Winchester Cartridges

Dates Are Approximant

As we should all know by now, Winchester offered the 44-40 (44 WCF) in 1873. Here is some insight on how to date your cartridges. Unfortunately pinpointing exact dates will be difficult without knowing what box, powder, primer, or bullet was used. However, we should be able to come up with a general time frame using the following. 

1. First and Last date loaded or offered

• (I will be using the estimated headstamp date here)

2. Headstamp Variation

• 44 WCF, 1873-1884 - no Headstamp

• 44 WCF, 1884-1928 - small primer, (W.R.A.Co. 44 W.C.F.) ten variations, noted with letters A thru J to follow Shuey's work. Letters do not dictate lineage.

• 44 WCF,  1929-1945 - large primer, (W.R.A.Co. 44 W.C.F.) one variation (does not include the "W-W" or "Winchester" versions)

• 44 WHV M-92, 1903-1925 - small primer, (44 W.H.V. M-92) one variation 

• 44 WHV M-92, 1926-1941 - large primer, (44 W.H.V. M-92) one variation

• 44-40, 1895-1920 - Marlin Safety, small primer (W.R.A.Co. 44-40) two variations

3. Primers

• Primer details listed on the primer page

4. Bullet Description

• 1873-WWII, LD - Lead

• 1873-Present, FN - Flat Nose

• 1895-1928, SP - Soft Point (Tin Plated)

• 1902-1915, FP - Full Patch (Tin Plated)

• 1902-1928, "W" - trade mark stamp on lower o'give of bullet

• 1910-1923, HP - Hollow Point

• 1928-Present, SP - Soft Point
  
  

5. Case Description

• • 1910-1912, Stab Crimp - base of bullet, referred to by Winchester as "Interruptive Groove" was instituted by C.I.M. (Change In Manufacture) No.493, dated 21 March 1910, and was discontinued by C.I.M. No.1260, dated 15 July 1912. Apparently this style of bullet supporting crimp resulted in a high scrap rate, and was only in use for only about 16 months. ~Jim Martin. 

  • 1941-1945, Dot Crimp - base of bullet, reported to have been used on BP exports only

  • 1895-Present, CNN - Cannelure (referred to by the factory as a "Groove"), base of bullet

  • 19xx-Present, KN - Knurl, base of bullet

  • 19xx-Present, Head Groove - Shell Extracting groove

Do not forget to visit the google docs for more photos and details

Google Docs, Dissected Cartridge Photos and Details.