Found a good cast load for the 1894 Winchester .32-40

I really can't say how much I enjoy the Model 1894 Winchester rifle I got back in early October. I had never owned a .32-40 before but I've had 1894's in every other caliber, and I had heard that they can be very accurate. I went out, handloaded some Hornady 170 grain jacketed soft point rounds for it, used those to kill a nice 5 point buck on Election Day, but I wanted to play around with some cast bullets, so I ordered some .323" 170 grain cast bullets from Montana Bullet Works. Today I tried them out, 13.0 grains of IMR-4198, a nice mild load and I got two three shot groups at 30 yards of just around an inch. It shoots pretty well and now that it's getting cold, I can load up some more while there's nothing going on during the winter months.

https://i.imgur.com/R0MwOsM.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/z0HLQ1b.jpg?1

It shoots really well with Hornady 170 grain jacketed soft points.

https://i.imgur.com/yCLYeZ0.jpg?1

I used the jacketed soft point loads when I shot this nice 5 point buck.

https://i.imgur.com/pFfSHEF.jpg?1

I found an old box of Remington factory ammo and it shoots really well with those.

https://i.imgur.com/KB21oqS.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/hU9O6Ls.jpg?1

These were from the 170 grain cast bullets and 13.0 grains of IMR-4198.

https://i.imgur.com/Xs9dD8t.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/M2rZjEB.jpg?1

I'm using a varity of boolits from the 170gn Lyman mold to 190gn Saeco boolit sized to 0.323"

https://i.imgur.com/kAWVgGk.jpg

Sweet.:awesome:

Hello Guys,

I loaded the RCBS 32-170-FN in my 1893,
I used Reloader 7 with 30-30 cases formed.
It's good to see these old girls out & still doing the job.

AntiqueSledMan.

I'm working with a 94 in 32-40 right now. I'm getting good results with a 170gr Miester bullet and 4227. Very comfortable round to shoot. My gun is actually the back 1/2 of a 55 and the front 1/2 a 94. It is a M55 take down with a round 24" 30-30 barrel and came with a take down 32-40 M94 barrel that is 20" and oct.

I use the RCBS 170 GC and get good results with 25 grains 3031. Works well in my 94 carbine.

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Originally Posted by leadeye

I use the RCBS 170 GC and get good results with 25 grains 3031. Works well in my 94 carbine.

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I have to find that mold, everybody seems to be sold out of it.

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Originally Posted by freakonaleash

I have to find that mold, everybody seems to be sold out of it.

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It's also my go-to for 32WS.

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Originally Posted by leadeye

It's also my go-to for 32WS.

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Yep, I have a 32WS too, it would be perfect for it.

Find some of the discontinued IMR 4759 13.0 to 14.0 for a 165 grain bullet. IMR 4227 in the same powder charge range. Those were the two most used powders used for the 32-40 for years. Frank

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Originally Posted by samari46

Find some of the discontinued IMR 4759 13.0 to 14.0 for a 165 grain bullet. IMR 4227 in the same powder charge range. Those were the two most used powders used for the 32-40 for years. Frank

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4759 shoots really well in a 32-40. Unfortunately I only have a little bit left in the bottom of the can. 4227 is the powder I use in my schuetzen rifle in 32-40. Shoots one hole groups @ 100 yards. 4227 also shows great promise in my 32-40 '94

I have a rifle in takedown. I won a few matchs with it . cases formed from 30-30 165 gr. bullet . loaded with black powder and spg lube.

I always thought I wanted a single Shot in 32/40. I have a mold and a hundred pieces of brass. been that way for years... maybe one day.

Congrats on the venison. Good job!

CW

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Lee 170gr 8mm bullet. It shoots extremely well in my '94 with either 16.0gr of H4198 or 14.0gr of 4227. It works equally well with or without gas check.