How strong is the spencer action

[Barbarossa]

Hi
I m planning on buying a Spencer in 44/40 and plan on shooting Bp in it for target work but for hunting would like to load up a bit for Deer hunting with
smokeless.What I would like to know is would the spencer handle the same loads as a Winchester 92.I m not talking super hot handloads as I do realize that this is still an 1800s design and not expecting Ruger #1 strength

[Dakota Widowmaker]

It is MUCH stronger than the Henry or Winchester toggle link design.

The US Gov. tested it with older methods used in the metalurgy with 2x overcharge and didn't experience any issues.

(with 3x overcharge, ~60gr of FFFg, it started to fatigue the chamber)

There is almost no way you could "hurt" your Spencer action with a 44-40 bullet, unless you loaded it up to the base of the bullet with 2400 or Bullseye.

Any "standard" load should work just fine. +10% for the pressure limit should work well.

The 44-40 is just not that high pressure of a round to damage the Spencer action.

45gr of 777 and a 350gr bullet and Magnum primers send a bullet over 1200fps. Thats 1100+ ft-lbs of force.

[Harve Curry]

Dakota Widow Maker,
What kinda accuracy do you get with your 777 load ?
Also what do you thinnk the pressure of 777 runs at?

I don't have any 777 but I'd like to try some next time I get to a town.