Reloading EverythingRotoMetals2Load DataInline Fabrication
WidenersMidSouth Shooters SupplyRepackboxTitan Reloading
Lee Precision
Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: What can you tell me about 32-40

  1. #1
    Boolit Master

    69daytona's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Sacramento,Ca
    Posts
    841

    What can you tell me about 32-40

    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.

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master Nobade's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    SE WV
    Posts
    6,217
    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.

  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy DAVIDMAGNUM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Maryland's Eastern Shore
    Posts
    196
    Is the rifle a Winchester 1894 Lever Action or 1885 Falling Block ? I don't believe there was ever a Winchester 1884.

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master Nobade's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    SE WV
    Posts
    6,217
    Quote Originally Posted by DAVIDMAGNUM View Post
    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...

  5. #5
    Boolit Master

    pworley1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Mississippi
    Posts
    3,253
    The 32 40 is a great caliber. I don't think it was ever loaded up to its potential with commercial ammo.
    NRA Benefactor Member NRA Golden Eagle

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

    69daytona's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Sacramento,Ca
    Posts
    841
    Should have read my post, it is an 85

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Posts
    3,702
    Quote Originally Posted by 69daytona View Post
    Should have read my post, it is an 85
    an original ? dont let it get away!!!!!!!!

  8. #8
    Boolit Master

    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    UPSTATE new york
    Posts
    1,722
    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.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Posts
    2,377
    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

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master Nobade's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    SE WV
    Posts
    6,217
    Quote Originally Posted by 69daytona View Post
    Should have read my post, it is an 85
    Well, the post does say 84.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Posts
    3,702
    Quote Originally Posted by Nobade View Post
    Well, the post does say 84.
    I thought he meant HE should have read it

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master Nobade's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    SE WV
    Posts
    6,217
    Quote Originally Posted by indian joe View Post
    I thought he meant HE should have read it
    Aah, i'm with you now. Funny how little nuances can get lost on the internet.

  13. #13
    Boolit Grand Master

    Wayne Smith's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Hampton Roads, Virginia
    Posts
    13,617
    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"!
    Wayne the Shrink

    There is no 'right' that requires me to work for you or you to work for me!

  14. #14
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    1,941
    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.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check