What can you tell me about 32-40

[69daytona]

Was looking at a custom Winchester 1884 in 32-40. Gun comes with a couple boxes of BP loaded cast Rnfp.
What's best BP size to use and best cast bullet mold to go with.
If I can work a deal it will be coming home with me next week.

[Nobade]

Totally depends upon the chamber and throat configuration. Since 32-40 was used as a target round for so long, many rifles were set up to use breech seated bullets. Many were built to be muzzle loaded. If it has a chamber in it like a lever gun, it will use fixed ammunition. Until you get a good chamber cast there's no way to know.

[DAVIDMAGNUM]

Is the rifle a Winchester 1894 Lever Action or 1885 Falling Block ? I don't believe there was ever a Winchester 1884.

[Nobade]

Is the rifle a Winchester 1894 Lever Action or 1885 Falling Block ? I don't believe there was ever a Winchester 1884.

Good point, I was just figuring it was a '85 and that was a typo but it could be the other way around...

[pworley1]

The 32 40 is a great caliber. I don't think it was ever loaded up to its potential with commercial ammo.

[69daytona]

Should have read my post, it is an 85

[indian joe]

Should have read my post, it is an 85

an original ? dont let it get away!!!!!!!!

[ascast]

I think Nobade has summed it up. See if the ammo that comes was regular feed. If so how did it shoot, etc etc. My experience is Winchesters are a bit tight in the chamber. Is this ammo hand load or some factory stuff? Lots of 32-40 out there in weaker actions. Yours is not one so you can load above any factory ammo out there. I'm sure we can set you up when you get your gun. Be sure to get dies that have an extra expander for cast boolits.

[samari46]

Think of the 32-40 as the old time equivalent to the 222 Remington. with proper cast bullets and small charges of smokeless powder will amaze you with it's accuracy. IMR 4759,2400 or IMR or Hogdon 4227. Frank

[Nobade]

Should have read my post, it is an 85

Well, the post does say 84.

[indian joe]

Well, the post does say 84.

I thought he meant HE should have read it :D

[Nobade]

I thought he meant HE should have read it :D

Aah, i'm with you now. Funny how little nuances can get lost on the internet.

[Wayne Smith]

Nuanes get lost in many communications. Mostly incomplete ones. There is a major difference between "I should have read my post" and "You should have read my post"!

[Gunlaker]

The best way to load a Winchester 1885 in .32-40 for accuracy is to breech seat. If it's an original 1885 it will almost certainly be a 1:16 twist. It will probably like a Pope style tapered bullet up to 185 grains or so.

I have not used fine granulations, but can say that Fg and 1.5 are good places to start.

Chris.