Factory Loads

Jan 1943

Pistol Calibers is typically what we hear today when referring to some type of distinction between rifle and pistol cartridges. Like so many terms, "Caliber" is the wrong description to use since the caliber is the diameter of the bullet rather than the type of cartridge.

Back in 1877 Winchester started classifying their cartridges, first by being separated between Rimfire and Centerfire. Then in 1879 by separating Centerfire into Pistol and Rifle classifications A and B.

Centerfire cartridges were divided into two classifications,

A - Those used in Pistols​ "Pistol Sizes"

B - Those used in "Military and Sporting" Rifles​

​

The only exception to this rule was two cartridges, the 38 WCF and the 44 WCF.

Why?

Because, in 1877 Colt offered the Frontier Six Shooter chambered for those two cartridges. Winchester, in order to increase it's use [referring to the M-1873 rifle], included both cartridges in the pistol size classification "A". Thus the only reason why the 44-40 and 38-40 is commonly referred to incorrectly today as a pistol caliber  or pistol cartridge was simply because of a marketing selling tactic by Winchester in 1879 or basic ignorance.

Winchester Metallic Ammunition Brass And Paper Shot Shells ~ G.R. Watrous, Jan 11, 1943

with help from other Winchester Employees