WB
A few rounds today…. .38-40 WCF 200 gr. FN
Monday, May 25, 2026, 17:49

Seating the bullets to correct 1880’s spec. for feeding slick through the authentic 1873 Winchester, 26” (I think) haven’t measured! The difference using 4.5 gr. Bullseye was 925 long seat and 950 fps short (correct) OAL.

I broke out the sixguns too, just to see. They ran a sedate 635 fps! 315 fps average slower than the rifle. Even with so fast burning powder. I did note unburned flakes with the long seated rounds. The only one I had left, long seated, ran only 517 fps from the 6-1/2” Herters .38/40. The cylinder was plenty long for the overly elongated round which could come in handy. Won’t mix up the rounds for the rifle. The Reeder Ruger custom has a shorter front to back length cylinder but unlike the recessed case head Herters, its exposed rims allow the same OAL.

I note the difference in modern revolver chamber shape. The rifle on the left, like many older .38-40 and .44-40, has a more tapered shape. Fired brass has little left of crisp shoulders. I’ve seen this quite a bit. No problems though.

I don’t speak much about the custom .38/40 six-shooter but it is one of my finest. It’s built on an OM .357 chassis that has the transfer bar added. The only converted one I own. As you might imagine with the large chambers bored out it’s light and lively. But Gary added a heavier barrel with front sight band. The added weight holds the muzzle down in recoil and really settles for sighting. I would like another 10mm cylinder for ease of ammo sourcing. It’s a really fine gun with shield reliefs and Gunfightered grip frame. Even drilled and tapped for the future and my failing eyes. A bit flashy, festooned with custom cattle brands. They have a unique special meaning to me. Hidden initials of hunting friends and destinations. What a wheelgun.