Chamber too tight? Or quick to panic

[NMCowboy]

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After a lifetime of want, and a few model 94's around the house, I finally procured a real 73' 44WCF made in 1884 in what i think to be excellent condition. Commercial ammo is not readily available since no one will ship black powder cartridges to Alaska. So I went and got some Winchester brass (given the choice between that and Remington) to test the functionality of the gun. And the case fits so tight into the chamber that once I got it fully seated I wound up having to rod it out. So I fit one manually and it stops about 1/4" from being seated, so I rammed it home with the strength of a bear to close the action, and when I attempted to eject the case the extractor destroyed the rim of the case. I'm really hoping this to be a growing pain and not a $1,500.00 fireplace rifle. One local store has Ultramax cowboy load 44-40 on the shelf, and this would be my only option to shoot her until I can get dies, but I'd hate to do anything neglectful to this piece of history. She is a sporter with a special order 22" barrel. Ughh I am frustrated anyone got any ideas on why the chamber seems too small?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Just a thought;  Is it a 44WCF or a 38 WCF?  the number should be on the bottom of the carrier as well as on the barrel.

I would wait until the dies arrive. LEEs are pretty good for .44-40 It could be that new brass has slightly larger necks.  Meanwhile, make sure the chamber & barrel are thoroughly cleaned. If you can, slug the barrel and maybe do a chamber cast.  My original was fairly loose, until I had it relined (It REALLY needed it!) now it is to modern standards and works like a dream

[NMCowboy]

Yes it definitely says .44 Cal, on the bottom of the carrier, but the barrel only has the standard, winchester and kings patent stamps. But like I said, the gun was a special order 22" not standard 24". I am heading to the gunsmith with it now, so I'll update.

[wildman1]

Just a thought;  Is it a 44WCF or a 38 WCF?  the number should be on the bottom of the carrier as well as on the barrel.

I would wait until the dies arrive. LEEs are pretty good for .44-40 It could be that new brass has slightly larger necks.  Meanwhile, make sure the chamber & barrel are thoroughly cleaned. If you can, slug the barrel and maybe do a chamber cast.  My original was fairly loose, until I had it relined (It REALLY needed it!) now it is to modern standards and works like a dream

What did it cost you to have your chamber relined? Thanks WM

[w44wcf]

NMCowboy,
Welcome to the forum. Was the brass virgin or once fired? If it was fired that explains the reason why it was a tight fit in your gun.
Once resized, it should fit fine unless there is an obstruction in the chamer of some sort....or  as was mentioned, could the rifle actually be a 38 W.C.F.(?).

I have a 73 Short Rifle made in 1882, and the chamber is a bit oversized in the neck area.

w44wcf

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

What did it cost you to have your chamber relined? Thanks WM

It was a complete barrel liner as the bore was too rough.  I had it done about 15 years ago so I would have no idea what it would cost now.  The liner was probably from Brownells. 

[Slamfire]

what wf44., said was the brass already fired??







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