44-40 Ammo For Sale | Cowboy Action & Lever Loads

Buy 44-40 WCF Ammo Online

The .44-40 WCF — Winchester Center Fire — is one of the most historic
cartridges in American history, famously chambered in the rifles and revolvers
that helped settle the Old West. More than 150 years later, it’s still a
favorite for cowboy action shooting, vintage and replica firearms, and
old-school plinking and small-game hunting. Whether you shoot a Winchester
1873, a Colt Single Action Army, or a modern replica, Trigger Ammo Store carries
classic .44-40 ammunition to keep these legendary guns running.

What Is the 44-40 WCF?

Introduced by Winchester in 1873 for the iconic Model 1873 lever-action
rifle, the .44-40 (originally the .44 WCF) earned its place in history as “the
gun that won the West.” Its original black-powder load drove a 200-grain bullet,
and one of its great innovations was versatility: the same cartridge could be
fired in both lever rifles and single-action revolvers, so a frontiersman could
carry one type of ammo for both guns. That dual-purpose legacy is a big part of
why it remains beloved by cowboy action shooters and history enthusiasts today.

One Cartridge, Two Guns — Rifle & Revolver

The .44-40’s rifle-and-revolver versatility was revolutionary in its day and
is still part of its charm. It’s commonly chambered in lever-action rifles like
the Winchester 1873 and 1892 and in single-action revolvers like the Colt SAA
and modern reproductions. This makes it a natural choice for cowboy action
shooters who run a matched rifle-and-revolver pair in the same caliber.

Shooting Vintage & Replica Guns — Important Note

Many .44-40 firearms are antiques or replicas of antique designs. Modern
factory .44-40 ammo is generally loaded to mild, low pressures appropriate for
these older actions — which is exactly what most shooters want. Still, always
confirm your specific firearm is in safe, serviceable condition and that your
ammunition is appropriate for it. If you own a genuine antique, have it
inspected by a qualified gunsmith before shooting, and stick to standard-pressure
loads.

What Is 44-40 Good For?

Cowboy action shooting: A top choice for CAS competitors
who want authentic Old West character in a matched rifle/revolver pair.
Vintage & replica firearms: The natural feed for
Winchester 1873/1892 rifles and Colt SAA-pattern revolvers.
Plinking & light hunting: Fun, mild-recoiling
shooting and capable on small game and deer at close range.

Types of 44-40 Ammo We Carry

Cowboy Action Loads: Mild, soft-shooting lead-bullet
loads built for CAS competition and easy, accurate plinking.
Lead Round Nose / Flat Point: Classic profiles safe in
tubular rifle magazines and traditional revolvers.
Jacketed / Hunting: Soft point and jacketed options for
light hunting use, where available.

Common 44-40 Bullet Weight

The .44-40 is most traditionally loaded with a 200 grain
bullet — the classic weight that defined the cartridge from the start. You’ll
most often find 200-grain lead loads, which deliver the authentic, mild-recoiling
performance cowboy action shooters and vintage-gun owners prize. Some jacketed
and alternative-weight options appear from time to time as well.

Top 44-40 Ammo Brands

We stock .44-40 WCF ammunition from the manufacturers shooters trust,
including Winchester, Hornady (Cowboy), Federal, Remington, Black Hills, Magtech,
and Prvi Partizan (PPU). From dedicated cowboy action loads to classic
lead-bullet ammo, you’ll find quality .44-40 for a caliber that isn’t always
easy to find fully stocked elsewhere.

Availability & Buying Tips

As a classic, lower-volume caliber, .44-40 ammo isn’t stocked as deeply as
modern mainstream rounds, and cowboy action loads in particular can sell out
around match season. It pays to buy when you see your preferred load in stock —
grab enough for your matches or range time, and set a stock alert so you’re
never caught short.

Fast, Reliable Shipping

Orders ship quickly with secure, age-verified delivery in compliance with
all applicable federal, state, and local laws. By placing an order you confirm
you are at least 18 years of age (21+ where required) and that it is legal for
you to purchase and receive ammunition at your delivery address. Some states and
localities restrict ammunition shipments — please review your local regulations
before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot 44-40 in both a rifle and a revolver?

Yes — the .44-40 was designed for use in both lever-action rifles and
single-action revolvers, which is why it’s a favorite matched-pair caliber for
cowboy action shooting. Always confirm your specific firearm is chambered in
.44-40 WCF.

Is 44-40 the same as 44 Magnum?

No — they are completely different cartridges. The .44-40 WCF is an older,
lower-pressure cartridge with a slightly smaller bullet diameter and is not
interchangeable with .44 Magnum or .44 Special.