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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · Obsolete

.40-65 Winchester

Also known as .40-65 WCF · 10.2x52mmR

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

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains260 gr
Identity
Introduced
1887
Type
Rifle
Origin
United States
Inventor
Winchester
Manufacturer
Winchester Repeating Arms
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

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

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 · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 10.310.406 ~
Neck ⌀ 10.740.423 ·
Shoulder ⌀ ——
Shoulder angle ——
Base ⌀ 12.800.504 ·
Rim ⌀ 15.370.605 ~
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.780.070 ~
Neck length ——
Case length 53.342.100 ·
Overall length 62.992.480 ~

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

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 .40-65 Winchester

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

Uberti Winchester 1885 High Wall Hunter 45-70 28-inchBrowning 1885 High Wall .45-90Pedersoli Sharps 1874 BusinessDavide Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Sporting Rifle .45-70 GovtBrowning Model 1885 Traditional .45-70 GovtUberti 1885 High Wall .45-70 GovtMarlin Model 1895 .45-70 GovtWinchester Model 1886 Rifle 40-70 SSWinchester Model 1886 Rifle 38-70 WinPeabody Arms Peabody Creedmoor .40 Target

Lineage

Immediate parent
.45-70 Government
Family TreeOpen .40-65 Winchester in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

FirearmsFirearms in .40-65 Winchester

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 →