I have been passed down a winchester model 1873, 38-40. It has a 30 inch barrel - and as close as I have been able to tell by the serial # it was made in 1888. In any case I'd really like to reload for this weapon, and need some info. on bullets (lead or jacketed) primers (size) and powder (make and grains) Hope someone out there can help. Thanks.

I had an 1889 Marlin from near the turn of the century and loaded it with Unique 8.5 grains for plinking. It has been gone for a couple years now so can't tell you which cast bullet I used - was a 150 grn 40 caliber though.

Hello HuntNut,

I've been shooting an accurate load out of my '73 which was made in 1885.

I'd recommend Starline brass. Winchester will work. You can order over the internet or find it at shops.

Oregon Trail Laser-Cast Bullet. 180 grain RNFP (round-nose flat point) .401 diameter. Lead. --Order over internet or find in some stores.

Hodgdon Titegroup powder: 5.6 grains.

CCI Large Pistol primer.

Many deer, Back-tailed and Mule deer have fallen to this rifle.

If you type in a search on this and other gun forums, you'll find other loads. Some folks use Unique powder. Others use ? (Can't remember at this moment.)

My middle son needs the computer for homework, so ask more questions if you want more info from me--and others.

I'm back.

Be careful to stay away from high pressure loads in your '73. They were not built to withstand the pressures you can load for the Ruger handguns.

Also, you might read that the .38-40 is a pain to reload due to the thin case mouths. Once you mutilate a few cases and get your dies set properly, you can reload them as easily as most other cartridges.

I love this caliber!

Now that you have the rifle, you'll need a revolver to go with it. How 'bout a Ruger Buckeye convertible .38-40/10mm?!

Hello HuntNut,

I've been shooting an accurate load out of my '73 which was made in 1885.

I'd recommend Starline brass. Winchester will work. You can order over the internet or find it at shops.

Oregon Trail Laser-Cast Bullet. 180 grain RNFP (round-nose flat point) .401 diameter. Lead. --Order over internet or find in some stores.

Hodgdon Titegroup powder: 5.6 grains.

CCI Large Pistol primer.

Many deer, Back-tailed and Mule deer have fallen to this rifle.

If you type in a search on this and other gun forums, you'll find other loads. Some folks use Unique powder. Others use ? (Can't remember at this moment.)

My middle son needs the computer for homework, so ask more questions if you want more info from me--and others.
Thanks much FTW - that'll help get me started. I really appreciate the info....

As I'm new to this.. I hope the responders I've had get this reply. Thanks for the info. I'll keep it in my records as I continue to search...

huntnut,

Here is some additional information on reloading the .38-40.
http://www.reloadammo.com/3840.htm

John