What twist rate does .40-65 Winchester use?

.40-65 Winchester typically uses a 1:18 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.

Rifle · Obsolete

.40-65 Winchester

.40-65 WCF10.2x52mmR

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

Velocity1,380–1,500 fps

Energy1,100–1,299 ft·lb

Typical grains260 gr

Identity

Introduced: 1887
Type: Rifle
Origin: United States
Inventor: Winchester
Manufacturer: Winchester
Standard: Obsolete
Status: Discontinued
Availability: Antique

Build

Case capacity: 65 gr H₂O
Twist (typical): 1:18
Primer: Large Rifle
Case type: Rimmed

Pressure & range

Max pressure: 24,000 psi
Eff. range: 200 yd
Max range: 400 yd
Recoil: 12–18 ft·lb
Subsonic: Capable

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd

Open in Ballistic Compare ↗

Parent case: .45-70 Government

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Performance

Best for HuntingBuffalo Arms Lead FP Reproduction260 gr · Lead FP · 1,400 fpsBuy now →

Buy links open .40-65 Winchester ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

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	~

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

In production — 2 active loads across 2 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 20 →.

Brand	Load	Grain	Bullet	FPS	ft·lb	BC
Buffalo Arms	Lead FP Reproduction	260	Lead FP	1,400	1,131	—
Black Hills	FP Lead	260	Lead FP	1,350	1,052	—
Graf	FMJ Standard	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
Doubletap	Hardcast	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
Jamison	Custom	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
Hirtenberger	Standard	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
HSM Ammunition	Cowboy	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
Winchester	Lead FP Original	260	Lead FP	1,400	1,131	—
OWS	Standard	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
Western Cartridge Co.	Lead FP	260	Lead FP	1,400	1,131	—
Graf	Standard	260	Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
Bertram	Custom	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
Black Hills	Cowboy	260	Lead Flat Nose	1,400	1,131	—
UMC	Lead FP	260	Lead FP	1,400	1,131	—
Peters	Lead FP	260	Lead FP	1,400	1,131	—

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

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

Powder $/lbCharge (gr)Bullet $/eaPrimer $/eaBrass reusesBrass $/ea

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

Firearms chambered in .40-65 Winchester

12 models in the database chamber .40-65 Winchester. Browse all →

Ballard Rifle Company Montana Model 45-70 26-inchUberti Winchester 1885 High Wall Hunter 45-70 28-inchBrowning 1885 BPCRBallard Rifle Company Pacific Model 45-70 30-inchBrowning 1885 High Wall .45-90C. Sharps Arms New Model 1875 Old ReliablePedersoli Sharps 1874 BusinessDavide Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Sporting Rifle .45-70 GovtUberti 1885 High Wall .45-70 GovtWinchester Model 1886 Rifle 40-70 SSWinchester Model 1886 Rifle 38-70 WinWinchester Model 1886 Rifle 40-82 Win

Lineage

Immediate parent

.45-70 Government

Family TreeOpen .40-65 Winchester in the interactive cartridge family tree↗

Connected reference

Loads20 factory loads for .40-65 Winchester↗FirearmsFirearms in .40-65 Winchester↗ToolCompare ballistics↗

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 1:18 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

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 →