Where to get 44-40 ammo

[cwiseman]

As I was gathering my gear together to try to join NCOWS I made sure all my guns used the more historically correct 44-40 cartridge. What I am finding out is that caliber is very hard to find. I've thought about trying to load my own, but brass is just as rare. On seller on gunbroker was selling brass for $4.89 a round!
So if anyone knows of a reasonable source, I would greatly appreciate the lead.

-chris

[Montana Slim]

I suggest visiting as many local retailers as possible. It may turn up an overlooked supply sitting on a shelf. Starline isn't even accepting back orders at present. Meanwhile, research your preferred system/equipment for reloading & other needed components & start the acquisition process - it's the only way to go. Might try posting a want to buy for brass in the CAS City Classifieds, too.

Regards,
Slim

[Froogal]

I've been looking for 44-40 brass for a few years now. There ain't none, so I'll just stick with my .45 Colt, even though it is not historically correct in a rifle.

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[Coffinmaker]

   Froogal 

Need to see if you can contact Prairie Dawg.  Last I talked with him, he had a "PILE" of 44-40 Brass for sale.

[Cliff Fendley]

Just keep an eye on Starline, they are claiming they are going to be finally making some runs on some other calibers. They said 32wcf was one they have plans to do soon so I'd say a good chance they'll make a run of 44 also in the near future.

[Mogorilla]

I was down to nothing when i found 300 from Choice Ammo.  Then i started reloading some.   Choice sometimes lets you backorder i have had good luck with them.   

[River City John]

As I was gathering my gear together to try to join NCOWS I made sure all my guns used the more historically correct 44-40 cartridge. What I am finding out is that caliber is very hard to find. I've thought about trying to load my own, but brass is just as rare. On seller on gunbroker was selling brass for $4.89 a round!
So if anyone knows of a reasonable source, I would greatly appreciate the lead.

-chris

Chris, there are MANY period correct calibers to choose from, so don't worry yourself.

[Yuma Kid]

bayoubrassandammo.com  says they have once fired 44/40 brass

[Snake Oil]

My case conversion book has 30-40 krag as a possible case to turn into 44-40... has anyone tried this yet?  I would not inentionally cut down 30-40, but I have some split cases to try...

essentially 303 British should work then too... if the 30-40 works...

Any success stories out there?


P.S.  if anyone has 30-40 krag brass in quantities they would be willing to cut up, I'd buy those so you can buy 44-40...

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

My case conversion book has 30-40 krag as a possible case to turn into 44-40... has anyone tried this yet?  I would not inentionally cut down 30-40, but I have some split cases to try...

essentially 303 British should work then too... if the 30-40 works...

Any success stories out there?


P.S.  if anyone has 30-40 krag brass in quantities they would be willing to cut up, I'd buy those so you can buy 44-40...

I Don't think its worth cutting down neither krag nor .303 Brit. The case walls would be very thick. I have tried .45 Colt, but the base is a bit wide. Swaging them down would be possible but not worth the effort. Be patient and put out your NEED widely. There must be someone retiring from CAS? I love odd calibres, and acquire a lifetime of components so I don't get caught short.

[bear tooth billy]

Chris, how is your search for 44/40 brass going? I see you are new to cascity and talking about
joining NCOWS, as you can see from posts on here we have several people who want to help you.
As marshal I would very much like to see you join our group!!!

                         BTB

[Froogal]

Chris, how is your search for 44/40 brass going? I see you are new to cascity and talking about
joining NCOWS, as you can see from posts on here we have several people who want to help you.
As marshal I would very much like to see you join our group!!!

                         BTB

YES!! We need all the folks we can get to keep the adventure going, and if you cannot find the 44-40, please don't let that stop you. Several of us are shooting .45 Colt which is historically accurate in the revolver, but maybe not in a rifle, but we do it anyhow. .38 special is not historically accurate either, but that is what my wife shoots and it is unofficially accepted. I personally would love to shooting .44-40 black powder loads but I can't find the brass, therefore I have nothing to shoot it in. However, I still go and have fun.

[cwiseman]

First, thank you all for the input. Second sorry for the delay in answering,

Sunday and Monday are my days off and are usually filled with honey dos.

I have already acquired an 1860 henry, a 1873 colt, and a 1873 Remington, all of which are chambered in 44-40. I am still looking for a shotgun, but that is turning into a whole other kettle of fish.

I assumed it would be wise to have everything the same caliber, but you can see where that lead me. My friend is helping me get set up for reloading, but the brass is also like hen's teeth.
If I may ask, what is a reasonable price, both per round and per brass cartridge? It seems to be hovering between $2 and $3 on gunbroker, but that seems high to me, but I have never purchased 44-40 before.

Again, thank you for all the advice, I'll cross my fingers on starline doing a run.

-chris

[Texas John Ringo]

Buffalo Bore shows they have loaded ammo in stock.
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=513
$53.68 for 20

[Abilene]

Those are shyster prices on gunbroker.  The Buffalo Bore ammo is heavy hunting stuff. Starline made a run a few months ago, didn't last long before sold out.  Might be a while before they do it again, you just have to keep checking.  I  agree with putting out a WTB for some used brass, someone will step up.  Some brass brands have thicker mouths than others, so depending on your dies, you might need to use a smaller diameter bullet like. 428 or .427, regardless of the bore size.   Good luck!

[bear tooth billy]

I wouldn't advise shooting that Bffalo Bore ammo in your old style guns. I have bought
44/40 brass from Buffalo Arms and Track of the Wolf for I'm thinking 20 cents each. Remember
we modified a rule a few years ago, for primers, if you can't get reloading components, you
can use a .22. Bottom line is we want you to join and have FUN!!!


                       BTB Marshal

[cwiseman]

How many rounds do you use at a typical shoot?

[bushwhacker]

Around 60 for a monthly match.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I am a former NCOWS member who never attended a NCOWS match but have competed in similar events. Always take more than you think you need. Whoopses, loaners, or side matches are expected. Usually a match notice will include a round count. If you are offered, or find cases, go for at least 100.

[Mogorilla]

Hi Chris,
I know you were thinking KVC.   We typically hold in the 50-70 (sometimes less).   Will only approach 100 at the National shoot.    I too shoot 44-40 in rifle, 45C in pistol.   I am sure if you come to a match, we can get something worked out so you can try the game.    Just email me before hand and we can work something out.   We just had the Jerry Barnes shoot, and we are hosting the National Shoot in June (come on up for that!).   After that, our next shoot is July 22 at Reading Kansas and true to the day, it is our 22 shoot.  The August shoot is on the Missouri side, it is our shoot in the shade.  It is alwas an interesting shoot and one that you don't have to shoot a stage if you don't want to.   Last year we had a band, a side airgun match and a Gatling Gun.  The whole shoot was based on Saturday morning cartoons.   If you have a big bore, we do a Buffalo Shoot on October 6-7, and the next one you would need 44-40 ammo for is our Gambler Shoot October 28th.