What feels like the official lever action cartridge?

[DatBear]

Watched westens all my life, never really paid attention to what they used, what do actual shooters consider the best/ historically official cartridge?

 

[hodgepodge]

.44-40

 

[Scottysan]

Always loved the Browning BLRs in .308 and any 45-70

 

[Lafayette]

It’s not really “Western,” but an 1894 in 30-30 will always have a place in my safe.

Feels right.

 

[Trigger Time]

38/55 or 45/70

 

[linkstate]

Another vote for 44-40 in a Winchester 1873 or 1892 pattern rifle.

 

[John from MD]

.44-40

This. It was the first cartridge so a person could have a rifle and pistol of the same caliber. If you reload, it is a versatile cartridge and can be very accurate. If you don't, buy a lever gun and revolver in .357 Magnum and you will be able to find ammo anywhere.

 

[Pale Ryder]

What John said, I would add though if you hunt I would change .357 to .44.

 

[hodgepodge]

Expanding my answer:
When I started in Cowboy Action Shooting, I went with .45 Colt as I'd never seen cowboy movies where they said "Me and my trusty .357/.38 Special". Even today, .45LC and .38 are the most popular calibers, probably 70% .38.

As John said above, .44-40 was the first popular cartridge. Absolutely totally authentic. Rifles were not made in .45LC until recently.

If I were starting over, I'd go with .44-40. Even if it's slightly more difficult to relaod then .45LC.

The 45-70 is also totally authentic along with the variations. But it's not for CAS competitions.

 

[AssMan]

I only have two lever action rifles. One is .22 Short and the other is 45-70. Interesting topic though. Love to have a brass receiver Henry in .357.

 

[Threeband]

.44 Henry Flat.

 

[DAVIDMAGNUM]

Watched westens all my life, never really paid attention to what they used, what do actual shooters consider the best/ historically official cartridge?

44WCF (44-40) and/or 38-55 Winchester Ballard

 

[Zaicran]

I only have one lever action and it isn't even a rifle...it's a Henry .410. Back home growing up though I used my Pops 30-30 lever

 

[Sundazes]

45/70 for the win

 

[Johnconlee]

45 colt for cowboy movie historical accuracy.

 

[Boats]

45 colt for cowboy movie historical accuracy.

.45 colt is NOT historically accurate. .44-40 is.

 

[44man]

I love my .44 mags and my 30/30’s but my absolute favorite lever gun I have is a 1892 made in 1909, I believe, in 38/40. Smooth as glass and as accurate as a pistol caliber can be

If I had to say what was the best original it would be a rifle and pistol combo in 44/40

 

[Doco Overboard]

I would say originally 25-20 repeater which turned into a good many cartridges somewhere around the 40's.
FOr me I use 35 rem 30/30 and 44 in my lever-back/ forth guns.
Out of context but other lever/ up and down guns I use are are 7mil 303 and some lowly 22's

 

[Kman]

History - 44/40
Modern/sales - 30/30
Me - 44mag and 22LR

 

[Mini14tac]

Based on popularity probably the Win 94 in 30-30 or the Marlin in 30-30 or 35 Rem. I have quite a few lever actions. Love them all. A few to point out are my 9422M, 1895 45/70 and my Win Model 88 in 308.