Winny 1885'2 in .32-40 & .38-55

[Marine Sgt 2111]

Does anyone here have any experience with these rifles and calibers?

I have one of each on order, have ordered dies, brass and have two molds for the .38-55 but nothing for the .32-40. Would like to stay in the 200gr range for the .32, any suggestions on molds?

As always, thanks for your input.....:Fire:

[Johnw...ski]

I have a custom 1885 hi-wall in 38-55 and I use a 335 gr. Postell by Paul Jones.
These custom moulds are a little more money but you get exactly what you want size wise. If I had a 32-40 I would also get a Paul Jones mould and never look back.

And congradulations on your new rifles, I see you couldn't resist both calibers.

John


Does anyone here have any experience with these rifles and calibers?

I have one of each on order, have ordered dies, brass and have two molds for the .38-55 but nothing for the .32-40. Would like to stay in the 200gr range for the .32, any suggestions on molds?

As always, thanks for your input.....:Fire:

[Marine Sgt 2111]

naaa....I like the old calibers and besides these were my post divorce gifts to me...:castmine:

[McLintock]

Go up to the Search this forum block above and put in "38-55" or "32-40" and you'll get way more than you'll ever want to know. Do the same in the Black Powder forum and you'll get more. Great calibers to play with and I'm sure you'll enjoy them.
McLintock

[Marine Sgt 2111]

Thanks for the information...I will check out the reference material

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Hi, I have an 1885 Winchester HiWall in 38-55 and shoot it with bullets from two sources; Lyman mold #375248 and an original Winchester mold. Both drop bullets at .379" and weigh 255 grains. I lube them with NRA 50/50 formula and shoot them unsized. Powder charge is IMR 3031 and varies between 25 and 30 grains. Lyman currently makes an original looking mold mold for the 32-40, and often on e-bay the original Winchester mold for the 32-40 pops up. It reseembles the 38-55but weighs 165 grains. These bullets have multiple lube grooves, good bearing surface and were shot with black powder. Good shooting. LLS

[Marine Sgt 2111]

Well gents the 32-40 came in first and cleaner her up and made a space for her in the safe. I really like everything about the rifle, not as perfect a fit as my shilo but then again the cost isn't there either.

Already have winchester brass for both the .32-40 and .38-55, a recent GB mold for the .38-55, a saeco 200gr and 170gr rcbs molds on route. Already have rcbs cowboy dies for the .32-40 and lee for the .38-55. Lyman dies in .321, .323 and hornady 8mm gas checks also on route.

It looks like christmas came early for this Marine and with the first snow having came this morning...it's going to be a busy winter....:grin:

Thanks for all of your input....

[LIMPINGJ]

Marine Stg have you shot the 32-40 yet? I got one the other day and was wondering which of the molds available for 32-40 to try first.

[Marine Sgt 2111]

I have used the RCBS 32-170 mold, alloy 50% 92-6-2/ 50% pure lead (9 brinnel), 24grains of AA 2200. I haven't chono's the load but 1" three shot groups at 100 yds with iron sights did it for me. They were sized .3215 and I used Red Rooster HVR lube with Hornady gas checks.

I have since then also aquired the SAECO 200gr and 165gr molds and am looking forward to trying them while off for the New Year holiday.

Haven't even fired the 38-55...:groner:

[LIMPINGJ]

Please keep us posted on the Saeco results. I was thinking of trying the 165gr to conserve lead as all I want is orginal BP velocity target loads.

[OBXPilgrim]

I haven't chono's the load but 1" three shot groups at 100 yds with iron sights did it for me.

Doesn't sound to me like it really matters what velocity it's doing ;)
I'd be happy with that from any of mine.

Have you slugged the 38-55? Or are you going to?

[Marine Sgt 2111]

On the SAECO 165gr...what a great casting bullet. I degreased the molds and sprayed them with moly, brushed them out with a tooth brush, as I always do and started casting. Only 3 bullets out of 200 were outside of the +/- .3 grain range.

I haven't slugged the .38-55 yet but I will before reloading for it, most assuredly..:Fire:

[Green Frog]

Dwight, is the .32-40 a currently produced one, or is it original? I have found that my original, even with a "salt and pepper" bore shoots 25-1 alloy lead bullets of 165 to 195 grain weight real well in front of modest charges of IMR 4759. My favorites tend to be 175-185 grain plain base bullets (I shoot ASSRA events) with my own natural ingredients lube (mostly beeswax and lanolin) and about 13.5 or so of the 4759 I mentioned. This has been a very consistent and accurate loading.

Froggie

[Marine Sgt 2111]

Froggie,
Both the .32-40 and the .38-55 are of recent manufacture. Since I am going to get back into commercial casting after my retirement comes through and Cowboy action shooting will be one of my target markets, I wanted current models to test and be used as a base line.

My neighbor came over after I had been shooting the .32-40 and he commented how low the report was. I showed him the target and he was amazed. I can't wait to work with the 165 grainers (plain base) just haven't had the time yet.:Fire:

[e15cap]

Try that 200gr Saeco with 13.5gr off 4227 - you will like it.

[LIMPINGJ]

Who has 32-40 brass? All the places I usually buy from are out.

[e15cap]

Buffalo Arms