38-40 Load Help

[Rainman]

I was searching for a "warm" load to use in a 38-40 Vaquero. Most loading data is published in "cowboy" loads just in case they find their way in older guns.
I did find an article by John Taffin where he was hotrodding using 2400 and Unique.

I'm using new Starline case, 180gr Hornady XTP 10mm bullets and 16.0grs of 2400. This is below Taffin's starting load but should do well. Anybody had in experience with a similiar load?

How about Unique?

Dan

 

[WIL TERRY]

WHOA !!!!!!!!!! You are gonna start at 18.0GRS of 2400 without working up to it ?? BAD IDEA !!!

 

[Rainman]

Sorry! Mis-typed. I loaded 16.0 gr of 2400!! That was the lowest load he listed but he did go to to 24.5 gr in a Contender.

Here's the link if you are interested. http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt3840.htm

Dan

 

[CraigC]

I've had excellent results with 10.0gr Unique under several different bullets. Everything from a 135gr Sierra to a 180gr Gold Dot and RNFP's.

 

[Lee Martin]

Here's what the old 38-40 will do in a minimum spec, custom 6-shot Ruger:

http://www.singleactions.com/files/3840WinchesterArticle.pdf

Not suggesting you try these in a stock Blackhawk, but it'll give you an idea of what it's capable of.

 

[Rainman]

Thank you so much Lee. That's an excellent article. Kinda makes my 16.0 gr of 2400 look anemic but I think I'll see how they shoot.

Also thanks for the heads up about the throats. I've had the same issue in my 44-40 and 45s.

Dan

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I've played around with some Ruger only level loads in my 40S&W/38-40 Vaqueros. You can really make the old 38-40 into something in a Ruger, assuming you have the right dies that can size the cases to fit. I don't know why the Ruger chambering seems such a problem with so many dies in that regard.

Here is an article about testing with the Hornady 180gr XTP driven to some impressive velocities. He doesn't state load info, only velocity but I suspect it is a healthy dose of 2400. That's what I've used. You're on the right track. Easy to get 1300+ fps and feel more than safe with that powder in a Ruger.

http://www.cylindersmith.com/38-40Ruger-Magnum.html

I suspect, although I haven't tried it, that with the hardcast 200gr LSWC he mentions driven with a bunch of 2400 to nearly 1400fps, that you'd feel pretty well equipped for dealing with toothyclawysnarly critters!