RUGER
 

I recently traded a rifle for a Ruger 38-40 single action revolver. Only problem is no one has heard of this caliber and ammuntion has to be special ordered. Any gun dealer can order it , but they,re surprised when they find this caliber in their supplier catalogs. I know nothing of this caliber and need any information that you might have such as power, distance, use of weapon and how long it's been made. Any help appreciated.

RE: RUGER
 

The .38/40 Winchester, also known as the .38 WCF, was introduced about 1884. It is more or less the .44/40 necked down to .40 caliber. Why is a .40 caliber cartridge named the .38? Nobody really knows!
It was developed for the Winchester 1873 rifle. Colt began chambering the Model P single action sometime in the 1880s for the .38/40.
Ballisticly, the modern .40 S&W is on par with the .38/40... a 180 grain bullet, at about 950 FPS from a handgun.
I load the .38/40 with black powder and cast lead bullets for an 1892 Winchester rifle.I get about 1195 FPS from a 24 inch barrel.
Winchester .38/40 ammunition is pretty expensive. Look at some of the cowboy action loads available from some of the smaller suppliers...check MidwayUSA, Midsouth, Graf & Sons, and others.

Check here:http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=3&Categoryid=7544&categorystr ing=653***690***

RE: RUGER
 

The 38/40 was originally a black powder cartridge. A .38 caliber bullet in front of 40 grains of black powder is what the name intends.
A very popular caliber in it's day. Similar to a 44/40 (.44 cal bullet in front of 40 grains of BP).
From what I have heard, the 38/40 was a very popular deer cartridge in rifle, before the 30/30 came on the scene.
R
Hank

RE: RUGER
 

barrel burner huh?? :DI think I could throw a rock at a deer faster than that!!! :D:D

RE: RUGER
 

Yeah, you're probably right. Lets have a contest...We will seperate by 50 yards. I'll shoot at you with that slloooow bullet, and you can throw rocks at me!

1200 FPS is no speed demon, but when you poke a .40 caliber hole thru a whitetail's rib cage, they just don't go too far.

RE: RUGER
 

go to www.reloadbench.com to their pistol page and click on that cliber. itll tell ya all ya need to know. i think you go to the rifle/pistol cartrige page.