Factory ammunition for 44 Special 1866 carbine?

redware · August 17, 2017, 01:07:55 PM

Hello -

I'm new to lever action rifles and recently lucked into a .44 Special 1866 Uberti carbine. I don't reload and since picking up the carbine have heard tales of horror about getting .44 Special to feed in a lever action.

Can anyone suggest some good factory ammunition that is not likely to cause feeding problems? I know individual rifles can be finicky but I need a starting place. I may reload some time in the future, but for now factory loads are it.

With thanks.

wildman1 · August 17, 2017, 01:54:14 PM

I would think that feeding problems would come from shooting 44 spl in a rifle that was designed for a longer cartridge. If yours is a 44 spl I would think that shooting the correct ammo would not be a problem.
wM1

Major 2 · August 17, 2017, 02:28:12 PM

Two words ...Black Hills .....works a ton in my 44 Spec'l 73

Abilene · August 17, 2017, 05:26:36 PM

The fact that it is .44 Spcl makes no difference. '66 and '73 come in a variety of calibers and most ammo if within the OAL limits (pretty much 1.45" to 1.6") and a proper shape bullet is no problem.

If you use a RNFP bullet you should have no problems (nearly 8000 of them through my .44 spcl '66). Do not use SWC bullets or anything with a sharp shoulder.

Coffinmaker · August 17, 2017, 07:11:31 PM

Sorry I'm Late. But ......

PLUS ONE to >>>>>> ALL OF THE ABOVE.

the Uberti built 1866 in 44 Special will digest Round Nose Flat Point Ammo all .... well just forever. It will also choke and puke Semi-Wadcutters.

redware · August 17, 2017, 07:32:27 PM

Thanks, everyone. I think I may have placed too much faith in those horror stories.

Cholla Hill Tirador · September 12, 2017, 04:07:46 AM

When I first dabbled in CAS I was shooting an 1873 chambered in .44 Special. The only mould I had on hand, an old single cavity Lyman 429421, cast a 248 gr. SWC. It fed fine, another horror story that wasn't horrible at all.

CHT

Rooster Ron Wayne · October 12, 2017, 06:05:01 PM

44 Specials is all I shoot in CBA .
For the 44 mag rifles if you load a 200gr bullet and crimp at the second lube groove .
It will be a longer round and feed in your 44 mag rifle much better , and still fit in the 44 special pistols .

As for the 44specials for a none loader cowboy.
I recommend Black Hills Ammo.

Just sayin
Rooster