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Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 22 May 2020 14:51
by Royce
So I purchased a toy with my stimulus check. I also bought Lee carbide dies and Factory Crimp die. In the Lee die box came a small sample of "Case Lube". This got me wondering, does a spent 44-40 round need to be lubed before resizing? I've been reloading pistol cartridges for 30+ years using Lee carbide dies and this would be the first time to use lube.

I recognize that the 44-40 cases have a slight bottleneck so maybe that would explain the need to lube?

Picture of new one:

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 22 May 2020 18:23
by Ohio3Wheels
I would probably put a dab on every 3rd or 4th case. I'm actually kinda curious how they make a carbide die for a bottle neck case. I've always found a little lube doesn't hurt even with carbide.

Stay well, be safe, make smoke,

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 22 May 2020 20:50
by larryw
A little dab will do 'ya... I agree, every few cases run a lubed one, the sizing seems
a bit smoother & easier. Sure doesn't hurt, but just a dab...

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 23 May 2020 04:51
by Ranch Dog
larryw wrote:A little dab will do 'ya... I agree, every few cases run a lubed one, the sizing seems
a bit smoother & easier. Sure doesn't hurt, but just a dab...
The above or a light coat of the Lee Lube and Isopropyl alcohol mix.

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 23 May 2020 07:21
by Royce
In my collection of stuff I see I have an aerosol can of Lyman case lube. Anyone ever use that? How is it used?

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 23 May 2020 09:05
by Ohio3Wheels
A light coat and let it dry completely. When I've used the sprays if it's a decent day I take the cases outside, put them on a piece of parchment paper or newspaper spray them and let the sun and breeze dry them.

Stay well, be safe, make smoke,

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 23 May 2020 11:12
by Macd
+1 for the Lee lube and alcohol mix spray. It dries quick and is easily removed afterward. I use the same for reforming 270 Win cases to 8mm Mauser in one stroke.

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 23 May 2020 20:14
by oscarflytyer
Need to load some more 44-40 to feed my new Uberti/Cimarron 1873 rifle (and matching revolver). IIRC, as mentioned, I just dabbed my fingers in some Imperial lube every so often. Also, if you are using new Starline brass, 1) resize it, and 2) don't be surprised if the first sizing doesn't give the cases the bottleneck you expect. Mine does not. Needs to be once fired to have the full bottleneck effect (and I will prob do some version of neck sizing on once fired brass). I struggled at first, as I didn't think I needed to size the new SL brass. Not so, at least for me! Also, can't tell the revolver maker. It MAY have the .427/.428 throats, or, like my Uberti/Cimarron revolver, it may have .429/.430 throats. I am using .430 sized bullets and they work great, both rifle and revolver. Both mine like Unique and HP-38 loads the same.

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 24 May 2020 09:25
by Royce
Thanks for the comments. I have new Winchester brass and am using powder coated .430" 240 GR SWC's since my Uberti also has .429" throat and barrel size. I also have a box of Remington 200 GR Jacketed Soft Point factory rounds that I intend to use as a source of cases. I bought this box at a gun show in the 1980's as I could not resist several boxes of various odd ball caliber new factory ammo priced at $10 a box.

oscarflytyer wrote:Need to load some more 44-40 to feed my new Uberti/Cimarron 1873 rifle (and matching revolver). IIRC, as mentioned, I just dabbed my fingers in some Imperial lube every so often. Also, if you are using new Starline brass, 1) resize it, and 2) don't be surprised if the first sizing doesn't give the cases the bottleneck you expect. Mine does not. Needs to be once fired to have the full bottleneck effect (and I will prob do some version of neck sizing on once fired brass). I struggled at first, as I didn't think I needed to size the new SL brass. Not so, at least for me! Also, can't tell the revolver maker. It MAY have the .427/.428 throats, or, like my Uberti/Cimarron revolver, it may have .429/.430 throats. I am using .430 sized bullets and they work great, both rifle and revolver. Both mine like Unique and HP-38 loads the same.

Re: Do 44-40 WCF Cases need case lube for re-sizing?

Posted: 24 Jun 2020 05:23
by BryanAustin
Royce wrote:Thanks for the comments. I have new Winchester brass and am using powder coated .430" 240 GR SWC's since my Uberti also has .429" throat and barrel size. I also have a box of Remington 200 GR Jacketed Soft Point factory rounds that I intend to use as a source of cases. I bought this box at a gun show in the 1980's as I could not resist several boxes of various odd ball caliber new factory ammo priced at $10 a box.
I was curious if you have loaded up and shot those loads since you posted. How did ya like'm?

The RP brass is the thicker of the three main brass manufactures. Winchester being the thinnest, Starline being in the middle and RP the thickest. On top of that, using a roll crimp or even a Lee FCD, those .430's with the RP brass may not want to chamber very well.

44-40 Web Site


I forgot to add, yes, lubing the case is even found in Winchester's 1870's handloading information.