the .45-70. So he’s got ground to cover first…

[@coldandaloof7166]

Great video Mike. Good to see all that blue smoke.

[@johnlea8519]

As a gun starved Brit I really enjoyed this video, I love American history especially if it's firearm related I once had a Uberti 73 SRC but alas it was in .22 lr.

[@chrisgibson6960]

Great video Mike. Thanks for showing the old 44WCF weren’t no slouch.

[@kmorris180]

My notification preference was changed from "ALL" to something else. Your channel always gets a thumbs up from me. Your content is always good. Thank you for always helping me to know what my next rifle or pistol is going to be, lol.

[@drstrangelove4998]

Loved it, Ia really quality vid as usual. have 44-40 1992 Winny by Chiappa. Greetings from London ✌🏻

[@Matzah1982]

From my 8 inch barreled Uberti 1858 new model army revolver shooting my Winchester super X .45 Colt 250 grain cowboy loads using my Howell .45 Colt cylinder I’m getting about 750 feet per second velocity with about 300 foot pounds of energy so the smokeless cowboy loads are about a third less powerful than the .45 Colt loads you’re shooting which are more traditional. As my most recently posted video shows on my channel from my most recent shooting session last week even them lighter .45 Colt loads will really do a number on an 8 inch terra cotta flower pot from about 30 feet away

[@charlesmckinley29]

Beautiful color case hardening

[@jasonselvaggi4427]

Whenever you release a firearm video, it feels like Christmas morning to me.

[@tomritter493]

Loved the 44 40 yrs back I had a pietra and 45 Colt I enjoyed the 44 best thanks mike

[@longshot7590]

The 1873 Winchester, with the 44-40, was absolutley a game changer in firepower! The AR of its day and still one of my favorites! Great video!! Bravo

[@wrxs1781]

Good video, and yes my subscription is in tact with notifications. Also I was under the impression that the 45 Colt was the more powerful cartridge over the 44-40, thanks for correcting my error that many people still believe to be true.

[@blueduck9409]

Apples and oranges. The 44WCF has much higher velocity, and i feel much greater distance (range) than the 45 colt. The bullet weight / velocity is what to look at in comparison.

[@pacanis]

Good video. Nice to see the comparison to 45 Colt. It might be time to branch out and pick up some 44-40 dies. And guns. Especially from you saying 44-40 was more accurate out of rifles than 45 Colt in one of your older vids.

[@richardjolley6244]

Loved the video Mike! And I always like your neat shirts. May God bless you.

[@armchairrider2111]

You are a great inspiration for me. I'm a gun guy from Sweden and I'm just about to buy a Uberti Colt Bisley in just 44-40. (Yes we can own guns in Sweden)😊 I follow your videos with grat interest. Good job. //Eric Wallberg

[@bustabass9025]

Man, I wish I could find those two pieces for my collection.

[@tomreagan5614]

liked the video, thank you. Please consider demonstrating how you reload this cartridge, including how you determine what diameter bullet to use, antique vs modern production. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@tomcurran8470]

Yes, a 44 WCF reloading vid.

[@duelist1954]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4SVealnabeXm7c

[@duelist1954]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4SVealnabeXm7c

[@daryljacobson7462]

Great job with it and comparing it to the 45 Colt. Thanks.

[@ol1guy994]

Thanks well done

[@dennisvaughn540]

Right on target about Y treats evil gun channels! Keep Up the Great Work!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@andrewyording4284]

I have the sane 1873 Uberti and a matcing Colt SAA as well as allot of other cowboy action guns, and have shot black powder rifles for 40 yrs. So I have really enjoyed your different content on all of those and particularly enjoy all the history background information you present. Sure hope you get your range and land back, and I hope the court awards you dameges and makes them pay for all the costs that you have incurred. Thank you sir

[@Schlachtschule]

Fascinating stuff, Mike, thank you. I can recall watching Westerns as a child and wondering if the loops on their belts held rifle or pistol cartridges, not understanding that the lever actions fired the same cartridge as the revolvers. You can really see the advantage of using the same cartridge for both! I am slightly surprised by the comparison with the .45 Colt; I saw another channel do a similar comparison and the two cartridges were close to comparable--perhaps he didn't load as consistently, or his weapons had differences that accounted for that. As for KZbin, it's not paranoia when it's fact, and the Bud Lite drinkers at You Tube hate firearms channels. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@scottscheuerman8714]

I have been a shooting my Colt frontier six shooters this summer I casted some ribs 200 grain round nose flat point for them and they are a blast to shoot

[@biglemms]

As always...a well made and entertaining learning experience. Thanks once again Mike. I hope the fight is moving forward and you still hold the high ground.

[@BigRooster616]

44/40 is my 4th favorite pistol cartridge #1 is 44 Special . #2 is 44 Magnum. #3 is 44 Russian.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Well done! I knew this cartridge was versatile, but I didn't realize it had that much punch. 👍👍

[@blueduck9409]

Out of a 24 inch barrel on a 73 Winchester a 200 grain bullet loaded with a case full of pyrodex P gets over 1,400 feet per second. Thats magnum territory.

[@farrerhaven]

Love the 44-40 I got both 45 colt and the 44-40 in 1866,it would be fun to shoot both with 200 grain just to make it even.

[@mikesmithg0rfd356]

thank you

[@lanedexter6303]

Fascinating video, Mike. Great cartridge history. I have a 38-40 model 1892 Winchester made in 1914. Great pieces of history!

[@russellstafford3674]

Always a joy to watch Mike. Love the old cowboy guns.

[@alexandermfernandez9283]

That .44-40 is a lot more powerfull than I thought .I figured that black powder would produce significantly slower velocities compared with modern day smokeless powders , but those .44-40 loads from the rifle are pretty close to comparable with that of modern day .44mag ammunition . I can see now why it (.44-40)was so popular back in the day especially in a (2) gun same cartridge configuration . Your expertise in firearms along with your vast historical knowledge makes your videos extremely enjoyable & entertaining . Thank you so much !

[@samuelprice2461]

The only real difference is that BP loads require longer barrels to produce velocities similar to smokeless. BP is “just as powerful” as smokeless powder. It just burns more slowly.

[@alexandermfernandez9283]

I appreciate the explanation , I didn't know that . I've never really done anything with black powder but I'm finding it more interesting with every reply . Thanks !@@samuelprice2461

[@66smithra]

@@samuelprice2461black powder is about 1/3rd as powerful as smokeless. A 44 mag or 45 Colt (or 44-40) in a rifle with proper magnum loads with smokeless will be much more powerful than a full case of black powder. And black powder actually burns much faster than most smokeless powder.

[@robertfuller1134]

I have a Winchester '73 repo chambered in .357 Mag.Also a Rem 1875 in .357 Mag. Love 'em.

[@happymark1805]

I never had problems with videos not showing up, I daily go to the button of the channels I have subscribed to on youtube, no notifications, and see whats new, they always show up that way.

[@scottwilson1258]

Mike, Its the Shooting "I Know" but the Story you tell that is So Important to US!

[@johnjackson2256]

Good job Mike. I opted for 45 Colt when I really wanted a 44-40 simply because of ammunition availability. Maybe some day......

[@lindellcenter5410]

Thankyou Mike for doing a video on the great 44-40. When I was about 12 Dad took me to deer camp for the first time it was in the Ozarks back then you were lucky to find any deer tracks, any way he needed a rifle for me to cary so he borrowed my Uncles old 1873 in 44-40 he picked up a box of shells somewhere, being a little kid it whore me out carrying it up and down the hills. We didn’t see any deer so Dad wanted to shoot it so he shot the heads off to squirrels two shots and we had them for dinner that was a great memory for me that was so long ago. Love your channel Mike keep the videos coming.

[@TacticalTerry]

Seems like I haven't seen many of your videos lately, but I am happy to see this one!

[@theorangevestarmy4255]

Great video, great cartridge, great guns! Here's to the next great 4 years!!🥃

[@mikedurhan9941]

Really enjoyed your video, Mike. And although Elmer Keith and several others would not agree with your comparison of energy between the 44-40 and the .45 Colt, it was still an interesting video featuring a great old cartridge. Thank you.

[@66smithra]

This was just one example. The 45 Colt is more powerful overall. It has to be, it’s bigger.

[@TXGRunner]

Your timing is almost scary. Just last night I kind of went down a rabbit hole. On my acquisition list are several lever and wheel guns in 44-40. However, yesterday, I was looking at some original 1873s at Rock Island Auctions. The 73's in 44-40 are noticeably more expensive than the ones in 38-40. I was trying to figure out if that would work for me. One benefit is in 38-40, I can get a Ruger Vaquero with swappable cylinders for 38-40 and 40S&W. A long time ago, my plan was to keep some level and single action revolvers in blackpowder/cowboy loads, and have others that were higher power. Then, I reasoned I'd get a wheel and lever gun in 44-40 for BP/ cowboy, and use 45 colt (or maybe 44 or 357 Mag) for high power smokeless. Your video reminded me of why I decided on this plan: 44-40 is a better BP round. So now the question is do I want an original 1873 or a modern Mirouku 1873...hmmm

[@duelist1954]

Decisions...decisions...good luck!

[@stefanfrank4043]

Great video on a great cartridge!👍

[@TUCOtheratt]

Great Video! I really liked the sequence of you shooting with the western music playing!😃

[@Rumblestrip]

Those black powder loads sound amazing from that colt on your mic Mike lol. Cool cartridge... I love it fir BPCR and some 240 grain powder coated projectile ive found loading info for... Great power with it. Funny to me i had to find a loading pamphlet from the 1930s to get it.

[@mikenewmanhayes2010]

Love my 44-40s, family has used for over 130 uears

[@Rustygulley-r3r]

Thanks for another great video, Mike.

[@russellcraven251]

😅Thanks Mike, always a pleasure watching your videos!

[@davidholden7331]

Love your video and the 44-40

[@timlowery7156]

I don't have any of my too many subscriptions set to notify me of a new vid. For years your latest release has always popped up on my recommended.

[@stevenhorney7735]

Loved this video! Got to shoot a friend's 44-40 Remington rolling block years ago as a kid. Fun cartridge, but I was particularly impressed by the ballistics you obtained with it using black powder. Very cool!

[@indiancreek1570]

Winchester sure had a winner with the 73, and 44-40 . But for my use I like the 38-40 seems a little faster and flatter shooting, great video and shooting

[@blueduck9409]

You should read what all Elmer Keith had to say about the 38-40. He stopped packing it because it almost got him killed on a hunt. He also talks about why the 38-40 tends to be more accurate. Keith wrote several books and they are all worth a read.

[@davidgardner863]

The original 38-40 was really a 40-38 and the 44-40 was really a 43-40. Why did they even bother?

[@morganfrmn]

I have been waiting years and years for you to make this video. Now tell us about the 38-40

[@robertmcsorley4001]

VERY interesting comparison. .44-40 was indeed a true game changer for those moving out west. Just subscribed to your channel. Very enjoyable

[@friendsintruth6887]

im still getting em Mike over here in Uk,i agree i got a 44.40 henry rifle and its great

[@Rjmjr1966]

Love the 44WCF. Had 2 Ruger Vaquero’s and a Rossi 92 they all shot great miss those guns. Now I have a EMF Great Western II and a Navy Arms 1875 Remington. They both shot excellent with BP or smokeless.

[@jamesgilhooly8922]

Thanks, very informative. Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@billshepherd4331]

An 1873 Winchester is on the bucket list. Maybe I'll get it in 44WCF.😉 Keep up the great work!

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Excellent. For a topic so common and historical, it takes a genuine expert to bring forth fresh logic and facts. Thanks Mike

[@derekp2674]

Great video, thanks Mike. I enjoyed your use of "spaghetti western" music alongside seeing you enjoying those fine guns.

[@carlswedberg8126]

Probably my favorite cartridge the 44-40, I’ve got 2 rifles and 2 revolvers. Great video, making Thursday my favorite day of the week.

[@70selvisfan]

I was surprised to see that the .44-40 generates what looks like pretty good recoil out of the Colt clone. Not surprised to find out that it's more powerful than the .45 Colt. Love it!!

[@marktwain2053]

The .45 Colt would have been more powerful. The original loading for the 44/40 of 40gr of 3f black powder, and a 200gr lead bullet at 1100 to 1200 fps from a 24 inch barrel, would have been easily eclipsed by the .45 with similar velocities, using the original load of 40gr of 3f black powder and a 255 gr lead bullet, had there been a loading for it in a Winchester rifle. The .45 Colt was a Martial (military) cartridge, and since there was never any intention of using it in a rifle (they had the 45/70 for that), specifications called for a cartridge rim that would be sufficient for a revolver cylinder, but was too small to reliably work with any type of extraction system. Modern Winchester clones are most commonly produced in .357 magnum, and .45 Colt for good reason.

[@craigfinley2507]

​@bryanaustin3476how do they no how much powder to add in a bullet so it won't blow the gun up

[@davidspangler7379]

You cant really add too much black powder in these cases, black powder needs to be compressed in a case. More than 40 grains you'll hardly have any space to seat your bullet. Smokeless powder you can add too much! Use a reliable reloading manual or manufactures suggested loads when using modern smokless

[@66smithra]

The 45 Colt is a bigger pipe. It will always have more power potential than a 44-40 or 44 Magnum. In this particular case Mike was using lighter bullets in the 44-40 so it produced more velocity. Energy foot lbs favors velocity. At equal bullet weights and chamber pressures, the bigger cartridge will always be more powerful.

[@helifanodobezanozi7689]

After a certain period, the Army stopped using 255 grain 45 Colt in their Peacemakers. They used 200 grain 45 S&W so that they had common ammo for both the Colts and the Smith and Wesson Schofield they issued. So the 44-40 WAS MORE POWERFUL than what the US Army issued.

[@andyeaton6903]

You always do stellar work!!! Love you're videos!!! Thank you!!!😂

[@coelagos8645]

Great video Mike. I too am a fan of the 44-40, and those Uberti firearms. I believe Uberti makes some of the finest production guns in the world, they're beautiful, accurate, & a joy too shoot & own. See you next time

[@billmoody9736]

i really enjoy learn about these old guns - thanks

[@gunyoda2356]

I never miss a video, thank you for the effort in these videos, it really shows! I have you to thank for me getting into black powder revolvers : ) Have a good day sir.

[@benhearn4142]

44-40 is what I started with

[@joekarraker9477]

I really enjoy your telling of the history of the guns, ammo, & people of the old west!

[@davidwalter8576]

I enjoy your knowledge in areas of the firearms world that are of the most interest to me. I'm currently restoring a family heirloom Winchester 1873 and also have recently scored a great deal on a couple Uberti revolvers chambered in 44-40, a cartridge new to me. So this video is another great educational tool with perspective on 44-40 when comparing it to the more familiar 45 Colt cartridge. Thank you.

[@northcountybandit]

You’re the man, Mike. Slow or not I’d not like to be down range of you in a gunfight. Keep it up.

[@jamessheppard1697]

I love my 73 with 19 inch barrel and my navy arms gunfighter with 4 3/4 barrel

[@johnschimmel2607]

Perfect timing for this video. I just purchased an Uberti 1866 in .44-40. Thanks for sharing

[@davisnewman8278]

Another great video. Keep up the good work. About once a week I go down MY list of subscribers and look for any thing I was not notified about by "the algorithm"

[@kennethhamby9811]

Good presentation. Thanks from a 44 shooter.

[@bradhensley7461]

Great analysis, as usual. Thanks for the great video.

[@PapaCubScout]

FYI- Your videos show up on my watch list every day all the time! 😊

[@SootHead]

Great comparison. Always wanted to see this comparison.

[@jasonjoslyn4294]

Love my 44 40 1873 and Saa

[@jasonjoslyn4294]

Do you have a 25 20. Love to hear your take on that caliber.

[@duelist1954]

Sorry, but I do not.

[@MittenJim]

I make sure I see your videos by activly searching for them in my subscriptions. I don't need no stinkin' notifications!

[@rikbatley3690]

I’m glad to see that someone finally saying that the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. came up with the label of “44-40”. Everyone is always saying that Colt or Marlin did because they didn’t want to put Winchester on their firearms. If you examine old Colts, Marlins and Smith & Wessons, that just not true. That was the whole idea. I really like your channel. Good work. Hang in there, and best of luck.

[@ohiohammerandleversme6875]

Once again, another great video, Mike ! Thanks for what you do for the firearms industry, and get better soon !!!

[@pilgrimm23]

Another Dullest vid! VERY cool Mike. Love them lever guns. -Grey Pilgrim

[@rickykeim2005]

Hey Mike. Thanks for the Presentation. I'm always Curious about these old Rounds. I hope that You're doing Well.

[@kenmccoy5582]

I have that exact rifle on back order. Thanks for the preview!

[@btj1969]

Your videos Are allways a time Well spent. Keep going!!