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And I’m not referring to desirability from a hunter’s perspective. For one, the .33 sure wouldn’t be on the bottom 
But for collectors, here is my sense of it (most desirable to least desirable):
.50-100
.50-110
.45-90
.45-70 (I see the .45-70 and the .45-90 as almost tied)
.40-70
.38-70
.40-82
.40-65
.38-56
.33 (unless it’s a SRC)
I’m interested in other’s opinions.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head there! The 40-82 and 40-65 are a toss up for me, if both offered I’d go with cond. or any special features.
CJ57 said
You pretty much hit the nail on the head there! The 40-82 and 40-65 are a toss up for me, if both offered I’d go with cond. or any special features.
I ranked the .40-82 ahead of the .40-65 because it was a larger (longer) and more powerful cartridge – a general theme when it comes to popularity. I’ve always found it odd that they chambered three .40 caliber cartridges that so similar in performance. But, Marlin chose to chamber the same three .40 cartridges in their M1895 as well.
You forgot two rare cartridge variations;
50-105 and 45-95
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
You forgot two rare cartridge variations;
50-105 and 45-95
Bert
I was aware of the .50-105 and have seen a couple for sale over the years. Obviously, that would be at the very top of the list. Was it a cataloged variation? I will confess I have never seen a .45-95. It is a treat to come here and learn things I didn’t know. Thanks Bert 
Speaking of the .50 calibers, it has been my understanding that the .50-100, .50-105 and .50-110 are simply different loadings of the same cartridge. But are the rifles any different (other than the cartridge markings)? What I’m thinking is the rate of twist. The .50-110 was loaded with more powder and lighter bullet (e.g. 300 grains) and the .50-100 with less powder and a heavier bullet (450 grains). No small difference in bullet weight. So, different rate of twist?
Quoted from Guns Magazine reference the 50-100 and 50-110:
“Both .50 caliber rounds could be fired in the same chamber, but the reason Winchester considered them different, is they made rifles specifically for each as determined by their rifling twist rates. The .50-110-300 had a very slow 1:60-inch twist while the .50-100-450 had a faster twist of 1:54 inches. (Sources vary, but after extensive research these are the twist rates I believe are correct for the two .50 caliber Winchester cartridges.)”
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Steve,
There were exactly three rifles made in 45-95 WCF (and I know where one of them is). It is a variant of the 45-90, just like the 50-100 & 50-105 are variants of the 50-110.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Were any rifles marked for the 45-82 or 45-85?
GMC(SW) - USN Retired 1978 - 2001
Yes is the answer to that question. I have a friend in Spokane who owned a near new standard octagon barreled sporting rifle marked .45-82 WCF. A Cody letter confirmed the caliber to be original to that serial number.
There were a lot of one off calibers, 3 in 22, 3 in 30, 4 in 32, 6 in 38-55, 5 in 40-85, 9 in 44, 3 in 45-72, 5 in 45-75, 12 in 45-92, 2 in 45-95 There are more with just one listed. These are from John Madl research book, to find one of these would be very cool!
Funny you should mention 22cal, in James Perry’s display he had a 22cal 86. Odd gun, they added a single shot 22 barrel to the side of a 45-70 oct. barrel. The gun was a regular OBFMCB with a 22 mounted on the side, the trigger was a button on the side of the fore arm, you used the regular sites. He had the Patent drawings but I don’t recall if it lettered. It was factory quality work and was not clumsy or fragile. The 22 loaded and cocked separately and did not interfere with the receiver or action. T/R
Yes, funny to mention these one-offs for me too. For some of them, I always just assumed it was an employee mistake in recording the details in ledger. Maybe not. Also, years ago when I visited the Museum in Cody, I recall seeing a .31 caliber M1886 on display.
win4575 said
Yes is the answer to that question. I have a friend in Spokane who owned a near new standard octagon barreled sporting rifle marked .45-82 WCF. A Cody letter confirmed the caliber to be original to that serial number.
What a rifle that would be to have! And in that condition – amazing indeed.
Roundsworth said
Were any rifles marked for the 45-82 or 45-85?
Here’s one in 45-82.
Here is a listing for an 45-82 cartridge that states it was an additional loading for the 45-90. According to COTW the 45-82, 45-85 and 45-90 were simply different loads and bullet weights of the basic 45-90 cartridge. Interesting that a rifle would actually be marked for the 45-82 and 45-85 calibers.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
win4575 said
Yes is the answer to that question. I have a friend in Spokane who owned a near new standard octagon barreled sporting rifle marked .45-82 WCF. A Cody letter confirmed the caliber to be original to that serial number.
This must be the rifle referenced above that was sold at Rock Island?
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