I inherited a Winchester 1886 lever action rifle from my grandfather. It’s chambered in 40-65 WCF. I intend to shoot this rifle and, perhaps, deer hunt with it in the future. I’m in the process of accumulating the dies, brass, projectiles, etc. needed to load my own ammunition. I’ve read a fair amount about these rifles and the 40-65 WCF cartridge. I understand that the bore diameter can fluctuate significantly (.406 - .410) depending on the rifle and how it was used and cared for in the first 125 years of its life. Based on what I’ve read, and with accuracy in mind, it seems prudent for me to slug the barrel before I buy projectiles and / or bullet molds for my handloads. Obviously, I’d want to use the correct size projectiles. With that said, and in order to slug the bore, I’m in need of a few unjacketed lead bullets or round lead balls - ideally a couple of each size (.406, .408, .410). Is anyone here willing to sell me a few lead bullets or round balls that I can use to slug the bore? Anyone know of a source for same in small quantities? Any general guidance or advice about sourcing the projectiles I need to slug the bore? Thanks, in advance, for any information you are willing share.

PM sent for 40-65 wcf bullets

Just my opinion... With a fine and old rifle like that, I would not slug the bore. You're probably going to have to start casting anyway, or find a custom caster to do it for you if you wind up needing an oddball diameter. Forget using jacketed bullets unless you intend to fire only a very few rounds through the rifle.

Assume that the steel available when your gun was made is not the same as what's available now. Use cast bullets for long barrel life. I would try to get several bullets of different diameters and progressively use larger diameter bullets in loading a cartridge. The largest diameter bullet (within reason) that will chamber without difficulty will likely be the best fit and the most accurate. Good luck-

You can use bell type fishing sinkers to slug rifle bore with .
I went to local fishing supply store , bought an assortment of bell sinkers , different weights , different sizes (diameters) .
Used different sinkers in the assortment to slug a 9mm barrel , 45 barrel , 303 British and two 30 cal. barrels .
Get an idea of how large the barrel is and buy two or three ... get a size or two larger than bore . They are small at one end and fat on the other ...insert small end into muzzle and gently tap into bore , the soft lead will easily deform ... use a good rod to drive it through greased barrel .
Get several sinkers and slug at least twice and compare measurements.
You can snip off the swivel ... I did a few and left the brass swivel on it ...didn't hurt a thing .
Use a good Caliper to measure and do it correctly .
Gary

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If you want to find out the diameter of a bullet use a micrometer.