Primers backing out of .44-40 shells

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

I recently switched from 45 LC to .44-40.  Today I loaded some shells with bp for the 1st time, then went to the range.  Every shot caused the primer to back out and by the time I got to the last round I could barely turn the cylinder (the tolerances are pretty tight on my USFA).  This may be a stupid question, but is it that my charges were too hot? 

I was using Starline brass, LPPs, and soft cast 200g bullets.  I used the 1.9cc Lee dipper, which filled the case pretty well (actually, it looked just a hair low and since I wanted to get a little compression I added a touch, so it may have been 2cc's.)  I used Schuetzen 3F.  I always filled the case with a touch of compression with the 45's but never had this problem.

On the bright side, it was a hoot seeing all the black semi-auto shooters jump when the flame and smoke roared out of the pistol! 

[Dick Dastardly]

In general, and I do mean general here, primers ALL back out.  When the gun goes off, the primers are blown out of their sockets.  Then, as pressure climbs the brass is forced backwards re-seating the primers.  In "general", when pressure is too low the primers stay out to some degree.

Now, that's worth all you paid for it.  But, that is also what I've learned over the years.

DD-DLoS

[Noz]

Didn't I read somewhere that excess lube on the cases would cause such a thing?

[Fox Creek Kid]

Primers only back out in this scenario because:

A.  your loads are "cream puff".

B.  your firing pin is a little long which is pulling the primer out a little when you cock after firing.

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Thanks, folks. 

Loads too light?  I guess I can try putting more powder in, though the case is already pretty full.  I'll have to compress it a lot more.

This only happens with the bp loads.  I've put a lot of smokeless through the pistol and never had this happen, so I don't think it's the gun.

Anyone have a load they recommend for .44-40?

[Delmonico]

Didn't I read somewhere that excess lube on the cases would cause such a thing?

Nope, that will tie up the gun cause they back out too far, but that also would reseat the primer.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I agree, primers backing out is usually a sign of not enough pressure. Actually, it is a sign of not enough recoil, so the case does not reseat itself over the primer. If you are using the 200 grain Mav-Dutchman bullet, bump up your charge to 2.2CC. There is plenty of room in the 44-40 case with the Mav-Dutchman bullet for 2.2CC, that's what I use, and my compression is relatively light. With 1.9CC and the Mav-Dutchman bullet you are probably not getting any compression at all.

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Thanks, Driftwood. I'll up the powder a couple of tenths. I ain't using the Mavs, but I'll get some and try. I don't think my bullets seat much deeper, so for now I can probably squeeze some more powder in.  I have a couple of pounds of Swiss, too, so I can try the hotter powder.  And maybe if primers ever show up again, I'll get some magnum LPP's for a more thorough burn.

This board is a great resource!

[Jed Cooper]

Thanks, Driftwood. I'll up the powder a couple of tenths. I ain't using the Mavs, but I'll get some and try. I don't think my bullets seat much deeper, so for now I can probably squeeze some more powder in.  I have a couple of pounds of Swiss, too, so I can try the hotter powder.  And maybe if primers ever show up again, I'll get some magnum LPP's for a more thorough burn.

This board is a great resource!

JD,44-40 should use large rifle primers. I use the as 44-40 was designed by winchester as a rifle cartridge. I use winchester lrp's in my 44BP loads and have not had that problem.   Hpe this helps,  Jed

[Aggie Desperado]

JD,

I load the 44-40 with enough Goex 2F and the 200 grain Mav Dutchman to get about 1/8" compression on the powder.  I use the Lee 141 scoop, which gives me about 33 grains by weight powder.  I load with Winchester LP primers, and have had no problems.  I shoot them in a pair of USFA SAA's.

While it's not a maximum load, I find it greatly amusing to observe folks at our matches.  Many of the light load, small caliber crowd accuse me of knocking down targets with the concussion, and not the bullet!