So I'm looking at the numbers, the 44-40. I'm guessing that this gun fires .44 mag AND .44 specials too, correct? What is the meaning of the 40?

Question

Tom H. · Answer

44-40 is a cartridge all its own.  Does not shoot 44mag or special.

Ed C. · Answer

Nathan, this gun shoots .44-40 Winchester ammo only, which is different from 44 mag & 44 special.

James G. · Answer

Nathan, no, you cannot fire 44Mag/Special in a 44-40 because the difference is pressure. The 44 Magnum is loaded to a much higher pressure. The 44-40 is an older low pressure round the handgun will not withstand the higher pressures of the 44 mag safely. Cheers and stay safe!

Paul F. · Answer

As others have said no not interchangable. 
As to the second part of your question the "40" in 44-40 refers to the original manufacture of this cartridge in the early 1900s the .44–40 was a ..44 caliber round sitting on 40 grains of black powder manufactured by winchester.

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