.38-40 Win. Load Data

The .38-40 Winchester, introduced in 1874 by Winchester Repeating Arms Company, is a classic American cartridge with a storied history. Originally developed for the Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle, the .38-40 Win. was actually a misnomer—the bullet diameter measures around .401 inches, not .38 as the name suggests. Designed during the era of black powder cartridges, it was part of a family that also included the .44-40 and .32-20 Winchester, all created for use in both rifles and handguns. The .38-40 Win. quickly became popular among cowboys, ranchers, and lawmen of the Old West for its combination of moderate recoil and sufficient stopping power, cementing its reputation as a practical, versatile round.

In terms of application, the .38-40 Winchester has longstanding appeal for target shooting, cowboy action shooting, and hunting small to medium-sized game. Its relatively mild recoil and light report make it especially attractive among enthusiasts of lever-action shooting sports and historical reenactments. Cowboy Action competitors appreciate the .38-40 for its authenticity and smooth feeding in period-correct firearms. For reloaders, the cartridge offers interesting challenges and rewards, particularly for those interested in period-accurate loads and bullet casting. Modern reproductions of classic rifles and revolvers chambered in .38-40 keep the cartridge alive in shooting circles, allowing a new generation to experience its distinctive characteristics.

When it comes to hunting, the .38-40 Win. has traditionally been used for species such as whitetail deer, coyotes, and feral hogs at moderate ranges, typically out to around 100 yards. The cartridge’s energy levels are somewhat limited by contemporary standards, but with proper shot placement it is still a viable choice for game within its performance envelope. It performs best on medium-sized game where expansion and penetration are both beneficial. While not considered a powerhouse, the .38-40’s manageable recoil makes it accessible to shooters of varying experience levels, and its performance is well suited for those who value historical authenticity and responsible hunting practices.

Typical bullet weights for the .38-40 Winchester range from 165 to 180 grains, with most factory and handload offerings falling within this spectrum. The classic loading propels a 180-grain lead bullet at velocities around 1100 to 1200 feet per second from a rifle-length barrel, with handgun velocities trailing somewhat lower. Barrel twist rates for rifles are usually set around 1 turn in 24 inches, which stabilizes the blunt-nosed, flat-point bullets favored for tubular magazines. The cartridge case itself is a rimmed, bottleneck design, and as such, case life and sizing can benefit from careful reloading techniques to ensure reliable chambering and extraction. The moderate operating pressures and forgiving brass typically make the .38-40 Win. a rewarding option for those looking to handload both traditional and modern bullet types. Overall, the .38-40 Winchester continues to hold a dedicated following among reloaders for its blend of shootability, historical charm, and practical performance.