44-40 hunting load question

[medic44]

    I have a 24" Uberti 1873. I have not slugged the barrel but was told they are .429. I want to shoot deer off my river property with this rifle. I am wondering if using a 225gr Hornady FTX(leverevolution bullet) and 8.0grs of Unique would be safe/adequate for this rifle. Another question is the Hornady bullet is .430 jacketed. Will this still be safe and perform well with the .429 bore? Hope I was clear. Thanks for any help or tips.. *I do not want to use hard cast lead for this hunting load

[cpt dan blodgett]

Lyman 51 lists 73 winchesters as a group 1 Rifle (weak action reduced pressure loads)
200 grain JHP start load zUniqur 7.6 gr 865 fps max load 8.5 grains 981 FPS.

I would not shoot 8 grains of unique and a  225 grain bullet out of my Miroku 73. 

Do not believe a deer will know the difference between a 200 JHP and a 225 grain flextip but the rifle may well find the 225 grainer a bridge too far.

[Coffinmaker]

  Ah, Not Quite 

Lyman 51 is making their proclamation pertaining to "Winchester" based on real, original "Winchester."  That being said, that proclamation is just fine for 125 year old "original" sample examples of questionable metallurgy.  However:

The Uberti 1873 replica is proofed for .44 Magnum.  Your cited and proposed load would not cause any concern in a Uberti or Miroku modern reproduction in good condition with properly aligned links.

[medic44]

Ok thanks
Coffinmaker. Will the .430 jacketed bullet do well in the .429 bore?

[Coffinmaker]

  Medic44

I would personally think a .430 Jacketed bullet would be abusive to a 429 bore.  The general rule of thumb is LEAD bullets of .4295 or .430 to stabilize in the bore grooves.  Most commercial loadings/bullets I am aware of utilize .429 Jacketed bullets to match the industry standard .429 bore.

[Ya Big Tree]

Ok thanks
Coffinmaker. Will the .430 jacketed bullet do well in the .429 bore?

A 44 magnum bore is .429 and the bullet used in the 44 magnum is .430 diameter. The bullet you chose will be just fine.
I'd use a 200 grain XTP with the load information listed below.

https://reloadammo.com/reloading-the-44-40-winchester/