Savvy Jack
Member
A while back I decided to dissect and catalog some 44-40 cartridges to help date some unheadstamped cases. I also added a few 45 Colt cartridges and a 38-40 cartridge. The 38-40 data is basically the same as the 44-40 as far as the type powder used, type primers used, and type bullet types used etc.
The main cartridge manufactures at the time was Winchester, U.M.C. and the United States Cartridge Company. These three manufactures organized a monopolistic organization that was called the AMA (Ammunitions Manufactures Association). Franklin Olin, of the Western Cartridge Company, purchased his components from them when UMC purchased the primer division of the Waterbury Brass Company. They tried to force Olin out of business. Ironically, Olin ended up with everything, and still manufactures Winchester ammunition ;-)
Anyhow, this harsh patent war makes it a bit easier to identify who made what, and who used what, by looking at the components, namely the primers. I also like to see which manufactures made better quality ammunition, namely by the type and amount of powder used.
Thus far, here are the results;
Always subject to updates and corrections as data is discovered.
1. Early 44-40 Cartridge Components, dates and Data Library
2. Early 45 Colt Cartridge Component, and Dates Data Library
3. Library Cartridge Sample Box Labels
I am working on some others but they are few and far between
The main cartridge manufactures at the time was Winchester, U.M.C. and the United States Cartridge Company. These three manufactures organized a monopolistic organization that was called the AMA (Ammunitions Manufactures Association). Franklin Olin, of the Western Cartridge Company, purchased his components from them when UMC purchased the primer division of the Waterbury Brass Company. They tried to force Olin out of business. Ironically, Olin ended up with everything, and still manufactures Winchester ammunition ;-)
Anyhow, this harsh patent war makes it a bit easier to identify who made what, and who used what, by looking at the components, namely the primers. I also like to see which manufactures made better quality ammunition, namely by the type and amount of powder used.
Thus far, here are the results;
Always subject to updates and corrections as data is discovered.
1. Early 44-40 Cartridge Components, dates and Data Library
2. Early 45 Colt Cartridge Component, and Dates Data Library
3. Library Cartridge Sample Box Labels
I am working on some others but they are few and far between
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