Loading the 32-40 Win 94.

[Marvin S]

I was reading the three page thread on pressure curves and using smokeless powder in black powder guns. It inspired me to post this.

So I have this new to me 94 Win in 32-40 that was made in 1923. We will assume it has a nickel steel receiver with a plain ordinance steel barrel because it is not marked as a nickel steel barrel and is in either 32-40 or 38-55. The Winchester 94 book says that these two calibers will have ordinance steel barrels, as nickel steel would have been a special order item and the old sales adds in the book support that statement.

There is also an add from 1916 for cartridges and list smokeless loadings for the 32-40 and 38-55 with lead bullets and full patch (Jacketed) bullets.

We know that the 25-35 30-30 and 32 Special where a smokeless round to start with so we use data for full SAMI pressure limits because they where meant for smokeless right.

Now back to the 32-40 and 38-55. Do we use data that says it is intended for firearms that are safe for smokeless powders? Reference Accurate powders page 355 fro the 32-40 Winchester or page 348 for low pressure loads.

I just loaded up 50 rounds using a RCBS 170gr FNGC with 27gr of 2495BR which is a start load @ 1800 fps and also shows the lowest chamber pressure with the highest velocity. I don't really know what the factory smokeless loading was in terms of FPS and chamber pressure, but I assume I am good to go with this. What do you guys think? Thanks for your educated opinions. AHH I tried to post a picture of the gun but it did not take. It is in tight mechanical condition with an as new bore.

I posted this originally on leverguns.com but though I would put it here also to tap some sharp minds. Thanks.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

My old Lyman manual shows a spectrum of velocities at the max level ranging from 1600 up thru 1940fps with a 165 grain jacketed bullet. No pressures were given. The lower or suggested range with the same bullet runs from 1500fps to 1820fps. The powders used were 2400,4759,4198,4895,3031,and 4064. In the cast department only two bullets are listed;321232 and 321295-both at 175 grains, using 2400 and 4759 and giving velocities of 1500fps and 1380fps. Both of those appear to be on the conservative side. Loads for 2495 shown in the Lee manual (current) are slightly above what you are loading and appear to be on the safe side. I have no historical info regarding factory pressures and frankly when it comes to my own guns I trust no one. I would suggest starting lower than what anyone else says and working up...always with an eye out for the best grouping with any given powder. Higher velocity may be more desireable with regard to hunting and muzzle velocity, but it is not always the ruling factor for accuracy. LLS

[870TC]

There were 2 factory loadings for 32-40, or 2 velocity ranges would be a better way of saying it. The first around 1440FPS and the second "high speed load" around 1750FPS. This from Cartridges of the World.

[Marvin S]

Thanks guys, I did have COTW book and blindly passed by it. I did learn how to tell weather my gun will handle full SAMMI pressure loads, and it is supposed with nickel steel barrel not outwardly marked as such. So that's a relief.

[excess650]

I don't think the barrel steel from 1923 is much of an issue. It is a Win 94 action, so should be safe with loads similar in pressure to the 30-30.

With old, soft barrels like Marlin used on the 1894s and 1893s that weren't "Special Smokeless Steel" its a good idea to forget about jacketed bullets and just shoot cast.

As for the 32-40 with cast, I wouldn't see any reason to shoot jacketed in it at all unless its really rough and won't shoot cast. At the velocities possible with the cartridge, cast with gas checks will have it covered.

[358 Win]

Marvin, If you want an accurate cast bullet load in your 32-40 I stumbled on one by accident with my
best friends relined Mod 94. Black powder loads ruined the bore so he had it relined in Klamath Falls
Oregon. Got it back and he asked me to do some load testing for him. Used WW 32-40 cases, a
Fed 215 Mag primer, and 13gr of Alliant 2400. Chronographed at 1430fps. At fifty yards it shot a
five shot group of 3/4". Repeated it thinking it was a fluke but it wasn't. Some groups were even smaller. That was the first load I tried and needless to say that's the load we stuck with. It's my buddies walk about rifle and load.
The bullet was the RCBS 08-170FNGC. Sized to .3225, lubed, and gas check seated they weigh 182gr.
358 Win