44-40 vs 357 mag for lever gun

[coondogger]

Been thinking about a lever gun. Thinking has evolved to an itch, and as we know, itches need scratching. Now I know I want lever rifle chambered for a pistol cartridge. For my purposes I've narrowed it to 44-50 or 357 mag. For 44-50 I need to buy a die set; I already have 38/357 dies. Apart from that, can anyone think of anything that would tip the scales in favor of either cartridge?

 

[hunt127588]

.357 as it is more of a commodity.

 

[King Medallion]

44-40 is authentic, and the right thing to do. Debate over. Happy New Year!

 

[MEHavey]

#1 What lever-gun platform?

#2 If you also Cast -- definitely 44-40 (sized .430)

 

[bfoosh006]

.357 will be a lot easier to find.

But a 44./40 sure sounds like fun.

 

[dh1633pm]

I like 45 Colt. Just because. .357 is a good choice. Ammo availability and you already have components. I have an 1894 in 357 and a low wall. Easy to load and lots of it around.

 

[Frulk]

44-40 is currently not available from Starline Brass nor can you place it on backorder. For no other reason than availability of components I'd go with .45 Colt or .357 Mag. Shooting any of them out of a rifle you won't be able to tell much difference between the 3 cartridges depending on the load.

 

[Dr T]

44 Magnum. Load it to 44-40 pressure and velocity levels. The brass will be a lot easier to find and last longer. Plus, you can go full bore if you feel the need.

 

[P89DCSS]

I'm getting old so I'd go with a cartridge my heirs could also use. 357/44 fits that requirement. 44-40 would be a burden.

44-40 isn't plentiful on ammoseek, cheapest is $1.80 per round, four sources:

.44-40 Win Ammo

In-stock best prices for 44-40 Win Ammo | Cheap 44-40 Win Ammunition - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

 

[CraigC]

Why .44-40 and not .44Mag or .45Colt? I handload for all of them but would rather have a 1866/1873 in .44Special than any .44-40.

 

[coondogger]

Why .44-40 and not .44Mag or .45Colt? I handload for all of them but would rather have a 1866/1873 in .44Special than any .44-40.

Well, actually 44 mag would be ok since I have a set of dies for it. I could be wrong but I just thought the ballistics were better for 357.

 

[PapaG]

Personally, I would consider several things before scratching that itch. Do you reload? If so, the 44-40 might be a consideration. However, it isn't the easiest to reload due to the thinness of the brass. You will have to crimp for a lever action and that means accurate trimming of the brass for uniform crimps and to keep the cases from buckling. The brass doesn't last a long time either.
I would suggest the 357, or better yet, a 44 magnum, either of which has stronger brass and are easier to load. I have both, one being an old 92 Winchester we had made into a 357 about sixty years ago and is still going strong, and a relatively old Marlin 94 44 mag. I also have Dads Win 94 44 mag which on is a good shooter but plagued with the post-64 birch stock and odd finished receiver.
I, personally, wouldn't choose 45 Colt even though I have a few handguns in that caliber.
I think I have 44-40 310 tong tool dies somewhere.
Good luck whichever you choose. Lever guns and single action revolvers are the cats pajamas.

 

[Smokin Gator]

I have Marlins in 44-40 and 44mag. Great guns. 44-40 brass is not always immediately available from Starline but if you keep checking you will be able to get it. Sometimes from other outfits or Winchester brass. It is easier with the 44mag too if you want to load maximum loads.

There is high velocity load data for 44-40 rifle only. With the slight bottle neck the round cycle very smoothly. Factory ammo is expensive. To load 44-40 seat and crimp in different steps. Most modern 44-40s have .429 barrels. Use a 44mag expander die to use .429-.430 bullets loading 44-40.
Hands down 44-40 is better for loading black powder. Really fun shooting it in my Marlin.

 

[silicosys4]

Of the two choices, .357 for sure. Nostalgia aside, it's a far easier cartridge to reload for than a thin-walled bottleneck case like the .44-40. Brass is far easier to come across, .357 has far more power, and there is no comparison for bullet selection and weights.

I'd pick the .44 mag over either though.

 

[CraigC]

Well, actually 44 mag would be ok since I have a set of dies for it. I could be wrong but I just thought the ballistics were better for 357.

The .44 is going to get a standard 240gr to at least 1800fps.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

#2 If you also Cast -- definitely 44-40 (sized .430)

I cast a 200 grain bullet for my Rossi .357mag. Works very well. A pound of lead goes a bit further than with a .44 caliber bullet. (unless of course one is casting 200 grain bullets for the .44 I guess!!) Anyhow, don't think casting figures into it. Both are easy to cast for. ???

 

[red rick]

I have been having the same itch . I have been trying to decide between .357 and .45 Colt . I am leaning.357 .

 

[troy fairweather]

44-40

 

[MEHavey]

don't think casting figures into it. Both are easy to cast for. ???

The 44-40 figures into casting (somewhat) more than the 357 only insofar that getting .430 cast bullets.
That was yesteryear.

looking now it seems 0.430/200gr relatvely soft cast bullets abound with "internet cowboy" suppliers.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Oh yeah, they are using 200 grainers for less recoil. That is true. Still, the molds are out there for either caliber, in most any weight one would want. I think 200 grain bullets in the .357, especially in a rifle, is a good thing. But I prefer bullet weight over velocity in everything I shoot, within reason.

 

[Savvy Jack]

The 44-40 is like a Jeep...you either love it with a passion or hate it. If you do not love the 44-40 with a passion, I suggest the 357.

Try this with a 357...

44-40
Range claims 300 Yards...I measured 260 yards but...
Full 1,350fps loads...950fps impact velocity...12 degree impact angle.
Uberti Winchester 73' with Malcom scope
214gr cast 43-214A Accurate Mold
25.6gr Reloder 7

 

[Big_Al]

357/38 for me. Ammo is widely available & in a good variety

 

[cfullgraf]

A number of years ago I passed on buying an S&W N-frame commemorative revolver chambered in 44-40 ( I forget the model number). I now wish I would have bought it.

But a 44-40 lever action gun would have been an ideal companion to the revolver.

Since I reload, as long as I can get cases, ammunition is not an issue.

 

[Miami_JBT]

A number of years ago I passed on buying an S&W N-frame commemorative revolver chambered in 44-40 ( I forget the model number). I now wish I would have bought it.

But a 44-40 lever action gun would have been an ideal companion to the revolver.

Since I reload, as long as I can get cases, ammunition is not an issue.

I have a Model 544, it is a boot of a handgun. I last paid $70 a box for .44 WCF about a year ago.

.357 Magnum is the way to go.

 

[cfullgraf]

Been thinking about a lever gun. Thinking has evolved to an itch, and as we know, itches need scratching. Now I know I want lever rifle chambered for a pistol cartridge. For my purposes I've narrowed it to 44-50 or 357 mag. For 44-50 I need to buy a die set; I already have 38/357 dies. Apart from that, can anyone think of anything that would tip the scales in favor of either cartridge?

357 Magnum is an easy cartridge to have a lever action rifle and an handgun chambered in the same cartridge. I have a Marlin 1894 and a Miroku/Winchester 1873 chambered in 357 Magnum as well a numerous pistols chambered in 357 Magnum. They are great combinations.

But a 44-40 combination would be the cats meow. A good, old cartridge from the days of the west.

But, one needs to be a reloader to make it work.

So, what ever floats your boat and fits your capabilities.