What is a 44-40 and why is it thought to be so weak?

[Bryan Austin]

I would like to see a resurgence of some of those older calibers.

Hey Mr. Austin, glad to see you're still around.

LOL, thanks, Ain't blown myself up yet!!!!

[FirstBubba]

LOL, thanks, Ain't blown myself up yet!!!!

10-4 on the "YET"! LOL!

[Bryan Austin]

10-4 on the "YET"! LOL!

LOL, I try hard!

[Tomtom]

Bryan I just found this thread and had to sign up to ask you a question.... I have an original Marlin 94 the made in 1906 (according to (s.n.) it's in great shape. Can I shoot modern Hornady loads or just stick with cowboy loads???
I have had it for 28 and have not fired it.

[FirstBubba]

Bryan I just found this thread and had to sign up to ask you a question.... I have an original Marlin 94 the made in 1906 (according to (s.n.) it's in great shape. Can I shoot modern Hornady loads or just stick with cowboy loads???
I have had it for 28 and have not fired it.

Well, tomtom, I'm not Bryan but I would encourage you to find a reliable gunsmith and have your gun inspected, then follow his recommendation.

SAAMI sets specs for ammo. Most modern ammo has been loaded down to shoot in older firearms.
Too many redneck rubes will shove a .45-70 Gov't round into great grampa's old "Trap Door" Springfield, then want to get all bent out of shape when it blows up in their face.

Have it checked out.

[Bryan Austin]

Well, tomtom, I'm not Bryan but I would encourage you to find a reliable gunsmith and have your gun inspected, then follow his recommendation.

SAAMI sets specs for ammo. Most modern ammo has been loaded down to shoot in older firearms.
Too many redneck rubes will shove a .45-70 Gov't round into great grampa's old "Trap Door" Springfield, then want to get all bent out of shape when it blows up in their face.

Have it checked out.

What he said.

In general, the the Marlin 94 is a Group II "strong action" rifle as designated by Lyman's 49th Handloading Book. If the rifle is in good shooting condition, then yes. Not only can it shoot standard smokeless powder loads, it can shoot high pressure high velocity loads as Winchester intended from 1903 till 1941 when the 44 W.H.V. loads were discontinued.

HOWEVER with that said, ONLY YOU can decide if you want to shoot it or not.

I have a Marlin 1889 made in 1891 that is a Strong Action rifle, it is in great shape but I have no desire to shoot HV loads in it. It is a sentimental family heirloom and is retired from the hotrods.

[Bryan Austin]

I have been gathering 44-40 box codes for a while now for Winchester and Western 44-40 boxes. The codes have been broken and the dates reviled. The below link takes you to the doc file where I have the spreadsheet loaded. I am always updating the file.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...gid=1860800684

Also below are some screen shots of the data for those that don't like to click links.