44 Winchester High Velocity Gel test

"1903 - Introduction of the W.H.V. (Winchester High Velocity) cartridge

We first see these new improved performance cartridges in Winchester’s Catalog #70 dated March, 1903. Cartridges were head stamped .44 W.C.F. W.H.V. ’M92. Velocity with a 200 gr. metal patched bullet was catalogued at 1,500 f.p.s. in a 24” barrel. Instructions in Winchester’s catalogue and on the cartridge boxes indicated they were not for use in ’73 Winchesters or handguns. Velocity was increased to 1,570 f.p.s. in 1910. 

U.M.C. brought out their .44-40 high velocity cartridge shortly after Winchester did. Cartridges were head stamped U.M.C. .44-40 H.V. to distinguish them from the U.M.C. .44-40 head stamp used on the standard cartridge. Catalogued velocity from the start was 1,570 f.p.s. with a 200 gr. bullet. PETERS used the .44-40 H.P. designation. ~ John K."

Very interesting note about the new HV cartridge. I wonder if any one inadvertently used them in the older 73 or revolvers and didn't know the difference? Just curious I guess. Chris S

I'd like to know as well but so far no one here is talking...I mean on the internet! There should be plenty here who's father is old enough to know. I am to understand they were manufactured up to the 1940's. You would think after almost 40 years someone would have blown something up. Then again look at the 45 Colt, 45-70 that have always been loaded hot SINCE the 1940's.....don't see them getting blown up much.

As a little aside note, I admit to being a very impetuous lad and when I inherited my Great Grandad's old 1883 Springfield trapdoor (1873 pattern trapdoor)  I ran right out and bought a box of Remington 45-70 405 grain smokeless loads. Popped them in the old Springfield and shot them all. I was impressed by the old caliber and have had a lifelong interest in 45-70 including two new ones I own. I never realized the old trapdoor was supposed to be weak and not suitable for smokeless loads and when I later learned many years later I did retire it as an heirloom. The point here is I shot at least 20 factory loads with nary a problem, luck or what who knows. Chris S

Sharpe's 1937 manual shows several rifle loads recommended by Hercules and Du Pont that produce pressures of 14,000, 16,000, 20,000 and [27.5gr 2400] @ 33,000......I assume c.u.p. 
[approx. 28,000psi or much much more]

Revolver pressures to 15,000.....I assume c.u.p. [approx. 12,690psi] This even more so falls in line with my testings with black powder original unheadstamped cases.

Powders used for rifle were 2400, Unique, Sharpshooter, Lightning, 1204, SR80 and 4227. The 4227[I assume IMR 4227] shows 29gr @ 1,890fps but no pressures.
Powders used for revolver were #5, #6, Bullseye, Unique, SR80, SS FFG, and RSQ