32-40 Win

[mad mucus]

Anyone have experience with this old caliber in Winchester '94s?

How well does it shoot, effective range, recommended jacketed bullets, flat based FN molds, etc..... or leave it alone?

Thanks

[6pt-sika]

I had a nice old 32-40 of 1906 vintage however it wasn't a Winchester but rather a MArlin 1893 !

I used three GC molds in the rifle . RCBS 32-170GC , Lyman 321297 and the Ranch Dog 323-170GC . Pushed them all with XMP5744 .

I shot at and killed one deer with the old Marlin before I sold it . Shot a smallish buck at 56 yards I think with a load that was maybe in the 1350 FPS area and it did a fine job . The deer went maybe 20 yards after the shot and folded right up .

The 32-40 has been one of my favourite cartridges for quite some time !
This was actually one of the target cartridges of the late 1800's and early 1900's !

While that Marlin 1893 32-40 was quite nice a Stevens 44 1/2 in 32-40 with a nice old Lyman Super Targetspot or a Unertl would be AWESOME as well !

[gundownunder]

You seem to have a thing for the 32-40 mate, remember this thread
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =1&t=38828

It's a good caliber, one of the best out there for cast bullets and accuracy.
It can equal the 30-30 with hand loads and give you less recoil in the process.
You can buy brass for it but it won't be cheap and may be hard to find, try Cleavers.
You can make brass for it from either 30-30 or 38-55 (don't know about 375).
I have been told that the originals are far superior to the commemorative models.
Last time you asked about this caliber there were 2 commemorative models and an original for sale at about the same price and I replied that if I had the dough the original would have been sold already.

[Pop Watts]

Hey Mate,
If you are not going to buy it then let me know where it is.
Pop.

[FLINT]

I have a winchester 1894 in 32-40. I did some loading for it a couple years ago so if i stretch my brain I might remember something. I ordered some bullets from Montana Bullet Works - I think the Lyman 323470 - which has a gas check - they weighed in at I think 182 grains. Those shot really well. I used both XMP5744 and IMR 3031. I can't remember the grains of powder off the top of my head, seems like somewhere in the teens with 5744 and the mid 20s with 3031 - but I think I was pushing the bullets around 1800ish fps - I don't think I got to 2000fps. My rifle has the nickel steel barrel so its safe to push it a little more than the older ones.

I was thinking of starting to load for it again actually, and think I'm going to order some of the .321 170 grain copper plated bullets from Hawk for it. They are expensive, but I don't shoot it much and it would be fun to hunt with. Those bullets are softer than the speer or hornady made for the 32WS, and they don't have a cannelure - but I think you can just crimp right into them with a lee factory crimp die - which someone from this site had Lee make 2 for the 32-40 several years ago - one for him and one for me. ok, now I'm wanting to break out the press again.

I also like the crescent buttplate.

[Marvin S]

I have two 1923 mfg 94,s. I had a mold cut to my specs it is listed on Accurate molds web site as 32170B IIRC and listed for 32-40 Win. I shoot them about 1800 to 1850 fps. It is a great cartridge for me YMMV.

[mad mucus]

I have two 1923 mfg 94,s. I had a mold cut to my specs it is listed on Accurate molds web site as 32170B IIRC and listed for 32-40 Win. I shoot them about 1800 to 1850 fps. It is a great cartridge for me YMMV.

Thanks for the heads up on the Accurate molds..... new to me & look good.
What diameter do these drop from the mold?

[mad mucus]

[quote="gundownunder"]You seem to have a thing for the 32-40 mate, remember this thread
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =1&t=38828

It's a good caliber, one of the best out there for cast bullets and accuracy.
It can equal the 30-30 with hand loads and give you less recoil in the process.
You can buy brass for it but it won't be cheap and may be hard to find, try Cleavers.
You can make brass for it from either 30-30 or 38-55 (don't know about 375).
I have been told that the originals are far superior to the commemorative models.
Last time you asked about this caliber there were 2 commemorative models and an original for sale at about the same price and I replied that if I had the dough the original would have been sold already.[/quote]

Not me Bob.....

Enquiring for a mate; he's in his 50s, ex-grunt MP, soon to get his rifle license, no idea about reloading or casting, loves Winchester leveractions with large loops, has oversized hands, is a big John Wayne fan, has money and is interested in the JW Commemorative for a shooter. Wants to learn it all too.

Soooo, I'm checkin' into it for him as for a yay or nay. 30-30 is another option but have to find a quality '94 large loop source.

Personally, I put a deposit on a shooter, Win Legendary Frontiersman 38-55 in excellent condition and am waiting for a PTA.

Mark

[bgmkithaca]

38-55 brass will make a 32-40 case that is just a little long, 375 win.cases come out short and also have less powder capacity
due to the heavier brass used.No fire forming required with 38-55 as well- just a short trimming.I quess it comes down to which brass you can find in your area.

[Mike D.]

I am considering trying the .321 Hornady Flex Tips. 30 grains IMR 4895 should give 1900 FPS with no strain on the 1920s gun.

[6pt-sika]

I am considering trying the .321 Hornady Flex Tips. 30 grains IMR 4895 should give 1900 FPS with no strain on the 1920s gun.

I suspect the cannelure is not gonna be in the correct place for a 32-40 but rather for the 32 Special . I used to load the Hornady and Speer 32 cal 170 grain bullets for a cousin's Winchester 1894 32-40 and I never did like the way those jacketed bullets looked when loaded . Also didn't like the fact that I couldn't get a good crimp in the cannelure when loading for the 32-40 . Which is kinda the reason I shot cast only in the old 1893 32-40 I had !

[Marvin S]

On the Accurate molds you specify what dia you want instead of just getting what someone thinks you need. I have no experience with full patch bullets in the old original calibers as I've found no reason to use them.

[Griff]

Just remember that if the rifle in question doesn't have a nickel steel barrel, don't push your loads past the BP pressures that repeated sharp spikes in pressure MAY cause failure.

[Mike D.]

My carbine does have a M.N.S. barrel. I have not purchased a .32-40 that did not wear one.

[Mike D.]

Take a look at this one. Altered Extra Lightweight .32-40 with 1/2 Oct N.S. barrel. Not too bad if the price is fair, but not over 2Gs.

Winchester 1894 Deluxe Engraved Rifle TD 32-40

Auction # 269179108

[Win71]

I have a 1910, Winchester 1894, 1/2 round/octagon barrel, button magazine. I use the Hornady 170 gr. Interlock bullet seated & crimped to the cannelure with no feeding problems, but I resize either .30-30 or .32 WS brass to accomplish this. The above brass is shorter than standard .32-40 brass and is of the correct overall length to function through the action of a Winchester rifle.