Hi Bryan,
I do not want to start a fight with you but it bothers me that some chowder head will decide that, warning notwithstanding, will try to use your data in a toggle link rifle and violently disassemble it.
I am somewhat surprised that an old war horse like the .44-40 can be driven even in a proper strong action to those pressures and velocities.
Do you have any loosening of primer pockets?
Thanks for your hard work doing this research and keep it coming.
Yr’ Obt’ Svt’
Bunk
Here is a little more information.
Sharpe's 1937 manual shows several rifle loads recommended by Hercules and Du Pont that produce pressures of 14,000, 16,000, 20,000 and [27.5gr 2400] @ 33,000......I assume c.u.p.
[approx. 28,000psi or much much more]
Revolver pressures to 15,000.....I assume c.u.p. [approx. 12,690psi] This even more so falls in line with my testings with black powder original unheadstamped cases.
Powders used for rifle were 2400, Unique, Sharpshooter, Lightning, 1204, SR80 and 4227. The 4227[IMR] shows 29gr @ 1,890fps but no pressures.
Powders used for revolver were #5, #6, Bullseye, Unique, SR80, SS FFG, and RSQ
The manual does not specify what specific weapons to, or not to use such loads but folks back then were not as stupid...or ignorant as folks can be now days. Back then Winchester ammo boxes were color coded and had WARNING labels on the hot loaded 44-40s to NOT BE USED IN THE WINCHESTER 73' and PISTOLS. However, what is explained in the text of the manual is that such 33,000psi loads should never be exceeded in rifles and whereas such 30,000psi loads in revolvers would be disastrous.
To further give an example of the older manual (powders and loads may change but pressures are pressures) Rifles 33,000max, revolvers 15,000max.
The best way to be educated is to learn the history......history forgotten is history surly to repeat itself. Rather than tell someone what not to do, they need to be told why.....and it needs to be explained truthfully.
I was told once a long long time ago....practice does not make perfect....only perfect practice makes perfect!