The 40-82 Winchester cartridge, introduced in 1885, was designed for use in the Winchester Model 1886 lever-action rifle. It featured a bottleneck case and typically propelled a 260-grain bullet at approximately 1,330 to 1,500 feet per second. The cartridge was originally loaded with black powder, but later transitioned to smokeless powder.
The 40-82 Winchester was primarily used for hunting medium to large game, including deer and elk, thanks to its substantial stopping power and moderate recoil. However, it eventually became obsolete in the early 20th century, overshadowed by more modern cartridges offering better ballistics and performance.
Collectors and enthusiasts sometimes still seek out the 40-82 Winchester for historical firearms and shooting events, but it is not commonly used in contemporary hunting or shooting sports. Reloading components can be difficult to find, and factory ammunition production is largely non-existent.