44-40 bullet

[Holsterguy]

Do any of you guys use accurate bullet#43-210B for both black and smokeless?
Wondering if the lack of crimp groove would give problems?
Then again, that is supposed to be a copy of the original bullet (but deeper lube grooves), so how were the original smokeless rounds crimped? Or did they use some kind of filler to stop set back during recoil?
Thanks for the help!

[Sagebrush Burns]

Soft lead bullets do not necessarily need a crimp groove.  They can be crimped right into the lead and work fine.

[Coal Creek Griff]

There are several methods used in early smokeless loads to prevent bullet setback.  A common one was a cannelure in the brass below the level of the bullet to keep it from being pushed deeper into the case.

As for bullets, I have fired a few Accurate 43-210B bullets (sent to me by the recently departed Jack Kort), but my preference is Jack's design of the Accurate 43-215C, which has a single large lube groove and a "hidden" crimp groove.  When the bullet is seated to the correct depth (and the cases have been trimmed for consistent length), the external appearance is very close to that of original 44 WCF rounds.

Look back at old posts here from Jack Kort (alias "W44WCF") for a great historical perspective on this great cartridge as well as extensive testing of various bullet designs and loads.  He is missed.

CC Griff

[Roscoe]

Do any of you guys use accurate bullet#43-210B for both black and smokeless?
Wondering if the lack of crimp groove would give problems?
Then again, that is supposed to be a copy of the original bullet (but deeper lube grooves), so how were the original smokeless rounds crimped? Or did they use some kind of filler to stop set back during recoil?
Thanks for the help!

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=43-210B-D.png

I wonder if bullet setback was really an issue, given good neck tension. It is not a magnum. I have bullets I use for my 357 Mag rifle, using 357 brass, that get crimped over the leading band and work fine. The loads are not at all true magnum level but are not rabbit sneezes either.

[Holsterguy]

CC Griff, Ya ever shoot that 215c in a colt "clone"?
Just thinkin, mebbe thats a better choice for me. Plenty of lube for black, and ifn I take a notion to shoot smokeless, too much is better than not enough, right?

[Coal Creek Griff]

CC Griff, Ya ever shoot that 215c in a colt "clone"?
Just thinkin, mebbe thats a better choice for me. Plenty of lube for black, and ifn I take a notion to shoot smokeless, too much is better than not enough, right?

Yes.  I use it in four rifles and a Pietta revolver with very satisfactory results. Actually, I also use the same bullet in two (modern) 44 Colt revolvers too, a Uberti RM conversion and a Uberti Open Top.  It was designed to carry a lot of lube for long range BP shooting, but has worked well for me with smokeless as well.

CC Griff

[Holsterguy]

Thanks, the 215 it is then. Just got a pound of Grafs 2f yesterday and ordered 2 pounds of olde eynsford 2f. Gonna be doin some experiments soon!

[Coal Creek Griff]

This is the point where I start getting nervous.  I really like that bullet/mold, so of course I recommend it.  Now you'll be trying it and I hope that you like it as well as I do.  "What if he hates it?  I'll feel horrible!"  

With fingers crossed...

CC Griff

PS--I bet you love it.

[Holsterguy]

Wouldn't be yur fault! That's the chance I'm takin askin for a recommendation. I was really leanin that way anyway, kinda figgered if John Kort designed it, it should be a good design! One thing I was thinkin is, with the extra lube, I should be able to use any powder that I can get my grubby paws on. I was lucky to find that gun shop that carries black. After talkin with a couple dealers, it sounds like here in Illnois, ya practically have to give up yer first born to carry it. That shop also has a range. Every 3rd Sat. they have a CAS shoot.
Anyway, thanks for the help.  I bet I'm gonna love it too!

[Holsterguy]

Well , I know its been a long time since I started this, but I finally got the time to load and shoot some of the 43-215 bullets.
First, hats off to Tom at accurate molds. That mold thows some of the purtiest bullets I've ever cast.
Cast them with 30-1 just to see how they'd work. Loaded over a case full of olde eynsford 2 f with just a little compression.
They shot great!

[Coal Creek Griff]

They shot great!

The proof of the loading is in the shooting! I'm glad that the mold is working out for you.

CC Griff

[Cliff Fendley]

Toms molds are top notch

[Holsterguy]

I was kinda in a a hurry when I shot. Shot at 7 yds with pistol and 25 yds with my Rossi 24" rifle, all off-hand.
Next time I plan to set my bench up and shoot around 50 or 75 yds for accuracy.