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Once you get away from standard issue rifles (whether Brit or elsewise) your find Martinis chamberred in just about any rimmed cartridge that can be crammed into the action....and a few rimless ones as well. Thanks to Winchester's marketing, the 44-40 was a widely available cartridge in the western world (and its colonies). So finding one in that caliber wouldn't be surprising. However, without a clear marking to go by, this is where a chamber cast would answer the question much better than idle speculation on our part.

As to the strength of the action, unless someone can give the specs on that specific action (highly unlikely), it would be speculation as to what its upper end is. However, it is a safe bet that any of these in decent shape would greatly exceed that needed for 44-40. Unlike many designs, the Martini in its many forms largely made a seamless transition to the smokeless age, with the main strength issue being the need to bush the firing pin hole and use a smaller pin, needed to prevent primer blowout on the higher pressure cartridges. Since the 44-40 is a BP round, modern smokeless loads would be loaded accordingly unless specifically noted. Hence modern rounds would be fine....IF it really is in 44-40.

Again, barring finding some specific info on what cartridge it is chamberred for, a chamber cast is indicated.

Cerrosafe is a quick, easy and relatively cheap method of casting the chamber, since the material is reusable with very little material loss over time. There are cheaper sources than Brownells for comparable alloys, but unless you are buying quantity, Brownells is probably the best source.

While the instructions mention ensuring the chamber is clean, I'm compelled to mention that chamber condition really is THE major issue if dirty, pitted, rusty or has any wallowed out spots. While Cerrosafe breaks itself free through momentary contraction in a good chamber, in one that has anything to grip, it will be near impossible to get out short of melting it (low temp so no fear of ruining heat treating). It is best to spend extra time making sure the chamber is clean and smooth before casting or you'll just end up doing it after your first casting doesn't work.

For pouring it into a chamber one must have a decent funnel or tool at hand. I use a Lee lead dipper that is intended for casting bullets. It normally takes two full dips to fill a typical chamber, done very quickly back to back to avoid one pour cooling before the next. You also may wish to remove the extractor before pouring. While in theory you might not have to, in practice the Cerrosafe is likely to seep in, around and under and thus form a death grip on it. I broke a Tabatier extractor this way....so as is all too often the case, mine is the voice of sad experience.