Cartridge identification

[Calibre38-40]

I have 3 44 cal cf cartridges that I am looking to ID as to the years in production. Can this be done from the headstamp?...Jim

[`57 Golden 39A Mountie]

It will be near impossible to date them from the head stamp because the manufacturers used the same head stamps for decades or longer. Matter of fact, there are some head stamps I know of that have been used for over a 120 year span and still going strong.
Detailed photos of the cartridges would be some help. The case style, primer type and shape and general bullet configuration can sometimes put the date in a ballpark range. Without the original box they came in really makes it difficult. Boxes are much easier dated.
`57

[Calibre38-40]

Thanks for the quick reply..pictures will take me a little time to post. But, can you tell me if all three are the same Cal..a) UMC 44-40, b) WRA Co 44CLMR, c) WRA Co 44 CF...Thanks Jim

[`57 Golden 39A Mountie]

Looks to me from those head stamps that you have three different 44 caliber cartridges. First one is Union Metallic Cartridge Co. (division of Remington Arms Co.) 44 -40 for rifle and handgun. A slightly bottle necked case. <br>Second is a straight cased .44 caliber magnum by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Third is a Straight cased 44 caliber Center Fire from Winchester Repeating Arms Co. This one can differ in case length and other dimensions as there were several very similar cartridges for the .44 caliber handguns by Colt and Smith &amp; Wesson as well as a couple of foreign versions.<br>Still, this info doesn`t help date them as they are all still in production and began life as early as the 1870s. <br>`57&nbsp;

[Calibre38-40]

57: This all started because I was trying to find the proper cartridge for my 1875 Remington SA. It is an early gun chambered for the 44 Remington. All 3 listed chamber, but I believe it takes a straight sided case, not necked like the 44-40. I found these 3 mixed with other early cartridges I have..Do you think the WRA Co..44cf is the right cartridge? Any thoughts?...Jim

[`57 Golden 39A Mountie]

From what I can find in my reference book. Your revolver is chambered for the same cartridge as the 44 Colt which is a different cartridge from the 44 special or any that you have listed above. The cartridge is a slightly tapered one with straight wall.
The 44 Colt has the following measurements. Bullet dia..443"; Case neck dia. .450; Base dia, .456"; Rim dia, .483"; Case length 1.10"; OAL 1.50" You may want to check that WRA Co. 44CF against these measurements.

I believe that the .44 Colt cartridge has been out of production for a long time but brass and bullets are available for reloading. You may find original loaded ammo on one of the auction sites in the Vintage Ammo listings. Going to be a bit on the heavy $$ side too.
Hope this is of some help.
`57

[Calibre38-40]

57; Thanks for the info..When I draw my fingers down the length of the 3 mentioned cartridges I do feel a slight bottle neck to each. All must be 44-40's..Looking further I found a UMC 44 special, and It will not chamber..goes in about 3/4 of the way. I'll keep the measurements for the 44 Colt..Thanks again...Jim

[`57 Golden 39A Mountie]

The fact that the 44 spcl. will go about 3/4 way indicates the tapered chamber to fit the .44 Colt cartridge.
On another note. it may be wise to have the cylinder "chamber cast" to be sure of the inside dimensions. It may have been reamed to fit a different cartridge with the same bullet diameter.
That would be the tell-all as to what it really is.
I don`t mean to add confusion to the situation but with these older guns, you have to take into account that a lot of them were altered in their lifetime for the sake of convenience in having the same cartridge for handgun/rifle.
`57