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S&W Revolver (Smokeless?)

A-37
I have a S&W .44 Double Action Frontier made in 1894. I know it fires a .44-40 cartridge but not sure if modern ammo would be safe. Was this revolver designed for smokeless powder? Thanks.
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    Since the original 44-40 cartridge dates to the early 1870's, and many of the Black Powder rifles and pistols chambered for it are still in use, the ammo manufactures are very conservative in the loads they manufacture for it.
    If your revolver is in sound condition, I wouldn't lose any sleep about shooting modern commerical ammo in it.
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  • Pearyw
    I have one of the 44-40 S&W Frontier DA's myself. It is a blackpowder pistol. I load mine with Pyrodex and .428" 200 gr cast bullets. I also load it with 6.5 gr of Unique. It is a safe load, but not as powerful as a full power Pyrodex load. I got tired of washing out the cases with soap and water, so I usually load the the light smokeless powder loads.
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  • A-37
    Thanks for the comments. Still not sure I want to shoot it with commercial ammo. Since I don't handload, maybe it'll stay in the presentation case. I appreciate the input.
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    WIN. AND OTHERS MAKE 'COW-BOY ACTION' LOADS WITH LEAD BULLETS THAT WOULD WORK WELL.
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  • A-37
    Thanks for the tip. I have a box of .44 S&W Special, 246 gr (jacketed), made in Mexico. Unlikely that I'll use them in my S&W Frontier.
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