I am thinking (that always gets me in trouble) about building a rifle for short range deer and bear.  I don't really need one but have several rifles that I don't shoot much and way too much time on my hands to dream.  My first thought was to go with a second barrel for my original 44 1/2 that I had CPA rebuild into a nice 25-35 which performed flawlessly last fall on a antelope and nice mule deer.  The problem with that is I use a modern hunting scope and you need to take the mount off to switch barrels.  Not the end of the world but I also have a Ruger #1 in 223 with a Canjar trigger and a mint B-78 in 6mm Remington that I could use for a rebuild.  My first thought was to go with the 40 Krag Short and I will probably call Gail to see what she thinks about that caliber in an original rifle.  Does anybody know about this cartridge?  It looks like it would approximate the 40-50 SS.  What bore is it and what twist would you recommend for 300 grain bullets?  I don't want a rifle that kicks like a mule.  In looking Hawk Bullets makes 250 grain bullets for the 401 Winchester and I think I could easily launch them at 2000 fps with the larger 40 Krag case.  My next thought was to start with a 303 Savage case and make a 40 caliber which would be like an oversized 38-55.  Open to any thoughts as to what parent case to use and what bore size.  In the meantime I am patiently awaiting my Sharps Borchardt in 30-40 Krag for my go to elk rifle.  Tom

What bore diameter are you going with?  I cannot go with a 40-65 WCF in my Stevens and the 405 WCF case might be too long.  Thus my thought about a 40 Krag Short.  I should probably call Gail and see what she says.  Thanks.  Tom

What's wrong with using that new Krag you're getting for a short,or longer, range deer and bear gun? Make a .40 if you like, but if you want a caliber for the purposes you tell us, the Krags have been doing it for about 125 years. Just my opinion.

I'd advise the 40-50 SS as well,especially if you intend to shoot smokeless powder. The 40-65 if you intend to shoot in competition with black powder. I have both and favor each for the tasks stated. Just my 2 cents worth...

Seems to me a friend recently received a 40-65 barrel
for his 44/1/2 CPA.....
It is noted that the 40-65 is a "fall off a log" accurate ctg.
Very popular for Silhouette and Midrange. 
And it is formed from easily available 45-70 brass or
one can currently buy 40-65 brass from Starline
re. the 40 cals formed from 30-40 brass.
That brass has been hard to come by lately. RP and WW
have no plans to produce/offer it this yr.  It is noted, tho
that Grafs has their own house brand of 30-40 brass now.
Why is it that 405 brass is "too Long"? It loads easily in single shots. AND why shorten it?  Chamber/use it as is
- same case length as the 40-72W. Get it in a std 400/408
barrel dimensions. Chamber for "40-70 Hornady" to match the smaller bore dimensions as opposed to the larger 0.411 or larger 405W.
 
beltfed/arnie

303 British can also be easily formed into .40-50SS. 

Powder Valley has them in stock.

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Bob

You attribute that to the minor taper of the .40-65, eh?

You won't go wrong with either the 40/50 SS, 40/60 Maynard or the 40/65 WCF. For light recoil go with the 40/50. 42 -45 grains of powder and a 350-370 grain bullet will be just fine. For a little more power go to the Maynard round. Both cartridges can be loaded with 40/70 SS dies. 303 British cases work well for the 40/50 but are too short for the 40/60. For more power yet go with the 40/65 or the 40/70 SS. You can make any of them work.

If by some chance a single shot is not enough firepower, check out the 405JES at JES reboring. It is just the ticket for lever guns in 40 caliber.