With the new Model 1886 lever-action rifle, and appearance of new smokeless powders on the market, in 1891, Winchester Repeating Arms Company started to experiment with necking down the .45-70 cartridge.

The first attempt, a .31-62 with a 200-grain bullet, reportedly resulted in pressures too high for the action.

Only a decade later, the desired result was achieved with a new caliber when the .33 Winchester was introduced in 1902.

[1][3] Never popular due to lack of range despite high muzzle velocity (the 1886's tube magazine ensured that aerodynamic pointed-tip bullets couldn't be used except while single loading), the only other firearms offered in this chambering were the Winchester Model 1885 and Marlin Model 1895.

[1] A good round for deer, elk, or black bear in wooded terrain at medium range, it outperforms the ballistically similar .35 Remington and can be improved with modern powders.