32-40 crimp on 30-30 formed brass?

[rpludwig]

Using formed 30-30 brass for 32-40 due to zero availability of 32-40 brass. All good, excellent accuracy, no issues other than the crimp.

Since 30-30 comes up a bit short, it will not crimp in a 32-40 seating die. I could cut down the die, but thinking a 32 special seating die may be the best option. I have only loaded this cartridge single stage thus far but will run it progressive and I seat and crimp in one station on a 5 station press so the addition of a separate crimp only die is not an option...

Thoughts?

[lotech]

What about a taper crimp die? I doubt anyone makes such a die specifically for the .32-40, but there may be something close enough that would provide just enough crimp to hold the bullet securely, yet cause no bullet distortion.

[OverMax]

but will run it progressive Never heard of anyone trying to do that. Ever.

Better to use 38-55 brass than 30-30 or 32 special for conversion to 32-40. 38-55 can be trimmed to 32-40 length. Than FL sized down to 32-40.
30-30 or 32 special hasn't that capability. 3/16th" short is the usual which affects a FL 32-40s FL seater dies ability to crimp.
You could PM Buckshot here on C/B and see what he can lathe up. To accommodate your need.
Otherwise 32-40 brass is a seasonal run for some manufactures. . Place a order than BO order the quantity you want. Wait for the notification its available.

[griffiga]

Rpludwig,
I too used a lot of .30-30 brass formed to .32-40, but they are too short to reach the crimp in the .32-40 die. I did use a factory crimp die I had in .32 SPL, which worked, but mostly I just didn't crimp them. The .32-40 in my Marlin 1893 didn't kick enough to worry about the bullets coming out of the shell while in the magazine. I may still have a few actual head stamped .32-40 cases if you want them. I sold the rifle to pay medical bills about 5 years ago but kept what brass I had. Email me at musket57@gmail.com and I'll see what I have. I just checked and I have 16 new Rem UMC cases. Send me $15 and I'll ship them to you.

[rpludwig]

Crimp problem solved, at least for single stage loading, a 30-30 seating die put a perfect roll crimp on a 32-40 case formed from 30-30.

Using an RCBS 32spec cast 170g fngc .321, (longer boolit) which maintains minimum OAL when crimped in the crimp groove, exceptional accuracy over 21g IMR4895.

I have messed with 38-55 brass (both lengths) from Starline. A bit more difficult to size and trimming adds another step.

As to progressive loading, never heard of it either for 32-40, but that's an experiment for another day...don't know why not?

As to "seasonal run" for 32-40 brass, which season? Been on the waiting lists for several seasons, that said, the 30-30's are working out just fine...

[stubbicatt]

Yep. I got an email a day or two ago from Midway saying the 32-40 I had asked to be notified of was now discontinued. Used to be listed as "seasonal run." Now? Discontinued. :(

I too have resorted to using the 38-55 Starline brass. I am quite happy with that brass.

rpludwig, when you ran the cases into the 30-30 seater die to crimp them, didn't the die smoosh your bullet?

[rpludwig]

stub....I was leary of that, but no smoosh, eze does it...sure enough, got the same email from Midway yesterday...

[Reverend Al]

If you don't mind altering your seating / crimping die you could shorten the die body off at the base to allow the shorter cases to run up further into the die and reach the crimping shoulder?

Another option might be to grind down and shorten a spare .30-30 shell holder to allow the case to run further up into the seating die before the die bottoms out? I have a tight chambered 7.62x39 bolt action rifle and we did this so that I could run my cases further up into the sizing die and form the shoulder at the right length for my tight chambered rifle. Shell holders are way cheaper than seating dies so you might want to alter a shell holder and test that first?

Just a couple of thoughts ...

[Frank46]

To get a good crimp you must trim all the cases to basically the same length. Found about this with 44 magnum brass and a ruger redhawk. Frank

[stubbicatt]

stub....I was leary of that, but no smoosh, eze does it...sure enough, got the same email from Midway yesterday...

I would never have guessed it. :) Have you had a chance to shoot them yet?

[rpludwig]

Stubb...nor would I!...found that tip on the Marlin forum (link below) in the 3rd post:

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/32-40-38-55-375-other-great-non-standard-calibers/92989-32-40-crimp.html

still seems more prudent in the long run to pick up a 32spec seater/crimp die which I may do (and would give me an excuse to find a lever in 32 special!!!)

minimal testing = all 3 shot groups 1/2" or less @ 50yds...more this weekend, will post some results...

[stubbicatt]

Sounds promising rpludwig. Hope it all comes together for you.

[jazzman251]

CH-4D makes a taper crimp die for 32-40. If it doesn't work, grinding the bottom would allow it to crimp and a spacer could then be made for FL crimping of correct size cases. hope this helps.
http://www.ch4d.com/products/dies/caliber-list?filter-col=caliber&filter=32-40

[rpludwig]

jazzman...thx for the input...

I'm fine with my standard RCBS 32-40 seating die for crimping real 32-40 brass.

As said, when using formed 30-30 brass, a 30-30 seating die puts a nice roll crimp on it...all good!