The only chambering available in the Winchester Model 1910, the .401SL was used by France, Russia, and American company security forces in the First World War.

[2] Both 200gr and 250gr bullet weights were offered by Winchester and other ammunition manufacturers as factory loadings.

With extra available detachable magazines holding 4-rounds each, the Model 1910 could provide substantial firepower for the big-game hunter.

This feature helped promote the use of the .401SL on dangerous game such as moose and grizzly bear in spite of the lack of controlled expansion bullet designs, which doubtlessly would have improved game-taking performance and the subsequent reputation of the .401SL cartridge.

[3] The .401 SL is of similar size to the later .41 Remington Magnum; but the longer self-loading rifle cartridge produced a muzzle energy of 2,000 foot-pounds force (2,700 J) with a 200-grain (13 g) bullet,[4] while the magnum revolver is credited with a muzzle energy of 790 foot-pounds force (1,070 J) with a 210-grain (14 g) bullet.