Accuracy at 50 Yards
50 Yards
If you can't get tight groups at 50 yards, forget trying further distances. Not only that, shoot ten shot groups rather than just three or five. Ten gives a much more realistic "group" result. If you can't hit the target with that first "Fouling Shot", the rest are worthless when you are hungry!
Bullet selection is just as important as powder selection as can be seen from the following targets. Using jacketed "Patched" bullets of larger diameters can cause pressure issues in some loads. The discontinued Speer SJHP yielded lower pressures and great results over most others when the smaller Winchester JSP are not preferred.
John Taylor
Here is proof that pistol powders like Unique and Bullseye work well for the 44-40.
John reports...Some results, benched at 50 meters (I am french), with my custom 1873 Uberti. 8 grains A1 (a french powder equivallent to Unique), cast RCBS 44-200-FN bullets (1-20 alloy), mould modified to cast at .432", calibrated to .431", SPG lube and Winchester cases.