The .32-40 Winchester cartridge, sometimes referred to in popular culture by the name of a famous Western actor, is a centerfire rifle round introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1885. Originally chambered in lever-action rifles like the Winchester Model 1885, it gained popularity as a hunting round for deer-sized game and was also used in some early revolvers. Its dimensions denote a bullet diameter of .32 inches and an original black powder load of 40 grains.
This cartridge represents a significant step in firearms development, bridging the gap between older black powder cartridges and the smokeless powder rounds that would later dominate the market. Its moderate recoil and relatively flat trajectory made it a practical choice for both hunting and target shooting in its time. The .32-40 offered more power than earlier pistol cartridges while still being manageable in lever-action rifles suitable for the American West. Although less common today, it remains a relevant piece of firearms history and continues to be used by some enthusiasts for historical reenactments and vintage rifle competitions.
