32-20 and 38-40

[maxreloader]

I just purchased an old S&W wheel gun in 32-20 so has anybody formed this brass from any other parent case than the 25-20?

Also I have heard that the 38-40 sold by starline have thicker than "factory" necks... so my question here is how do I (what tools are needed) thin the necks out? The ID, not the OD correct? These will be loaded for my Marlin 94.

Any help would be appreciated!

[wwmartin]

It looks like Star Line is taking online orders for 32-20. First come first served.
WW

[GRUMPA]

The 32-20 cases are a unique size along with the 25-20 and 218 Bee which are real close to the same. I have not found nor has any of my books have a parent case for those. So your pretty much up the creek as far as converting anything into 32-20 except for what you already know about.

I have a thread on the 32-25 and the 25-20 cases in the VS section. But for right now I put a stop on orders till I can find out how many I'll have left over.

And to make the necks thinner, I've always reamed the necks.

[maxreloader]

thanks Grumpa! As far as reamers go... I don't know squat about em lol! Would I need to order a custom reamer or are they sold in standard sizes that may work? Thanks much!

[wwmartin]

With the 38-40 I would load a dummy round and see if it chambers . If it does no need for reaming. I have 44-40 in S line, Rem, & Win and the necks all checked the same thickness with a ball anvil mike.
WW

[GRUMPA]

The reamers I use are the type I used when I worked in a machine shop. They come in ever size you can think of and some even come in carbide for the volume users like me. Thing is those reamers have to be used with a drill chuck, kinda like a drill press or a lathe. I don't use those bench mount reamer set ups where you have to contact for whomever makes what you have. Most if not all the bench mounted trimmers have there own special way the reamers are held into place. So you pretty much pay there asking price. The ones I get can do thousands with a single reamer and I pay just over $20 plus ship for mine. I'm sure for 1 of the bench mount type, plan on paying more for custom reamer sizes.

Most of my reaming is done on either something like a mini-mill or my lathe, mostly the lathe.

[GRUMPA]

It looks like Star Line is taking online orders for 32-20. First come first served.
WW

I called up Starline on my 5K order that was supposed to have been shipped 1/30/15. Not only are they behind 3 weeks but even though you can order 32-20 brass, plan on it being awhile. Notice how they have it so you can order brass but with an unknown shipping date.

Like I said plan on it being a while till they make another run.

[pworley1]

I use starline brass in my 44 40 and 38 40 Winchesters and have no problems with the thickness of the necks. Before you spend any time working on your brass, load a few and try them.

[maxreloader]

I will try the first before working on them. the 44-40 I have is an 1873 Winny and she like to eat! I just ran out of factory loads last week :cry:

[rmcc]

I have a 1891 1873 3rd model and a 1916 model 92. I had heard the same about Starline brass in 38/40. I was leery about it so I shot some of my factory Win rounds and reloaded them and the Starline. Could not tell any difference. They all fed and cycled fine. I just loaded them to light pistol velocities in consideration of the age of the rifles. I then ordered another 200 rounds of Starline brass.

rmcc

[maxreloader]

I would like to thank everybody for the advice. I am going to try the starline brass and cross my fingers!

[justingrosche]

Max, if your truly desperate for brass, I'll send you some to get started. I have an old hand ejector too. Pm me with a mail address.

[maxreloader]

THANKS JG, pm sent!