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Early Winchester 1873 ammunition

bigborefan
I have a 44/40 Winchester 1873 manufactured in 1885 making it a black powder gun. I would like to buy a box of 44/40 that is black powder loaded and of that period. I have not seen anything written on what to look for. I've seen a green labeled Winchester box with claims for use with the Winchester 1873 but I also saw an auction with that very same label stating that it was from the 1898-1912 period.The box does not state smokeless so does that mean it's automatically black powder? Anyone know what I need to look for to be of the proper period? I don't want to buy for shooting. I just want a good example to display with my 1873.
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • Bert H.
    If it does not say "SMOKELESS" on the box, it is black powder. Winchester loaded black powder catridges up to WW I. The cartridge boxes were not marked "Black Powder" until after the turn of the century.
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  • bigborefan
    Bert,Thank you. That's what I thought but wasn't sure. With the price of collector ammunition and boxes, I didn't want to make the costly mistake.
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  • Bert H.
    You are quite welcome[:)]
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  • dandak1
    I wish someone would write a book with various pictures of ammo boxes from Winchester, Remington, etc., and the dates of manufacture. I too have an 1873 in 44 WCF from the early 1880's and was wondering what box was on the display shelf next to the rifle in the store at this time. Have seen the 2 piece orange boxes and the 2 piece green boxes. Same thing with a 1920's vintage 1890 Winchester in 22 WRF.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by dandak1
    I wish someone would write a book with various pictures of ammo boxes from Winchester, Remington, etc., and the dates of manufacture. I too have an 1873 in 44 WCF from the early 1880's and was wondering what box was on the display shelf next to the rifle in the store at this time. Have seen the 2 piece orange boxes and the 2 piece green boxes. Same thing with a 1920's vintage 1890 Winchester in 22 WRF.


    The book you ask for has been written...

    100 Years of Winchester Cartridge Boxes: 1856-1956 by Ray T. Giles & Daniel L. Shuey
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