.44-40 Cartridge – What It Is and Why It Still Matters

The .44-40 was born in the late 1800s as the go‑to round for the Winchester Model 1873. Ranchers loved it because the same ammo fed both their rifle and revolver. That convenience made .44-40 a staple on the frontier and a legend in cowboy action shooting today.

Ballistics and Performance

Most factory .44-40 loads push a 200‑210 grain bullet at about 1,200 ft/s. You get roughly 640 ft‑lb of energy at the muzzle – enough for deer at short ranges and plenty of kick for target practice. Compared to the beefier .45‑70, the .44‑40 is lighter and faster, but it also drops energy faster after 100 yards. If you’re shooting on a 50‑yard range, the difference is barely noticeable.

Modern Ammo and Reloading Tips

Today you can buy factory .44‑40 in both traditional black‑powder and modern smokeless loads. Smokeless rounds give cleaner shooting and slightly higher velocities. For reloaders, many use 30‑40 grain of Winchester 748 powder with a 200‑grain bullet. Keep the pressure below 30,000 psi to stay safe in older rifles.

If you’re hunting, choose a 215‑grain bullet with a soft point. It expands reliably on a 150‑yard shot and keeps the recoil mild. For competition, a 200‑grain flat‑nose works well in lever‑action rifles because it feeds cleanly and stays accurate.

Still wonder how the .44‑40 measures up against the .45‑70? The .45‑70 launches a heavier bullet (around 300‑grain) at about 1,300 ft/s, delivering more energy downrange. The trade‑off is more recoil and a larger case that won’t fit in the classic Model 1873. If you ride a vintage lever gun, the .44‑40 is the practical choice. If you have a robust modern lever action that takes .45‑70, you get more power for bigger game.

Another point to consider is ammo cost. .44‑40 rounds are usually cheaper than .45‑70, especially when you buy bulk factory ammo. That makes it a friendly option for shooters who practice often.

In short, the .44‑40 offers a blend of historic charm and usable performance. It won’t replace modern high‑power cartridges for big‑game hunting, but it excels at deer, varmints, and target shooting within 100 yards. Whether you’re a cowboy action competitor, a history buff, or just looking for a fun rifle round, the .44‑40 still has a place on the range.