Winchester 1873 - Magtech Shootout 44-40 - Reloader Joe #10

Today we test out the last three factory loaded ammunition for the Winchester 1873, 44-40. These are all Magtech brand and the part numbers are 4440A, 4440B, and 4440C. Unfortunately, Magtech puts a deep crimp in the case neck at the base of the bullet that prevented chambering in reloads, even after running the cases through the resizing die.
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[@donnumski]

I have never had any problem reloading the Magtech brass. Works perfect in a Winchester 94 from the 1970`s. Thanks for your videos...I really enjoy them 🙂

[@user-vf3gf4xq3v]

That groove is called a case cannelure. It’s designed to prevent bullet push. My 1873 doesn’t seem have a problem with it when I reload those cases. Although my loads are a bit more pressure than what your shooting and most of those cannelures have worked themselves out by firing and resizing.

[@ReloaderJoe]

For some reason on my rifle, they were really hard to cycle but I didn't try resizing them a second time.

[@GeneD283]

Interesting, I have the same rifle in 38/357. I have several boxes of Magtech .38 special cowboy loads that I haven't fired yet but they are only crimped at the case mouth, no crimp at the bullet base.

[@michaelspangler2918]

Have you tried trimming the cases after resizing? I'm guessing that cannelure straightens out and you're ending up with an over max trim length brass which prevent chambering. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@ReloaderJoe]

Hi, thanks for the sub! I did trim the cases to the proper length (the ones that needed it anyway) and it didn't make a difference.

[@michaelspangler2918]

Weird. I don’t have a 44/40 but might get one soon. I won’t be buying any of their ammo. Thanks for the heads up

[@ReloaderJoe]

@@michaelspangler2918 Well definitely get a 44-40 but if you plan on reloading, stick to Starline brass. The CBC brass (the way Magtech loads it) cycles fine the first time, so if you're not going to reload, I'd use it. It shot well.

[@drstrangelove4998]

I’ve had the same issue with Magtech 44-40, As a dummy I resized one with my usual 200g lead flat nosed bullet, and it wouldn’t go into the chamber more than 80% of the way anf I wasn’t going to force it. I even used the factory crimp die, still no good.

[@ReloaderJoe]

All the other 44-40 brass I reload with always feeds just fine. I just got an 1892 in 44-40, I may load up one more Magtech and see if it'll feed in that rifle.

[@donnumski]

@@ReloaderJoe the Magtech brass is thicker than Starline brass. If you use bullets bigger than .427 you will have problem chambering the cartridge.

[@85waspnest]

Joe. MUCH better !!! ;-) I've been waiting to see the result of changing to black on white targets for a clearer sight picture. You say you're losing the front sight against the black spot....try using a 6 o' clock hold so the entire black spot sits on top of the sight like a lollypop. Most of your shots are striking slightly high, a 6 o' clock hold will put them in the centre. If not, move the rear sight up a notch. True about the stated velocity on the ammo box being revolvers. I hear sonic cracks with all your shots so they're moving at least 1125 fps from your rifle. You can reload Magtech if you neck size only and use them in the same rifle.

[@ReloaderJoe]

Those targets are much better. They were hitting high b/c I have the rear sight up a notch from shooting at the gong at 100 yards. I had reloaded some Magtech previously but I used the full length resize die that came with my RCBS Coyboy set, those wouldn't chamber well at all. I'll give the 6 o'clock hold a try on the next 50 yard video. That's what I had to do on the SKS and CZ 527 videos. My plan is to get a chrono and see what the speeds really look like.

[@85waspnest]

@@ReloaderJoe Looking forward to seeing your 50 yard results. Half the fun is experimenting to find out what works best.

[@ReloaderJoe]

I have to edit and upload part two of the Mossberg video and one on my son's Henry Classic .22 (he did the shooting) before I get to the next Winnie video. I have to say, I enjoy doing the Winchester videos the best.

[@danoldsbb4558]

hi how are you i got a 1866 miroku, only can get magtech 44-40 200gr A (blue box) but they will not enter the chamber, it has like a poor crimp and it catches on the casing befor entering the chamber, have you experienced this? Not reloads, brand new bullits, wont cycle, they catch on the lip of the brass right at the crimp.

[@ReloaderJoe]

Hey there - The only time I had problems with the Magtech was after I reloaded them. They cycled just fine for me. I'm not sure what the problem would be, your 1866 is the same action as the '73. Let me know what you find out!