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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · SAAMI

.33 Winchester

Also known as .33 WCF · 8.38x52mmR

Powerful Winchester Model 1886 lever-action cartridge for elk, moose, and bear.

Caliber
0.338″ · 8.585 mm
Introduced
1902
Case
Rimmed
Parent
.45-70 Government
Primary use
Hunting
Status
Discontinued

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Identity
Introduced
1902
Type
Rifle
Origin
United States
Inventor
Winchester
Manufacturer
Winchester Repeating Arms
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Discontinued
Availability
Collector
Build
Case capacity
55 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:12
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
40,000 psi
Eff. range
200 yd
Max range
500 yd
Recoil
15–22 ft·lb

Introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .33 Winchester — an obsolete/collector cartridge. Parent case: .45-70 Government.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · secondary source
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 8.590.338 ·
Neck ⌀ 9.270.365 ·
Shoulder ⌀ 11.250.443 ·
Shoulder angle 16.3°— ·
Base ⌀ 12.900.508 ·
Rim ⌀ 15.490.610 ·
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness ——
Neck length 9.370.369 ≈
Case length 53.532.107 ·
Overall length 71.312.807 ~

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .33 Winchester is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .33 Winchester

7 models in the database chamber .33 Winchester. Browse all →

Winchester Winchester Model 1886 .33 WCF 26-inchWinchester Model 1886 Takedown 33 WCFWinchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight 33 WCFWinchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight 45-70 GovWinchester Model 1886 Takedown 45-90 WinWinchester Model 1886 Rifle 40-70 SSWinchester Model 1886 Rifle 38-70 Win

Lineage

Immediate parent
.45-70 Government
Family TreeOpen .33 Winchester in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

FirearmsFirearms in .33 Winchester

History

Introduced in 1902 for the Winchester Model 1886 — one of John Browning's lever-action designs strong enough to handle full-power rifle cartridges. The .33 WCF gave hunters a flat-shooting, hard-hitting option for large North American game. Winchester discontinued the Model 1886 in 1935 and the cartridge followed shortly after. Browning reintroduced the Model 1886 as a limited edition in the 1980s; custom ammunition and brass remain available from specialty suppliers.

FAQs

What twist rate does .33 Winchester use?
.33 Winchester typically uses a 1:12 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .33 Winchester?
.33 Winchester uses a 0.338″ (8.585 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .33 Winchester still in production?
.33 Winchester is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
What is .33 Winchester used for?
.33 Winchester is primarily used for hunting.
What is .33 Winchester based on?
.33 Winchester is derived from the .45-70 Government case.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 18 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →