44-77 and the Buffalo Runners

[R-71]

I would guess that the 44-77’s were used all through the period and supplanted with the heavier cartridges as they became available. I Have always wondered about the supply chain need to get stuff out west back then, thinking that it would take weeks for stuff to be shipped and arrive at its destination.

The would be Buffalo hunter would likely have had to take the caliber available in order to get hunting and order his preferred rifle/caliber.

As the hunting pressure built the shots became longer and the extra power the bigger rounds provided was needed.