44 WCF Smokeless Loads

[Trailrider]

[Warning: I bear NO responsibility for the use of the following information in guns other than my own, and maybe not then! Usual disclaimer.]

For the past 25 years or so, my standard load in .44-40 has been 8.0 grains of Hodgdon's UNIVERSAL behind a commercially cast 213 gr RNFP bullet, sized .430". I shot over 3,000 in a Navy Arms M1860 Henry repeating rifle, checking the headspace periodically. MV = 1280 ft/sec from the 24" barrel. I use nothing but Winchester brass and LP primers. I noted NO stretching of the action nor setbacik to that point. My pistols have been Ruger OM Vaqueros, so I can't say I would recommend this hot of a load in Colt-style guns. MV from the tight-throated (.425" throats, .430" bullet  ) Rugers runs around 950 ft/sec from a 7-1/2" barrel. Load is DEFINITELY NOT for BP Colt's!  Just sayin...