REM-UMC Hi-Speed .44-40 160 gr Mushroom ctg. of yesteryear

Aug 18, 2014

Not to be confused with the earlier High Velocity .44-40 cartridges (200 gr / 1,570 f.ps.) this cartridge was offered from the mid 1930's - mid 1940's and according to the ballistic tables of that era, produced 1,980 f.p.s. The bullet used was a jacketed hollow base hollow point (mushroom). The reason for the hollow base was to make the bullet / barrel engagement length a bit longer.

I have managed to pick up several specimens over the years and recently decided to do some forensic analysis. The cartridges were loaded with 14 grs. of a powder that looks like and has the same density as Unique. One cartridge did contain a higher charge of what appears to be Sharpshooter.

I ran a couple of cartridges through my Marlin Cowboy (24") over the chrono and they averaged 1,946 f.p.s. ..... not too far off the 1,980 fps published ballistics.

Now, what to do for a test bullet to replicate this vintage cartridge? I decided to use some 180 gr. XTP's and modify the hollow point cavity to reduce the weight to 160 grs. Thankfully, I have a lathe so that was pretty easy.

Here's a comparison pic which also shows the earlier REM_UMC 140 gr. Hi-Speed cartridge (2,000 f.p.s.) and the 160 gr. XTP.

I wanted to add some information and photos to John's information. If you can notice in John's cartridge comparison photos above, you can see the longer 160gr bullet in the middle. Notice the case cannelure is lower than that of the shorter 140gr.

I dissected a 140gr "Mushroom" and discover much the same as John. I found 20gr of Sharpshooter under a 140gr Jacketed hollowpoint with a hollow base.

Trail Boss Powder in a 44-40