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I recently inherited (Thanks Dad!) an early model Colt Lightning 38-40. It came with an old box of original ammo. I would like to reload a few rounds for it and see if It still shoots, however dont know where to even start looking for data on it.
Here is what I think I know,
1. A 38-40 is a 38 Winchester with 40 grains of powder. I did read online its actually a .401 caliber bullet. But the source was pretty sketchy.
2. Dont use jacketed bullets because of the rifling. Would cast lead bullets be best?
3. Ive looked through all my reloading books (Nosler, Barnes, Hornady and Speer) and cant find data on this cartridge anywhere. What kind of powder should I use?
4. I can order the brass and dies from Midway.
5. The original ammo is Remington Kleanbore. The brass is getting sticky and I would like to clean them before they get out of control. I've heard of people tumbling live ammo, but its not an option for me. (Have a tumbler, just not interested) I know to stay away from Ammonia products, any sort of cleaning agent that I can go over with them by hand to clean them up? Part of me thinks I should just shoot them then tumble them clean....
Any help on this would be great.
Thanks.
Here is what I think I know,
1. A 38-40 is a 38 Winchester with 40 grains of powder. I did read online its actually a .401 caliber bullet. But the source was pretty sketchy.
2. Dont use jacketed bullets because of the rifling. Would cast lead bullets be best?
3. Ive looked through all my reloading books (Nosler, Barnes, Hornady and Speer) and cant find data on this cartridge anywhere. What kind of powder should I use?
4. I can order the brass and dies from Midway.
5. The original ammo is Remington Kleanbore. The brass is getting sticky and I would like to clean them before they get out of control. I've heard of people tumbling live ammo, but its not an option for me. (Have a tumbler, just not interested) I know to stay away from Ammonia products, any sort of cleaning agent that I can go over with them by hand to clean them up? Part of me thinks I should just shoot them then tumble them clean....
Any help on this would be great.
Thanks.