The 400m smacks of BS for two reasons: 1. Ballard only made rifles for anemic rimfire ctgs. until Marlin started making them in larger chamberings in 1875. 2. Canada did not start using the metric system until 1977. It's a great story, but perhaps embellished somewhat.
2. Canada adopted the metric system awhile back, and the writers convention is to translate all measurements into metric in their articles.
Good Troy, the difference being most in CAS today get their ideas from Hollywood movies whereas in the 19th century it was more a practical as well as personal matter regarding clothing & hats. Of course, if you really want to gag go to a modern rodeo and gander at the "Coca-Cola cowboys".
The Canadian defenders ...