Author Topic: 44-40 accuracy in a 94 (Read 804 times)

gerry@fundy.net · « **on:** April 05, 2005, 02:58:55 PM »

I have been looking at a Winchester 94 in 44-40. Just about everyone I know with one has poor accuracy with them. What is your experience? Can they be made to shoot?

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2005, 06:17:37 AM »

I'm working with a '92, and the best so far, is four inches. That's with Lyman's version of the original 44-40 cast bullet design.

gerry@fundy.net · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2005, 09:21:06 AM »

Was that at 50 yds. or 100 yds.? If that is at 100 yds, I could live with it. I'm told that the later 94 version is really a .44 mag barrel chambered for 44-40. Would they be better or worse?

Jim 44-40 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2005, 01:08:31 AM »

Are you talking about a Win 94 Trails End in 44-40 ? If so the one I have is a tack driver. Using 200gr lead sized to .429. Also have a load worked up with Lyman 429421, 250gr feeds flawlessly too.

gerry@fundy.net · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2005, 02:42:08 AM »

I don't have it yet, just considering it. It is an older, but post '64 model 94. What powder do you use? I just have a 250 gr mold, so that is what I would use.

Jim 44-40 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2005, 03:49:32 PM »

from Lyman book,429421 250gr. Bullseye 4.5 for 690fps or Bullseye 6.2 for 850fps. The only brass I can use for this load is Winchester,because case mouth is thin enough. I'll post more loads later,if you want

gerry@fundy.net · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2005, 12:09:22 AM »

Do you have any good loads with Unique or 700X?

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2005, 01:26:13 AM »

I was getting around 1600pfs, with hard cast bullets and the groups are at 100yds.

gerry@fundy.net · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2005, 10:02:17 AM »

I bought it today. It is a 94 with 20" barrel made in 1979. I have lots of 44 mag bullets that I hope will work. Would .429 or .430 dia. work? As I mentioned earlier, I only have a 250 gr. mold. Will that work OK, or should I get a lighter one?

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2005, 02:37:58 PM »

I've used 44 mag bullets, jacketted, and cast. They work, but are not very accurate in my gun. In addition, and it probably won't matter in a '94, the cannelure is likely in the wrong place.

gerry@fundy.net · « **Reply #10 on:** April 09, 2005, 09:09:58 AM »

I tried it out with a friend's ammo this afternoon and it shot a bit over an inch at about 40 yds. He was using a 115 gr wadcutter sized to .430 in his loads. I'm happy!