I'm looking for a case gage for .44-40 to serve as a check when re-loading.
These are the gages machined out of a solid piece of steel to duplicate a chamber meeting SAAMI specs for any given particular caliber. You drop a loaded round in and the gage will measure/check the maximum dimensions – including case length, width, case diameter, max cartridge dimensions, and max length of the loaded round. That sort of thing. The bottom line is if it fits the gage then you know it meets SAAMI specs and should fit in any firearms chambered for that cartridge.
I have such gages (L.E. Wilson) for my 45 ACP and 45 Colt but they (L.E. Wilson) don't offer one for .44-40 WCF. Dillon does not offer that one either.
Does anybody know of some manufacturer who makes such a gage for .44-40? I could use the chamber of one of my firearms in that caliber but I'd much rather have an actual gage.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks fellas - and Merry Christmas to all of you and your families
like this one at midway usa?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/266798/le-wilson-case-length-headspace-gage-44-40-wcf
Quote from: cpt dan blodgett on December 22, 2014, 02:58:47 PM
like this one at midway usa?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/266798/le-wilson-case-length-headspace-gage-44-40-wcf
I asked Wilson about that. That particular model only checks case length to determine head space. It's better than nothing, but I wanted the one that checks the entire loaded cartridge so you know if the re-loaded round fits the gage - it will fit any firearm chambered to SAAMI specs.
Wilson makes the total gage for most pistol calibers, but not for 44-40. I asked them if they could make me one and they said they didn't have the reamer for that cartridge.
I'm not sure this is what you are looking for, but I will tell you how I have done it for cartridges to be used in 5 revolvers and four rifles in .44-40. I simply remove a cylinder from one of my revolvers and drop each loaded round into it. This method has always worked for me. I adjusted my dies so the loaded rounds fall in and back out. It doesn't take long to do, either.
Hope this helps.
Jubal Starbuck
Quote from: Jubal Starbuck on December 22, 2014, 05:08:48 PM
I'm not sure this is what you are looking for, but I will tell you how I have done it for cartridges to be used in 5 revolvers and four rifles in .44-40. I simply remove a cylinder from one of my revolvers and drop each loaded round into it. This method has always worked for me. I adjusted my dies so the loaded rounds fall in and back out. It doesn't take long to do, either.
Hope this helps.
Jubal Starbuck
I do the same, though I only have one rifle and one pistol in 44-40. Both are Ubertis with their typically tight chambers. I mostly shoot the rifle, but if the rounds fit the cylinder then I know they are fine in the rifle.
Thanks Jubal. That's what I will probably end up doing. I was just hoping to find a gage, but it's not the end of the world. Given the growth of popularity with the 44-40 again (due to CAS) you'd think somebody would be offering one.
Get a digital caliper. Probably Harbor Freight has the best price. (In Canada, go to Princess Auto.)
You will never use a case gauge again. 8)
This what you're looking for?
ftp://
You mean one of these?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/111363/egw-4-hole-cowboy-chamber-checker-max-cartridge-gage-357-magnum-44-40-wcf-44-remington-magnum-45-coltlong-colt?cm_vc=ProductFinding
If you prefer to buy from Dillon
http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/25580/catid/3/EGW_Chamber_Checkers
Thanks guys. Yep, that's what I was looking for. Thanks. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner but have been away working.