Reloading 32-40... or at least Im trying.

[Nickgt40]

So I've purchased (maybe foolishly) a Winchester 94 shod in the lovely yet sparse 32-40.

I can't find projectiles, I can't find brass, and I can't find dies (or at least the right ones).

Next, any tips on loads? I've got some 4227 that I use for my .357 loads Id like to utilize, if not steer me in the right direction.

Anyone care to help?

[Enfield47]

Not sure but I think these are the correct dies you are looking for http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm...C32550&src=sim.

Here is a place that has some 32-40 brass in stock http://www.lohmanarms.com/product_p/winu3240.htm.

Here's an old thread, maybe the seller still has something http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=703176.

The old odd guns are really cool but they can be a bear at times to find stuff for.

Good luck!

['ol shooter]

Oregon Trail has the bullets, Ventura Munitions sells new Load-X, maybe they can tell you where to get bare brass.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=600280

[Nickgt40]

Thank you gents!!


A couple other things, I am very new to reloading.I have heard from a few different sources that reloading 30/30 brass is the way to go. Does anybody here have any experience with working the 30/30 cases to fit my caliber?

[gunboat]

30/30 cases can be expanded and full length sized in a 32/40 die -
It will be about .010 short -
38/55 cases can be sizede down to 32/40 in a full length 32/40 die -
38/55 case are often found in two lengths - check dimension

[Nickgt40]

Thanks gunboat, so I don't need any special dies then other than the standard RCBS Cowboy Dies?

[milotrain]

Winchester brass maybe in stock:

http://mcgcreek.com/wi3un50rebrc.html

How to resize 30/30 or 32special:

http://www.assra.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1293938263

I would highly recommend just getting virgin Winchester brass. I have not loaded for 32-40 but I much prefer virgin brass whenever I can use it. It simplifies a whole lot of the initial process and if you are new to reloading it will help a lot. Also 100 cases will last you for ever if that's just a plinking and occasional hunting gun.

RCBS

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/385844/rcbs-cowboy-3-die-set-32-40-wcf

The guys below will make you any die you want. Consider them if you can't find what you need.

http://www.warner-tool.com/reloading.htm

http://www.neiljones.com/

[milotrain]

Also consider breach seating

http://www.lasc.us/brennan_6-6-1_loadsingleshotrifles.htm

[Nickgt40]

Thanks Milo.


Another question... it seems pretty much everything available in 32-40 is quite a bit more than I paid for my Winchester 94 Duke. Id like to get something else, maybe bolt action if at all possible, to have 2 guns shooting the same loads. Any suggestions?

[gunboat]

Yes, you should be able to resize the case with just a 32/40 die.

Off hand I can't recall any bolt gun factory chambered for the 32-40 -
Many moons ago the 32/40 was a very popular cartridge for all types of target shooting - mostly single shot weapons -
You might rebarrel something like a 30/30 savage 340 for an inexpensive bolt gun.
But unless it is a DIY project it would be a peck cheaper just to buy another set of dies.

[Witch Hunter]

Maybe before you get too deep into the 32/40, trade it for a more modern caliber. They are cool, but as you have discovered, they are hard to find components for. It would depend what you are using it for, but any of the more modern cartridges are a lot easier to begin with. Even the .32 Special is more modern compared to your 32/40. That said, try Winchester 748 or IMR 3031 for powder in the 32/40.

[Nickgt40]

Nah, the fact that nobody (comparatively of course) else has one is part of the allure. Even if I can't shoot it every time I go to the range it doesn't mean it isn't something fun to have.

I do appreciate the words though.

[SublimeJJ99]

My dad has a model 94 John Wayne edition 32-40. He loves it! He shoots it all the time. I buy the lead projectiles for him from Midway and he got the dies from one of his buddies. As far as brass, he forms them from 30-30's. I can't find bullet molds though and I've been looking for a while. It's a blast to shoot and he's still experimenting with the loads.

['ol shooter]

I am using Oregon Trail in my .32 Spl. and .30-30, and they shoot good. They make a .32-40 in 170 gr. for $66.50 shipped for 500.

[Witch Hunter]

Hey, be careful resizing other brass to .32/40, those have notoriously thin necks and try to buckle at the shoulder. I used to see the John Wayne ammo all over, I guess it is hard to find now also.