Found today

[EggHunters]

My wife and I went out md'g today at my wife's' cousins ranch. The ranch has been there since at least the '30s or earlier. Across the street is an old gas station that hasn't been in operation since the 40's( have only found old bottle caps..... for now). Today at the ranch house we found a bullet casing about 4 inches down. The markings on the bottom say "44 WCF" & WRA Co. I found out on-line that it is a Winchester Center Fire bullet, could be old, could be new. Not sure if still mfg'd today. Also not sure of the date it might have been mfg'd. Just curious on some thoughts from everyone.

 

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[junkdigger]

The 44WCF,also known as the 44-40,was introduced in 1873 for the Model 1873 Winchester lever action rifle. And various rifles were made in that caliber until 1937. Colt revolvers were made in that caliber until 1942. So,ammunition is still available in 44WCF for those old guns,and some foreign made replica guns. Your find is likely an old one.

 

[EggHunters]

The 44WCF,also known as the 44-40,was introduced in 1873 for the Model 1873 Winchester lever action rifle. And various rifles were made in that caliber until 1937. Colt revolvers were made in that caliber until 1942. So,ammunition is still available in 44WCF for those old guns,and some foreign made replica guns. Your find is likely an old one.

Thx Junkdigger for the info...I hope this is an old casing. too bad there is no date on the shell.

 

[ivan salis]

the 44 -40 round was made for use in their "new" 1873 winchester rifle --- the shell casing "headstamp" you speak 44WCF WRA of did not come into use till 1886 however (before that they were unmarked) and the 44 WCF headstamp mark was dropped in the 1945 post war plan -- so its between 1886 to 1945 so its at least 62 years old and possibly as much as 121 years old -- hope that helps - type in "44 WCF WRA headstamp" into your search engine and you should see what I talking about -- Ivan

 

[EggHunters]

Thank you junkdigger, superduty, & ivan salis for the info on the bullet casing. the knowledge that everyone has in this hobby is incredible...... . It makes the wife and I more knowledgable by just reading what everyone else posts. gotta love this hobby.....