Bullet size for 1916 Vintage Mdl. 92 in 44-40?

[Phideaux]

Can anyone give me a heads-up on the correct bullet size for a Winchester Mdl. 92, vintage 1916, in 44-40? I see bullets available in .427, .429 and .431, what size are you using when handloading? I think the original load was with a .427 bullet but so far I have only shot commerical cowboy loads, which I suspect are of the larger diameter and they seem to do okay. I know someone will come along and say slug the barrel, but I was hoping to avoid trying that. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Mike D.]

The .427s are strictly for use in the Colt SA. The bore diameter of the '92 is larger, so .430-.431 diameter will provide the best accuracy. My gun likes the .429 jacketed and .431 lead. You should slug the bore to determine the exact size and go from there.

[KirkD]

I've had a few original 44-40's and they all seem to do better with .429. I have some drawings here for the specs on both the bullet and the bore/chamber. The drawing shows a bullet size of .427/.424 and a groove diameter of .4285/.4305. If the actual groove diameters are anything close to spec, I'd go with a .429 cast bullet (or a large diameter like Mike suggests). If you slug your bore, you'll get a better idea of groove diameter for your particular rifle.

[Phideaux]

Thanks guys. Just what I wanted to know, from two guys whose opinion I respect.

Larry A. aka Phideaux

[Marc]

The groove diameter in my 1873, made in 1916 per Madis, measures .430". I use .431" bullets.

[jd45]

Phideaux, I'll just bet that 1916 1892 locks up just like a bank vault! What a find! jd45