Frank Wesson .40/100..... Anybody shoot one?

[44minimum]

I'm trying to find out about the cartridges used in Frank Wesson rifles, specifically the .40/100. I know that this cartridge was a fairly standard one, used in the Sharps rifles and also those of other manufacturers, but I have also read that Frank Wesson was a wildcatter and that his rifles were chambered in his own oddball calibers. Does anyone out there happen to shoot a Frank Wesson rifle chambered in .40/100? I would like to know if it is the same cartridge that other manufacturers used, the powder charges, bullet weights, and velocities achievable. I have looked around online and been able to find out very little.

For those of you that don't know, these are old timey, single shot, hunting and competition rifles from the 1800s. Like this one-

http://www.cowanauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=57773

The reason I'm trying to find out is because I'm writing a Western, and I would like to get my information correct. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jim Watson]

I never saw one outside of Flayderman. Blue Book says less than 100 No 2s were made, all calibers.

In several years of BPCR I have not seen or heard tell of a .40-100 Wesson or a .40-100 anything.

Not mentioned in CotW or listed by Buffalo Arms

 

[Jim K]

Me, neither, but there was a .44-100. Those old cartridges could kill at both ends of the rifle.

Jim