ANSI/SAAMI Specs

Keep in mind that SAAMI was started in 1913 as Society of American Manufacturers of Small Arms and Ammunition (SAMASS). SAAMI didn't seem to get serious about safety until the 1940's and "PSI" wasn't used until the 1970's. I have no idea as to the accuracy of CUP, BUT the earliest documents I have seen are dated 1917. 

Thanks to Jim Martin for providing this information.

WRA Co. Cartridge Engineering Office, Definitive Proof Pressures, 1917

14 Feb 1917

• 44 Win. for Model 73' - Service Pressure 13,000 (cup), Proof Pressure 16,500 (cup)

• 44 W.H.V. for Model 92' - Service Pressure 18,000 (cup), Proof Pressure 23,500 (cup)

By 2015, 11,000psi is listed as the Piezoelectric max pressure. In other words, the same loads tested in both methods yielded a given pressure that differed in both methods. 13,000cup is equal to 11,000psi.  

If you decide to handload the 44-40 cartridge, first read up and understand the American National Standard Voluntary Industry Performance Standards for Pressure and Velocity of Centerfire Rifle Ammunition for the Use of Commercial Manufacturers. SAAMI link. 

​First of all, it is listed as a rifle cartridge, not a pistol cartridge. It came into this world as a rifle cartridge, adapted to revolvers so when you click the SAAMI link, look under Rifle Center Fire.

​

44-40

​Pages,

• ​21 - CUP Pressure Limits

• 33 - PSI Limits

• 146 - Chamber Drawing

• 175 - MAP PSI

• 210 - Testing Information

• 221 -  Testing Information

• 344 - Test Barrel Information

• 360 - Proof Pressure Data, Crusher

• 364 - Proof Pressure Data, Transducer

​

There is no magic formula to convert CUP to PSI, it can not be done, use only the actual test results from each method.

• ​44-40 MAX SAAMI CUP = 13,000 CUP (Copper Units of Pressure in PSI)

• 44-40 MAX SAAMI PSI = 11,000 PSI (USA Piezoelectric Strain Gauge) 

• 44-40 MAX CIP PSI = 15,954 PSI (European Piezoelectric Strain Gauge, but the prob is positioned at a different location than is done in the USA) 

​

SAAMI vs CIP = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_arms_ammunition_pressure_testing

​These pressure are good for ALL, in safe operating condition, firearms. Higher pressures can be used in stronger weapons that are listed in Lyman's handloading manuals called, Group II Rifles. The weaker rifles are called Group I.

 Lyman lists nineteen (18 grouping all replicas as one) rifles chambered for the 44-40.

​Group 1 (weak actions)

• Winchester Model 1873

• Whitney Kennedy lever action

• Colt-Burgess lever action

• Marlin Model 1888

• Colt Lightning pump action

• (EuroArms) Replica Model 1873s (And I'd include replica Henry and 1866s in 44-40)

• (Navy Arms) Replica Model 1873s (And I'd include replica Henry and 1866s in 44-40)

• Remington No 2 Rolling Block Single Shot

• Ballard No 2 Single Shot

• Stevens Model 44 Single Shot

Group 2 (Strong Actions)

• Winchester Model 1892 (& replicas)

• Marlin Model 1889

• Marlin Model 1894

• Remington Keene Bolt Action

• Remington Model 14 1/2 pump action

• Winchester Single Shot rifles 

• Remington No 1 Rolling Block single shot

• Remington "Baby Carbine" single shot

• Stevens Model 44 1/2 single shot