Winchester 94 32-40

[Terryrm1-03]

Hi guys I have just acquired a 94 Winchester 32-40.
As far as I have found she's 1895
Is it hard to find brass, dies, molds?
Thanks TR
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[358 Win]

TerryM1-03,
Shootable brass can be made from 30-30 brass albeit a bit short but still servicable. Since yours is from 1895, better slug the bore to determine what size cast bullet you need. RCBS makes a 32-170 mold. Other mold makers like NOE has a .32 mold also. In my best friends 1894 32-40 we use an old (still available from the custom shop) 08-170 mold that makes a .3235 bullet at 182 grains with lube and gas check installed. I helped my friend send it off to Bianki & Bianki in Klamath Falls, OR for a reline job and my gosh what a shooter with the RCBS 08-170 boolit! We load the boolit to factory black powder velocities (1375 fps or so) using Alliant 2400 powder with no filler but ignited by FED215 primers. With the original factory sights it shoots to point of aim and most three shot groups at 50 yards has all shots touching. Enjoy yours and good luck!

358 Win

[OverMax]

Yep its hard to come by real 32-40 brass. But they are still being made by Winchester brand so that's a good thing. Dies and mold/s on the other hand are pretty easy to find. I suggest a NOE 323 FP mold for your purpose. For the time being you can resize 30-30 up too 32-40 or (32 Special which is my preference into 32-40) But both shells are about 3/16th short in measured length of a true 32-40s. So you need to consider that situation when measuring for cartridge OAL. One little tip: If intending to resize 30-30 brass. Consider annealing the cartridge necks before their resizing. It helps them expand easier. If your intending to use (first fires) Remington 30-30 brass. Don't bother to anneal them. BTW: I have 32-40 myself. But its the long barrel rifle model 1894. Born in 1907. (Check our the link provided for a bullet to compliment your rifle) FWIW: Try to keep its powder charges midpoint in any recipe. Doing so helps to old gal stay useful. Enjoy that new/old rifle TR.

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=708

[bosterr]

I have my Great Grand Dad's '94 .32-40 made in 1897. I asked Tom at Accurate Molds to modify his 32-170A to give me a bigger lube groove. That resulted in the 32-180C which I ordered in a 3 cavity. My bore slugged at .3215, so I size to .323. Before I bought the mold I ordered some of the RCBS 32-170 from Montana Bullet Works both .323 and .324 (now out of business). Both ran through the action smoothly. With my charge of IMR 4895 I get appr. 1650 fps and has fired 3" groups at 100 yds. with a Lyman tang sight. I can't help but wonder how it would do with a scope. Of course, drilling and tapping this family heirloom would be a sin. I currently use 32-40 brass, which is slowly wearing out. To cycle this boolit through the action, I had to shorten the brass appr. .010". If or when I have to switch to using 30-30 brass, trimming won't be required.

[Terryrm1-03]

WOW! Thanks so much for the tidbits guys.
I knew she was obsolete but didn't figure that much with cowboy shooting.
How many guns did Winchester make in 32-40? Anyone know?
I did read the 38-55 superseded the 32-40 and shut her down.
Thanks TR
PS bore is grungy but has real good rifling still showing.
Soaking right now!
Is the magazine correct? short like that, or, was it long to the end of the barrel?
Sure do love the sights on it! Small bead up front and buckhorn rear.

[catskinner]

I used 30-30 brass necked up when I got my 32-40 and found that with the shorter brass I could not crimp. Used a 32 Special die. Now I neck down 38-55 brass. So far I have not needed to thin case necks using 38-55 brass.

[bob208]

what length is the barrel? what does the mag tube plug look like rounded or flat? Winchester made magazines in all different lengths.

[pietro]

I did read the 38-55 superseded the 32-40 and shut her down.

Is the magazine correct? short like that, or, was it long to the end of the barrel ?




FYI, both the .32-40 & the .38-55 chamberings were introduced along with the Model 1894 in 1894, with other chamberings following a few years later - and both discontinued sometime in 1929.

The 2/3-length (of the bbl) magazine was a "Special Order" feature, which adds to the value, especially if corroborated by a Cody Letter.

According to the Winchester Polishing Room records, your Model 1894 was made sometime between Dec 1896 and March 1897: http://www.shootersforum.com/winchester-94-lever-guns/67350-winchester-model-1894-94-factory-records.html



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[Terryrm1-03]

what length is the barrel? what does the mag tube plug look like rounded or flat? Winchester made magazines in all different lengths.
barrel length is 20-3/4" Muzzle to the front of the recvr.
mag tube plug is round

[bob208]

I think you mite have a real short rifle. they are rare. it mite be worth a letter from Cody.

[Terryrm1-03]

WOW, thanks Bob!
I just bought it to shoot. I love getting these OLE guns back up and running. I have 2 old 73's 44-40 and 38-40 that I just have a ball shooting.
Everyone comes over to shoot the 73's.
And my old trapdoor!
I traded a 1911 for it.
Guess its time to send off for a Cody letter.
Thanks for the input here!
TR

UOTE=bob208;3095189]I think you mite have a real short rifle. they are rare. it mite be worth a letter from Cody.[/QUOTE]