Where to start ……
Back in 1875, Doc Pardee fired 30 factory black powder cartridges at a target 110 yards from the muzzle of his then new 1873 Winchester. He commented that “
The firing was done without wiping, which proves the Winchester steady in her performance…”All 30 rounds were inside of a 4” target. Pretty darn good shooting at that distance.
Fast forward to 2011…
Current black powder ammunition loaded with real black powder, not a substitute.
I find 1 source on the internet –
Buffalo Arms –
http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=158172&CAT=4438If anyone knows of another source, please post.
Buffalo Arms – uses 427098 bullets (edit- it appears that the bullet used may not be the 427098) and Swiss Black Powder.
This ammunition would be the closest thing to the original 44-40 b.p. cartridge since it uses a copy of the same bullet (see edit) and a premium black powder similar to what was used in early factory b.p. cartridges. Velocity would likely be close to the original ballistics of 1,300 f.p.s.
Other than that, one would have to reload ……
Here are currently available black powder 44-40 bullets. The first three can be purchased but the 43-215C would be a do it yourself casting proposition only using the Accurate Arms mold ….at least at this time. It follows the profile of the 427098 and produces the best results at longer distances like the 427098.
BULLET SOURCES:
Black Dawge –
http://www.blackdawgecartridge.com/catalog/index.html427098 -
http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=157239&CAT=4135edit - whyte leather works now also offers the 427098
http://www.whyteleatherworks.com/index.htmlemail for info.
Big Lube –
http://www.whyteleatherworks.com/BigLube.htmlAccurate Molds –
www.accuratemolds.comnote: the 427098 shown in the pic was produced from an Accurate 43-210B which is an improved 427098 developed by "Fairshake". It has flat bottomed lube grooves that hold a bit more lube and is .429" diameter.
BLACK POWDERS:
Goex is likely the type most carried by most gunshops that carry b.p. ….at least in my area. Other powders are Schuetzen, Swiss, KIK, Diamondback & Olde Enysford.
Goex, Schuetzen, KIK, Diamondback - The “Big Lube” and Accurate 43-215C bullets work the best with these powders due to their larger lube capacity. Subsequently, they will shoot many rounds in a repeating rifle accurately without fouling out (hard ring of fouling starting at the muzzle and extending back into the barrel).
In my experience, the two lube grooved bullets work the best with only Swiss & Olde Enysford because they produce softer fouling. With the other b.p.'s they will typically “foul out” in a 24” barrel after a dozen rounds with accuracy going downhill after that. .
Powders can be purchased in smaller qty’s from:
Powder Inc. -
http://www.powderinc.com/catalog/order.htmBack Creek Gun Shop -
http://www.blackpowderva.com/Graf & Sons -
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/3501?ACCURACY is first rate with good b.p. ammunition. In my experience, it can be more accurate than smokeless. Best 10 shot group to date at 100 yards has been just a bit over 2”.
Rowdy,
When you have a chance to test the Black Dawge ammunition we would appreciate hearing about your results.
EDIT - Black Dawge b.p. ammunition has been discontinued.
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