#1 Remington Sporting rifle - .44-77

[ndnchf]

While waiting on PP bullets, I loaded some 360gr grease groove bullets over 85gr of Swiss 2F. Kind of an express load 

[ndnchf]

I went to the range today. I had bought 80 rounds of PCI loaded .44-77 ammunition, primarily for the Jamison brass. They were loaded with the RCBS 44-370 bullets and a mild charge of smokeless. I needed to fireform them in preparation for paper patch bullets. But I was pleasantly surprised at how accurate the PCI ammunition was. I also made a short video firing 3 shots at the 100 yard gong. Great fun 

[Coal Creek Griff]

Excellent video! Thanks again for letting us join in!

Griff

[ndnchf]

Its hard to think of anything cooler than a paper patched .44-77  . In this case they are 391gr. bullets patched to bore diameter over 77.0 gr. of Swiss 1.5.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I find the concept of paper patching interesting, but haven't had the nerve to delve into it.  I don't have any personal experience and don't know anyone that has.  One day I'll just have to get the supplies and try it and go through the learning curve.

[ndnchf]

This is an excellent resource. It explains the process very well with great illustrations.

[Ranch 13]

Looking forward to seeing how those shoot for you.

[ndnchf]

Me too! But the storm hitting the east coast is putting a damper on my planned range trip. It likely won't be until next week. But on the plus side, my BACO order with more PP bullets is scheduled to arrive today 

[Ranch 13]

Looks like it's going to be a while before we have any decent shooting weather in this part of the world. At least I can get caught up on the bullet casting a little, maybe

[ndnchf]

Its cold, icy and miserable out. A good time to load more .44-77  I now have 30 grease groove and 50 paper patch rounds ready to go. Just need some better weather to try them out.

[nativeshootist]

Do you have a substitute for the brass incase of unusable cases?

[ndnchf]

I have 180 new Jamison .44-77 cases. More than I'll ever shoot in one session, so I'm good to go.

[dusty texian]

Looking good Chief , did you work the trigger or was it good when you got it ? That old rifle found a good home .,,,,DT

[ndnchf]

No. I took it completely apart, cleaned and oiled it. It has a surprisingly good trigger pull, far better than typical #1 military models. Ive made new trigger springs from a hacksaw blade for a couple of those. But for now, this one is fine. But, if I ever came across original single set trigger parts, well that would be a neat upgrade 

[ndnchf]

In order to fine tune my .44-77 loading set up,  I wanted an expander to open the cartridge case neck slightly to accept a .438" diameter paper patched bullet. So today I machined and hardened a 2- step expander plug that opens the case mouth to .4365" first, then as it goes in further the second step expands the mouth  to .439". The .439" step only goes into the case about .050" to allow the paper patched bullet to start into the case. Then it is seated fully with a slight interference fit.  These plugs go into Lee universal expander die.  I also have a .445"/.447" plug for use with grease groove bullets. I've made 4 or 5 of these for various cartridges, they work very well.

[Ranch 13]

Just for kicks, you might want to make one that expands the case .001 or .002 over the diameter you want to accommodate any spring back that might happen when the expander comes out of the case.

[Drydock]

All this really makes me want to get back out on the range with the .50-70, but, alas, the weather . . .

[ndnchf]

Just for kicks, you might want to make one that expands the case .001 or .002 over the diameter you want to accommodate any spring back that might happen when the expander comes out of the case.

Good point, I may. It all depends on the paper, bullet size and bore fit I settle on. Id prefer not to size them down far enough to need to be expanded. But this gives me the option. Its easy enough to make another if needed.

[Blackpowder Burn]

Thanks ndnchf, I ordered a copy of the book.  I've got a new C Sharps being delivered this week, so might be a good time to try this out.

[ndnchf]

Today I played with a lube ribbon extruder. Just to try it, I loaded 10 rounds. 77gr of Goex Cartridge grade, .030" card wad, wax paper wad, .125" lube cookie, wax paper wad, then 370gr PP bullet. Curious to see if I'll get a lube star at the muzzle.