1873 Winchester, .38-40 made in 1882 - ammo ??

1988RRC

I picked this '73 up last week and have had a hard time locating ammo in the area. I did find some Remington .38-40 jacked soft point (3 boxes), that looks like new mfg. my question is, do you think this is not the type ammo that will be safe to shoot in this old Winchester? Should I keep looking for cowboy loads or BP loads?

rufe-snow

If you have any doubts about it. Best to take it to a competent gunsmith for inspection, function check and testfiring. No way folks on the net can ascertain its condition, or safety.

Use of SASS or "Cowboy" type loads if you intend to fire it, probably would be best.

Due to the current ammo and gun crazyness 38-40 "cowboy" ammo might be hard to come by. Buy the Remington ammo and have the gunsmith use it in functioning and firing tests.

ruger41

I would keep looking for cowboy action loads. If you want black powder loads Black Dawge makes them but Midway is currently out. Midway does have Black Hills .38WCF in stock so grab it while you can. Black Hills makes great ammo.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/344940/black-hills-cowboy-action-ammunition-38-40-wcf-180-grain-lead-flat-nose-box-of-50

mango tango

I would look for some modern "Cowboy Loads"!

tsr1965

I have 3 lever guns in that chambering that I shoot. An 1873, and 2, 1892's. I purchased, a while back, two cases of the UltraMax Cowboy loads, and they are great.

Best