Any thoughts on the 38-40?

[oldies]

Recently got a USFA 44-40 that shoots pretty darn well.
Was considering one in 38-40. Have some target and
plinking loads in mind already. I know it isn't exactly a
41 mag, and attempts to make it so, probably would
not be a wise venture.Was wondering if anyone would
chime in with a woods carry load that has a bit more
bite, but is still easy on the gun?

Thanks,
oldies

 

[oldies]

Ok, guess I'll start with 7.0gr of Unique (since I have a lot of it
after the Obama sales promotion) and a 170gr cast slug, working
up from there.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Here is a good place to start:

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt3840.htm

As I recall, there was an article in Handloader about loading the old 38 WCF up to some pretty impressive levels in modern guns. There were also some standard loads. It was likely by Brian Pearce but not sure. I'll see if I can find it later. I'm certain the heavier loads would NOT be suitable for the USFA models though.

I have a couple of the Ruger Vaqueros in 38-40/40S&W. I thought about trying some of the heavier loads in them at one time, perhaps as a hunting option if one ends up shooting to POA.

 

[oldies]

Thanks... Some good info there. Will sneak up on some of the
milder loads listed and maybe find a good POI with a few.

oldies

 

[DGW1949]

Based on my experience with using a couple of different leverguns in that caliber, me thinks that a 38-40 revolver would make a very good field gun. As issued, the cartridge fits right into the lower spectrum of my own "big-enough but not too-big" catergory. That, plus it's accurate and a lot of fun to shoot.

DGW

 

[oldies]

Yup. My thoughts too. Don't know if USFA could be persuaded
to chamber an extra cylinder in 40 S&W, but it would sure be
a great option. Or even a Uberti 357 cylinder rechambered
would work. + maybe a 41Colt cylinder to have the entire ball
of wax. Oh, and 10 MM.

Dang... Got to looking and found the .40 to have a small pistol
primer. The .40 and 10mm cals may be out.

oldies

 

[mhblaw]

I have a USFA in 38-40 and is one of my most accurate non-adjustable sight revolvers. Have been using the Oregon Trail 180 gr. RNFP sized .401 ahead of 6 grs. Unique. John Taffin, on the sixguns.com web site has a number of loads for this cartridge. It is just plain a good shooter.

 

[oldies]

Thumbs up for that....Another plus with my 44-40 was
the discovery that there is next to NO barrel leading
with this gun. And that with 3 different bullets sized
at both .427 and .429. Must be a great deal of attention
given to the barrel /cylinder tolerances.

 

[Blackhawk Convertable]

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

 

[InjunBro]

My Grandfather carried an 1889 Marlin lever-action 38-40 every day for half of his life. It took 10+ whitetails & countless small game. He taught me how to "bark" squirrels w/ it. It's still in the family & still in use. He had a Colt SAA to go w/ it & shot the same 180 grain bullets from both. He reloaded his own cast bullets but I can't remember the exact loading. Great round w/ plenty of punch but fairly mild recoil.

 

[oldies]

Am anxious to get started with the 38-40. Afraid I'll have to
abandon my 40 S&W cylinder. Found out on closer inspection
that the .40 is propelled with a small pistol primer. Don't think
this would be a compatible situation, given the conical fixed
firing pin of the USFA. I think that they use a somewhat
different ignition system on their .357. Not sure exactly what
that is.

oldies

 

[oldies]

Anyone know of a good source for 38-40 brass?
Looked at the Star-line website and theirs is
around $74 for 250 ct. + shipping of course :?
Is that a bit steep or am I out of touch?

 

[WESHOOT2]

Out of touch.

Suggest testing some Penn Bullets 200g lead for woods use.

 

[Glupy]

Am anxious to get started with the 38-40. Afraid I'll have to
abandon my 40 S&W cylinder. Found out on closer inspection
that the .40 is propelled with a small pistol primer. Don't think
this would be a compatible situation, given the conical fixed
firing pin of the USFA. I think that they use a somewhat
different ignition system on their .357. Not sure exactly what
that is.

oldies

I don't have a USFA revolver but I do shoot a Vaquero Convertible in 38-40/40 S&W. The revolver shoots both cartridges equally well.

The Starline price for brass is as good as you are gonna get. There aren''t that many shooters and we are lucky to find anything.

I have had problems with their new brass fitting into the tight cylinder. The cases seem to be bowed and load only with difficulty when new. Once-fired brass is just fine.

Dave

 

[oldies]

The 44-40's shot great right from the git go. Am hoping
the 38-40's do the same.