Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete
.40-65 Winchester
Large-bore black-powder Winchester Model 1886 cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.406″ · 10.312 mm
- Introduced
- 1887
- Case
- Rimmed
- Parent
- .45-70 Government
- Primary use
- Hunting
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1887
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Winchester
- Manufacturer
- Winchester Repeating Arms
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 79 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:16
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 30,458 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Max range
- 3450 yd
- Recoil
- 10.4–12 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .40-65 Winchester — an obsolete/collector cartridge. Parent case: .45-70 Government.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 10.31 | 0.406 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 10.74 | 0.423 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | — | — | |
| Shoulder angle | — | — | |
| Base ⌀ | 12.80 | 0.504 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 15.37 | 0.605 | ~ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.78 | 0.070 | ~ |
| Neck length | — | — | |
| Case length | 53.34 | 2.100 | · |
| Overall length | 62.99 | 2.480 | ~ |
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. .40-65 Winchester is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for .40-65 Winchester? Some case measurements aren't in a published SAAMI/CIP drawing yet. Have a factory or reamer print? Send it → — verified hard-to-find data earns a free Lindcott sticker.
Factory loads
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 .40-65 Winchester
Lineage
History
Introduced in 1887 for the Model 1886, the .40-65 WCF was one of the more popular large-bore options in Winchester's catalog of the late 19th century. It offered a balance of power and case capacity for large North American game. Factory ammunition was discontinued by the early 20th century. Cast-bullet handloading from formed brass keeps the cartridge alive among Model 1886 collectors.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .40-65 Winchester use?
- .40-65 Winchester typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .40-65 Winchester?
- .40-65 Winchester uses a 0.406″ (10.312 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .40-65 Winchester still in production?
- .40-65 Winchester is discontinued; typical availability is antique.
- What is .40-65 Winchester used for?
- .40-65 Winchester is primarily used for hunting.
- What is .40-65 Winchester based on?
- .40-65 Winchester is derived from the .45-70 Government case.
Sources & provenance
- Standard SAAMI — SAAMI cartridge & chamber drawing — .40-65 Winchester archived
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299 — Cartridge & Chamber Drawings archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 2 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
