44-77 Military style RB

[Preston County Rider]

OK - remeasured the mold I have - the base of the neck measures in a .469, it tapers slightly from there to the bullet opening (at .456). The bore, after measuring at least 100 times, comes in at almost exactly .446 (it is the bore, not the grooves)(OK, .444-.446 to be exact). I marked on the mold the length of the case to gauge exactly where the bore begins - hits very close. The case I was using is a BACO modified .348 for the original 44-77s. I apologize to all concerned about the variety of measurements but I think I need a new micrometer (and maybe younger eyes!)

The one thing I could see, and counted at least twenty times, is a five-groove barrel.

I realize the caliber markings don't look right to you but that is all I got on the barrel.

[Yellowhouse]

OK - remeasured the mold I have - the base of the neck measures in a .469, it tapers slightly from there to the bullet opening (at .456). The bore, after measuring at least 100 times, comes in at almost exactly .446 (it is the bore, not the grooves)(OK, .444-.446 to be exact). I marked on the mold the length of the case to gauge exactly where the bore begins - hits very close. The case I was using is a BACO modified .348 for the original 44-77s. I apologize to all concerned about the variety of measurements but I think I need a new micrometer (and maybe younger eyes!)

The one thing I could see, and counted at least twenty times, is a five-groove barrel.

I realize the caliber markings don't look right to you but that is all I got on the barrel.

No apologies necessary cause its dang hard to get correct measurement on a 5 groove barrel or any odd number unless you have the right stuff and/or a trigonometry whiz. I betcha its an early one that Rem put out just for the civilian market. It appears they did that in a number of odd calibers. The caliber marking placement is still a mystery but perhaps it was marked later on.

A friend of mine has a military style carbine, very early, that is indeed a 44-77. It is not marked but the bore and measurments all point to 44 and not .43 Spanish.

A caution once more. I bought the BACO brass too but it has too thick a neck to chamber a .446 bullet so I ordered some Rocky Mtn lathe turned with .010 necks just to shoot cast. You might go back and read that. Its pretty moot for me as all I'm shooting now is paper patched bullets. I can use thicker or thinner paper depending on the brass.

Incidentally, there is a 44-77, "he says", military style on gunbroker right now.

Good luck! I know its been a hair pulling experience but now you can load er up and have fun.
FWIW, 1fg don't kick near like 2f.

[charlielima]

As to original bore diameter for 44-77, in MLV's book "Shooting Buffalo rifles of the Old west" he remarks that original 44-77's he has seen the bore diameter ranged from .446 to .457.