Are there any non-lead bullet options for the .44 WCF?

[Jason_W]

My research hasn't turned up any factory offerings or load data, but maybe someone else has heard of something.

I'm seriously eyeing a Miroku '92 in .44 WCF (a round that has long called to me for no logical reason at all) but if I every want to hunt with it in the state of California where my wife and I are unexpectedly entrenched, I'll need a lead free bullet that will work for it.

I know that a number modern guns in the round come with .429" bores which could possibly allow copper .44 mag bullets to be adapted to the task, but it seems like it's impossible to find out the actual bore diameter of a gun before bringing it home.

 

[Tommygunn]

Never saw a non lead .44-40. I've seen non jacketed and jacketed rounds in the caliber.
You may be stuck with handloading.
Most people using this not so modern caliber are cowboy shooting re enactors, or simply, like me, appreciate 19th century firearms and are willing to accept the limited offerings from businesses that cater to us.
When you get into modern non lead rounds you get into modern self defense rounds like ARX rounds or specialized hunting rounds for places that legislate against lead bullets.

Edit: with regards to modern gun bore diameter, I believe Dixie Gun Works catalog lists Uberti guns bore diameter listed. I know yours is Miroku.... it is branded a Winchester (I own a 1892 takedown rifle in .32-20) so I would call Winchester and see if they could tell you....or write them a letter if the guy on the other end of the phone is unhelpful.

 

[Bushpilot]

According to "Real Guns," current Winchester 44/40 production bore diameter is .4285.
The article is about their 1873 but I'd wager it's the same for the 92....
https://www.realguns.com/articles/615.htm

 

[CraigC]

As far as I know, these are configured for standard .429-.430" bullets.

 

[db_tanker]

I'd love to play with that round and a box of Berry's plated bullets.

 

[Jason_W]

As far as I know, these are configured for standard .429-.430" bullets.

If that’s the case, I’m thinking one of the Barnes bullets for the .44 special would work. Though, they might be too long.

Rotometals also has a lead free bullet casting alloy, but I don’t know what that would do to a bore.

 

[CraigC]

It might work. Would have to check the overall length and how it works through the action.

 

[Jason_W]

The non lead mandate really puts a damper on anyone who wants to hunt with a classic round.

The .38-55 is another old one that has always fascinated me. Also no lead free bullets that I know of.

 

[CraigC]

That's a tough one. It's a little longer than a cast 265gr but the 235gr CEB 'might' work. Don't know for sure. If it did, it might be best used in a .375WCF instead, which may kill the point.

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/375-230gr-esp-raptor

 

[Jason_W]

That's a tough one. It's a little longer than a cast 265gr but the 235gr CEB 'might' work. Don't know for sure. If it did, it might be best used in a .375WCF instead, which may kill the point.

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/375-230gr-esp-raptor

They do have this one as well for .375 cal handguns.

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/375-200gr-handgun-raptor

But holy crap that price!

 

[CraigC]

I didn't even think to look under handgun bullets. That one's probably a better option but yes, they are crazy expensive. They're made one at a time on a CNC lathe.

 

[edwardware]

Rotometals also has a lead free bullet casting alloy. . .

This, but you'll have to cast and reload, and the bullets will appear to be lead.