Bullet diameter on the 40-60

[Jacobitejack]

   My Cartridges of the World book says the original Winchester 40-60 bullet should be 200g. diam/.403.  I bought a 200g .403 Lyman mold but it yeilds .408-.409 depending on my lead mix.  I havn't called Magma yet about a .403 sizing die.  It seams .006 is a long way to size.  Without sizing I can get the cartride to chamber but with great difficulty.  The chamber rubs the brass where the bullet seats in the case.  I have not fired any rounds yet.  I started a few loads with 20g. of XMP5744 with no filler.  I'm anxious to shoot this gun but the bullet diameter has got me perplexed.  Has anyone had this issue?

[Grizzly Adams]

.408 may be the ticket.  Check out senormik's post.  http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,30686.0.html

Here is some more info on loading AA5744 

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,20492.0.html

You can also turn up a lot of info by using the search function.

Again, welcome to the fire.

[Jacobitejack]

I just recieved my .404 sizing die from Magma.  I'm reducing the cast .407 bullets to .404.  Using Lyman Alox wax lube with good results.  The cartridges chamber a lot better now.  With 20 grains 5744, they run out average 1378 fps with a polyester batting over the pwder to fill the void.  My lead mix is 50/50 ww and linotype, casting a 210 g. rcbs.  I'm guessing a brinell of about 16.  Currently awaiting my LBT Blue lube with their hardness tester.  My next load will be 23 g. 5744 to try and get 1550 fps.  I also want to try the Felix lube recipe.  Currently waiting on the components to arrive.  Will follow up with results.

[rustyrelx]

Why make it so difficult. Slug the bore.  Don

[Rafe Covington]

I called Uberti today about the 40-60, was told this.

1 in 40 inch right hand twist
.400 barrel
.406 groove diameter

buffalohunter

[FriscoCounty]

A quick source for bore and groove on Uberti and Pietta firearms is Cimarron Firearms.  They have a link off their left menu with that information.  It gives twist, bore, groove, grooves, and width.  Not a replacement for actual slugging, but a good start.

Of course, Jacobite never said whether his was an original or a modern copy and the modern copies often don't match the original.  Particularly where the cartridge has changed over the years. Most notably firearms and cartridges that originally used heeled bullets.

[Rafe Covington]

I guess I will have to do some more checking, was gonna order 2 boxes of ammunition from BuffaloArms. According to there bullet info they recommend a .410 bullet for the Uberti '76 in 40-60 Win., guess slugging the bore is the only way to be absolutely sure.

I always thought the same company made the guns for both Uberti and Cimarron, can't understand why BuffaloArms recommends .406 bullets for the Cimarron and .410 bullets for the Uberti rifles. Guess I will buy a box of each and see which is the most accurate, guess thats part of working up an accurate load.

Thanks for the info about Cimarron site, much appreciated.

later folks
buffalohunter

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Why make it so difficult. Slug the bore.  Don

+1

[larryo_1]

After reading all the notes, I have to agree with Sir Charles--slug the damn bore and then you will know beyond all doubt what the bore of YOUR rifle is!