Which is the 'right' 44-40 bullet for accuracy?

[Fox Creek Kid]

44wcf, was it GOEX FFg or FFFg? Also, could you post a photo of the bullet after lathing and how was the fouling? That is an excellent group for 100 yds. w/ buckhorn sights as I assume you don't have a Zeiss 20X scope mounted. 

[Henry4440]

Henry,
Will you have a modified mold as well? 
If not, how are you planning on dealing with the fouling?

Regards,
Mako

Mako, i will not have a modified mould.
I will use Swiss 3 black powder.It is much more cleaner than Goex and you have less fouling in the barrel.
Will see it, when i get the mould.

[Mako]

Henry,
I wish you the best.

Even though Swiss is not $40 per pound (€66/kg) in the U.S. it is still relatively expensive compared to Goex or even very inexpensive "Rattlesnake" as marketed by Powder Inc.  Swiss runs $20.16 delivered and Goex $13.96.  I use the cheapest I can buy for CAS which was Skirmish, but is currently Rattlesnake for $11.00/lb because I find no practical advantage with better powders in the under 100 yard ranges we shoot.

However...I would use Swiss if there was a significant difference in fouling.  I haven't had that experience with .44WCF cartridges.  We go to great lengths to run with minimal cleaning.  I'm sure most  competitors would be happy to pay an additional 3 cents a round for performance like that.

For what you are attempting I think it is an excellent choice primarily for the consistency in your pursuit of long range accuracy.

I know you will keep us posted on your results.  I really appreciate your posts and the level of documentation you provide.

Regards,
Mako

[w44wcf]

Fox Creek Kid,

Here's a pic of the bullet

The proposed group buy bullet will have a bit wider front band and a crimp groove.

I was using Goex Cowboy powder. In previous testing it performed closer to FFG than FFFG.

The fouling was normal for the full length of the barrel.  By comparison, the standard 427098 will foul out in 10 rounds with Goex (hard ring of fouling starting at the muzzle extending back into the 24" barrel for a couple of inches.

My  Marlin Cowboy wears a receiver sight with the standard bead front. My 67 yr old eyes don't see barrel sights so well anymore.


Mako,
I'm sending you a PM.

w44wcf

   

[Bryan Austin]

Fox Creek Kid,

Here's a pic of the bullet

The proposed group buy bullet will have a bit wider front band and a crimp groove.

I was using Goex Cowboy powder. In previous testing it performed closer to FFG than FFFG.

The fouling was normal for the full length of the barrel.  By comparison, the standard 427098 will foul out in 10 rounds with Goex (hard ring of fouling starting at the muzzle extending back into the 24" barrel for a couple of inches.

My  Marlin Cowboy wears a receiver sight with the standard bead front. My 67 yr old eyes don't see barrel sights so well anymore.


Mako,
I'm sending you a PM.

w44wcf

   

w44wcf,

These guys are always pestering me about reading books. You write one, and I'll read it! I sure wish you would gather all your info and write one. It would be the best book out there about the 32-20, 38-40, 44-40 and 45 Colt.

[Montana Slim]

Here's a bullet I designed back in the 90's using Unigraphics:



I forget the lube capacity & of course I don't have the software to open the solid models today...but, I saved an image of the drawing.

Rather than order a custom mould, I went for the quick & easy solution when a "used" MAV mold came to me via a sweet deal from one of our frequent posters

Slim

[Henry4440]

 Here is a target fired at 100 yards with the 427098 and SWISS powder.  
The first shot from a clean barrel impacted at 1 o'clock, then the other 9 grouped into a bit over 2".

w44wcf

The black is 5 1/2" diameter.   Group size 2.61" with 7 of the shots a shade under 2".  

w44wcf

When i look at both targets i can't wait to get my 427098 mould.

[Henry4440]

Swiss runs $20.16 delivered and Goex $13.96.  I use the cheapest I can buy for CAS which was Skirmish, but is currently Rattlesnake for $11.00/lb b
Mako

You pay $20.16/lb(€15.00) for Swiss???

[Fox Creek Kid]

Personally, I think a better design is a tweaked 427098. Maybe a little longer & the two lube grooves enlarged. 

[Mako]

You pay $20.16/lb(€15.00) for Swiss???

Henry,
I actually paid about $22 when I ordered, they are a bit cheaper now.  Powder Inc allows you to mix a case and I always buy a minimum of 25 pounds even if I split it with someone.

Check it out:

http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/Mako_CAS/Cartridges/Swiss.jpg

And that includes shipping and hazmat fees.

https://www.powderinc.com/cgi-bin/bpstore/perlshop.cgi?ACTION=enter&thispage=order.htm&ORDER_ID=!ORDERID!

I wish they sold caps too!!!

Regards,
Mako

[Springfield Slim]

Fox Creek: I'm pretty sure that is what I just did!

[Henry4440]

Henry,
I actually paid about $22 when I ordered, they are a bit cheaper now.  Powder Inc allows you to mix a case and I always buy a minimum of 25 pounds even if I split it with someone.

Check it out:


And that includes shipping and hazmat fees.

Regards,
Mako

UNBELIEVABLE
They just rip you off here in Germany
Didn't know that the way from Switzerland to Germany is much more expensive, then shipping the BP from Switzerland to the USA.

[Fox Creek Kid]

Fox Creek: I'm pretty sure that is what I just did!

S.S., if you posted that earlier I apologize as this thread has been ongoing for some time now. 

Why not make your lube grooves flat bottomed to hold more lube?

[Springfield Slim]

Better?

[Fox Creek Kid]

I meant make the lube grooves TOTALLY square bottomed like the old original Keith Stylle bullets with the leading edges square as well.

[Springfield Slim]

I'm afraid I am limited by Mountain Mold's software, it won't allow that. Plus angled lube grooves tend to cast easier in my experience, especially if they are deeper than usual. Not always, but usually. 

[Henry4440]

Got a call that my LY427098 mould is available at the end of march!

[Cuts Crooked]

I'm afraid I am limited by Mountain Mold's software, it won't allow that. Plus angled lube grooves tend to cast easier in my experience, especially if they are deeper than usual. Not always, but usually. 

1+!!!

That was one of the problems with the grandfather of the Big Lube family of bullets..hard to cast and get out of the mold because of the deep/squared off grooves!

[Fox Creek Kid]

1+!!!

That was one of the problems with the grandfather of the Big Lube family of bullets..hard to cast and get out of the mold because of the deep/squared off grooves!

Cuts, as I'm sure you've heard before: you need to whack harder. 

[Cuts Crooked]

Cuts, as I'm sure you've heard before: you need to whack harder. 

Nope! I have never heard that one.