Used to own a Model 1892 Winchester takedown in .44-40. Gave it to my son. Years ago Winchester offered a loadingin excess of1800 fps with the 200 grain bullet. It was a juch better close range deer killer than the .30-30. There was a warning on the box not to fire that round in the 1873 rifle or in revolvers. People ignored the warnings, got hurt, sued Winchester and that was the end of a very good deer load.

i cannot find any high velocity loading data for the .44-40 rifle. If you have a chronograph and are an experienced reloader you couldlook at .44 Magnum rifle reloading data, reduce the load by about 20 percent work it up slowly while being on the lookout for high pressure signs. If you are not an experienced reloader do not do this. Do not use any powder faster than 2400 or IMR 4227. Keep in mind that the .44-40 is a thin case. Use only modern cases that have not been previously re-loaded.

"The .44-40 has killed more game, large and small, and more people, good amd bad, than any other commercial cartridge ever developed."

Good luck.