Seems that Winchester made 2 .38's on the 45-70 case, the 38-56 and the 38-70. The 38-72 used the same case as the 405 Winchester...not this family. Can anyone shed any light on these cartridges?

I can't really remember much about these cartridges, but pick up a copy of CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD. It is an invaluable source for such things as these.

get a hold of buffalo arms co. in my neck of the woods he specializes in that era. there #is 208-263-6953
there e-mail is www.buffaloarms.com
And the book cartridges of the world is Very Informative I also collect cartridges so I use it a lot.That case was used alot during that era.

johnnypaul,i decieded to get my book out here are some stats.Introduced in 1887 for the model 1886 win repeater it was loaded until about 1936 (with smokeless powder in the later years)
presant day load specs are
255 grain lead w/IMR3031 36.o grains at 1830 fps.Orininal loading was 255 grain lead with blackpowder at 1395 fps.
The 38-70 was introduced in 1894 for the model 1886 win repeater.
modern load specs are 265 grain lead w/IMR3031 at 41.o grains .
original load was 255 grain lead 1490 fps w/black powder.
They dont specify what black powedr but i suspect 1F rate.
If you have one of these firearms I honestly woul not shoot them and if I did I would only use 1F black powder.
This info is from cartridges of the world.
I hope I was some help.

cal30 1906, Thanks. seems that the modern 375 Winchester does all either of these do. I'd love to have an 1886 in either chambering, but as a hunting tool goes, seems a Big Bore 94 is the ticket. Thanks for the reply, johnnypaul