I couldn't agree more!!!
To much can go wrong.

AntiqueSledMan.

Sounds like renting a hand reamer might be my best bet.  I'll look into it.

As a quick alternative, I just ordered 100 pcs of 44 Russian brass.  I'll see what kind of accuracy I get even though my chambers might be a bit long for the Russian.

Really like my Open Top.  It came with the Navy grip frame but I bought an Army grip frame for it.  With my "short" 44 Special brass I was getting "ragged hole" accuracy at 25 yds off a rest.

Lightening the main spring can also help reduce the effort needed to cycle the lever. However, be cautious as this might affect the reliability of the firing pin and hammer.

Do .44-40 cases need lube?

I know I can usually get away with no lube with the Lee dies because they are carbide, but that doesn't apply to bottlenecked cases and .44-40 is technically bottlenecked.

Quote from: Abilene on Yesterday at 12:01:18 AMI load 44-40 on a Lee Turret.  I do use and recommend the separate factory crimp die.  I use a Lee funnel adaptor with their red funnel in place of the powder measure and dip in the black powder with Lee dippers.  Don't know nothin' about the APP.  Buffalo Arms sells BP 44-40, currently out of stock.  Pricey, but so is any smokeless 44-40 you will find.

Not as bad as Buffalo Bore... YIKES!  $3+ each!

I think I saw the ones you mentioned, almost tried to order some but then I noticed they were out of stock, any clue as to when they might restock?  Price was high but not too outrageous, about on par with match grade rifle ammunition.

I load 44-40 on a Lee Turret.  I do use and recommend the separate factory crimp die.  I use a Lee funnel adaptor with their red funnel in place of the powder measure and dip in the black powder with Lee dippers.  Don't know nothin' about the APP.  Buffalo Arms sells BP 44-40, currently out of stock.  Pricey, but so is any smokeless 44-40 you will find.

Quote from: Coal Creek G
quote author=Major 2 link=msg=808369 date=1726111623]
Around Christmas season "22" I think it was, Rural King had sale on Tisas 1911's
brand new for $249.
The closest RK was 72 miles (then) and I was just giddy to go grab one.
Well, one thing or another and I procrastinated: and did not go.
Sometimes it pains I didn't get one.
Now Rural King has a location 1/2 the distance, and the Tisas 1911 is twice as much.
 
looking forward to the photos


$300 at PSA at the moment:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/sds-1911-government-45-acp-5-7rd-pistol-parkerized-1911atgovt.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=daily_deals&utm_campaign=am&utm_term=09-13-2024&utm_content=51655158560

Griff

Well, you guys got me.  I ordered a Tisas 1911A1 from PSA for $299.  My state has a two week waiting period, so I won't have it in hand for a while, but I hear only good things about them and for the price...

Griff

  WOW 

I'm no help at all.  Just WOW!!     

  Gunboat57

PLUS ONE FOR Abilene and HT Jim.  When I still had my shingle out, I worked on a veritable pile of Open Top guns.  Recutting the .44 chamber to accept 44 Special cases was a pretty common job and I used a reamer from "Manson Reamers."  IT'S A HAND JOB!!  Skip using a drill press unless you're very adept at building precision jigs.  It won't take long at all by hand.  OR:

Unless you plan to shoot 44 Special in some other gun you might consider just shortening you new cases to match your old cases??  That won't take long either.  Always work on the CHEAPEST pieces FIRST.

It Depends (No, not the kind in the plastic packaging)

Once you settle on a "load" a powder measure (I think I know the kind you mean) will actually be a hinderance.  You'll be better served by a set of Lee Dippers.  With a funnel and a dipper, you'll be amazed how quickly you can charge 50 cases in a loading block.  Or:

Run your cases thru the pro 1000 to resize, prime and bell (New cases MUST be resized) then pull em into your loading block for powder, then back to the Pro 1000 for seating and crimping.  As an aside, I also powder drop with my DILLON.  Some folks are hesitant to run BP thru a modern measure but I have no problems with doing that.  YMMV