Remington Hepburn 32-40 B&M

[Woodly]

Any 32-40 B&M Hepburns out there??

In the process of buying this rifle and wanted to see what I can expect for Bore and Groove sizes. I understand that .321-.323 cast bullets will work.. I plan on chamber casting and bore slugging after (if) I get the rifle...

Trying to get some good options for starting loads and or bullet molds to look at.

I am going to resize & trim 38-55 starline brass to get going. Shooting .322-.323 FN cast bullets (for my 32 win SPL.)

Planning on shooting paper in the 1400 FPS range

Thanks for your advice!!
Bob

[marlinman93]

The Hepburn in .32-40 Ballard & Marlin is the standard .32-40 we all know today. The bores can run a huge range from as small as .320" to as large as .327"! I own one in .32-40 B&M and it's on the large end. If yours turns out to be any larger than maybe .325" I doubt it will accept fixed bullets and chamber. I'm convinced the larger bores were special ordered by shooters who planned to breech seat bullets, as every large groove in this caliber I've seen was a schuetzen Match A or B rifle. Mine is a Match B with 34" half octagon, and the bore is like new, but .327" groove.
Really no reason to push the velocity to 1400 fps, but the Hepburn will easily handle it. I'd start lower around 1300 fps, and creep up until you get the tightest groups. These are slower twist barrels than modern .32-40 guns, and will like bullets in the 170-180 range better.

My Match B with 34" barrel, double set triggers, and small Swiss buttplate.
https://i.imgur.com/RjAoXcdl.jpg

[Bigslug]

Well, here's what REALLY WELL worked for us - Accurate 32-186D mold on second page of the thread.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?334647-Preferred-32-40-Boolits-(repro-High-Wall)

[Triggerfinger]

Buddy has one and has been looking for info. This will help him.