I got one at a recent auction and it arrived Tuesday. Minor problem: I only shoot at the range and they don't allow shot, only slugs (although apparently I can 'test the patterning'). And I'm told it would be 'unwise' to shoot slugs through this gun. Yet apparently there were 44XL loads sold (back in the day) for various single shot .44-40 shotguns, loaded with a round ball.
Also - apparently - they will shoot .410 shells. Which is cool, but doesn't solve my problem of needing to shoot slugs, not shot.
Does anyone have any experience with these shotguns? Shooting slugs? If so, and it is safe to do so, do you have any load data?
If Swmbo doesn't have any other plans for me tomorrow I may try fireforming some .303Br for this gun. Donnelly says you can 'make from .303 Br' cases for 44-40. Should be interesting, since the base (which I doubt will fireform) is .013" smaller, so I will probably end up with some wasp-waisted cases.
And since a .410 will fit I wonder if I can cut .410 shells down to the proper length and use them in a .44-40 rifle if brass ever gets hard to find. Naah, while the plastic body will size to accept the .427" bullet the outside dia. will probably be way to large, and neck reaming it to the proper thickness will probably leave it too weak to hold the bullet (and would split on the first shot anyway)
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