Author Topic: .38-40 Winchester (Read 396 times)

gtram · « **on:** October 31, 2004, 09:35:21 AM »

Was wondering if this cartridge could be made for the Contender. If so
I would like it in about a 21 inch rifle barrel. OK guys what are your thoughts and suggestions on this.

Steve E · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2004, 12:43:58 PM »

It's perfectly fine in the Contender, contact Mike at OTT I think his site is
www.mbmco.net
His ph# is 1-(603)-750-3232. I think he still only does bull barrels, I believe fluting is available. I have 3 of his barrels and they are top notch, more accurate than I am. Another of my favorites is Dave Van Horn
www.mygunroom.com/dvgunshop/
Ph# 1-(480)-892-9630
I also have 2 of his barrels and they are great.
There are a few more barrel makers out there.

Steve E.........

Flash · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2004, 01:19:23 PM »

I'd rather have the 10mm. For case life and more power. The case web is much thicker in a 10mm and will easily top 1,200 fps in a rifle barrel.

gtram · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2004, 03:19:44 PM »

Thanks for the input guys. I've been giving the .38-40 some consideration for a few months now as a new barrel addition. Yeah, the 10mm is hotter and all that, but where's the history and nostalgia?
Just tinkering with the idea for now, for sure. I do like the idea.

Lone Star · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2004, 04:10:03 PM »

I've considered the .38-40 in a Contender for years but never built one. The biggest reason not to was bullet availability. I wanted to use it as a deer cartridge, and there are few/no good bullets suited for the higher velocities of a rifle barrel in this chambering. From some Pet Loads data it should be easy to achieve around 1600-1800 fps with 180-grain bullets. Handgun bullets in this diameter are over-taxed at this speed.

I could use cast, but IME jacketed bullets work better. I wanted a 200-grain bullet with a tough jacket, but there are none which are readily available that I trust to perform. Anti-personnel bullets (like for the .40S&W) are usually not that great as general-purpose deer bullets. That said, I like the idea too and may have one built someday myself.