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bosterr
12-19-2015, 09:44 AM
This question is for anyone who has made 32-40 brass from Starline 38-55 brass. They make 2 lengths, 2.080 and 2.125. What length do you end up with when re-forming the shorter 2.080? I trim my Winchester 32-40 brass to 2.100 to accommodate the long nose Accurate 32-180C, so would the 2.080 grow enough to at least get me to 2.100? The shorter Starline brass costs a little less and the longer brass would take a lot of trimming.

EDG
12-22-2015, 02:43 PM
Starline will send you a few cases if you ask for samples. At least that is how I got 2 of the short .38-55 cases.

bosterr
12-22-2015, 06:25 PM
Thanks EDG! Right after I saw your response, I emailed Starline. I have 1 of each coming 2.080 and 2.125. No Charge!

GOPHER SLAYER
12-22-2015, 08:22 PM
I acquired a lot of 32 special and have no rifle for the cartridge. I do have two 32-40 cal rifles. I simply run the case into a 32-40 sizer and they come out ready to load. They are a bit short but my rifles don't seem to mind. The 32-40 case is much too long for smokeless powder anyway. The 8.15x46 is a better design.

wwmartin
12-22-2015, 09:36 PM
The batch I made from 2.080 stretched to about 2.115 in forming. They shrank about .007 on firing. Be sure to run them through a 38-55 die set to remove dents even if you cant see them to prevent them from folding in. I use Royal case wax and form in 3 steps 1/2"short, 1/4"short and then full length this saves the arm by caming over at the bottom of the stroke.

Bill

turtlezx
12-22-2015, 10:51 PM
i form 30 30 into 32 40 was easier to do than 38 55s brass is short but doesnt matter .
there too much room in the case as is for powder anyways
fired 30 30 are cheep and easy to find vs 38 55 s new $$
just my 2Cents all of the above will work . its not a fussy load to work with

bosterr
12-23-2015, 10:28 AM
Thank you guys for your help! wwmartin, the finished length you gave me is almost right on the money where I want to end up. Unfortunately I don't have a 38-55 die set. Will I ruin brass if I simply run them into my 32-40 size die? I've used 30-30 brass I had on hand, ends up .065 shorter than my 2.100. Yes, I know I'm being way too fussy, but 100 new brass will most likely be my lifetime supply.

wwmartin
12-24-2015, 10:10 PM
You will loose a few with the neck folding in ward if the neck isn't free of dents. You can use the shank of a 3/8 drill as an anvil held in a vice to take the dents out by tapping with a small hammer. When I used the long 39-55 I ended up trimming off about .060.

Bill

wwmartin
12-24-2015, 10:22 PM
You will loose a few with the neck folding in ward if the neck isn't free of dents. You can use the shank of a 3/8 drill as an anvil held in a vice to take the dents out by tapping with a small hammer. When I used the long 39-55 I ended up trimming off about .060.

If making them from 30-30 brass I ran them through my Lee 32 Special to neck them to 32 caliber, the long taper on the lee die was allot easer than the blunt round one on the RCBS 32-40 cowboy die.

Bill

bosterr
12-25-2015, 09:28 AM
I'll be using the 3/8" drill bit idea on the necks, I would never have thought of that. Your help is very much appreciated. BTW, Merry Christmas!

Bob

lapua
02-22-2016, 09:05 PM
Hello bosterr

A reply to a old request though I have just started down this road myself.
Here is what I have manage to do to date. I have 38-55 SL brass Stage one. quick annealing the brass Stage two. light lube 3/4 sized into the 32-40 die.Stage three.slight open the case mouth in the exp die.Stage four. Trim to length and cleanup.Stage five lube and full resize with 32-40 die.Stage six.Use exp die. Job done. I was going to buy RCBS reforming casr dies but this way that works fine save me buying them.Note. Just run the 38-55 slowing while doing the 1st resize to 32-40 to avoid creating any crease in the brass and your good to go.Hope this helps.Ps load data . hard cast bullet 170 gn FP(ROLLED CRIMPED)/Power H4895@ 27 GN/Primer Fed 210/Av MV 1800 out of my org Win 94 big bore range good out to 200yrds.:-o