FACT - 1895: Winchester
Red Label cartridge boxes.
Smokeless powder was offered for the .44 Winchester during this year. It is believed that Dupont #2 Bulk powder was used and had a similar burn rate as today's 4227. Dupont #2 was a caseload but 4227 is not. Also "NOT FOR PISTOLS" is noted on the side label. The Nomenclature on the label specifically states
"for Winchester Rifle Model 1873"...eliminating the myth that smokeless powders should not be used in original Winchester 73' rifles BUT does confirm smokeless powders should not be used in black powder frame revolvers. Other changes to he labels included Winchester 92 on the side label and eventually both 73' and 92' on the top label.
I urge these hard core old timers to get a current copy of Lyman's 49th and check out page 299 and page 300.
MYTH BUSTED!
MY LOAD DATA.....my data COULD BE WRONG!
Using factory Buffalo Bore 44-40 "Heavy" as my "Control" @ 11,300 psi...
During my amateurish strain gauge testings, I found that 18.5gr of IMR4227 with a 200gr JHP Speer #4425 (by the book) resulted in 9,205psi. SAAMI max pressure is 11,000 PSI (13,000 cup).
16gr of 2400 with the same Speer 200gr JHP resulted in an average 10 shot pressure of 8,992 psi
Black powder loads, 40gr of Skirmish FFFG, 200gr Biglube = 8,900 psi
Black Powder loads, 32gr Kik FFFG, 217gr 43-215C (Lyman 427098 replica with crimp groove) = 6,043 psi
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT FOR THE WINCHESTER 73'
Lyman 49th also lists high pressure loads NOT for the 73'
10.5gr of Unique with a 205gr Lyman 427098 gave me 17,837 psi...Lyman lists this load @19,700 cup
20gr of 2400 with a Speer JHP gave me 15,618 psi...Lyman lists this load @ 19,000 cup
For a list of Winchester cartridge box color label descriptions and dates, check here:
https://www.44winchestercenterfirecartridges.com/44wcf-cartridge-boxsand here:
https://www.44winchestercenterfirecartridges.com/single-post/2018/12/01/Winchesters-Colorful-Cartridge-Boxes