.32-40 Bd

[rondaxe]

I have one that belonged to my great grandfather. I checked the serial number and it was made in 1912. It is very accurate and fun to shoot, the only problem is ammo. Back in the 90's there was a run of ammo made with the Duke on the box and a local gunshop had 6 boxes for $16.00 a box so I bought them all. If you check the archives I asked a question about reloading them and the late RC Model gave me some info and a couple of recipes. I also remember reading that you could size 38-55 brass to 32-40 and that Starline makes it in a longer size for that purpose but don't quote me on that because sometimes I can't remember what I had for breakfast.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

can you tell me ammo sources? Seems all places that sell have it on back order.
I know reloading is the way to go. But I'll need a few boxes first.

Seems the ammo drought is even hitting the more obscure cartridges right now. Buffalo and Ventura would be my starting places, but as you've probably already found out they're both out.

Worse, the oddballs will be likely be resupplied after the more common cartridges.

Maybe a WTB ad on Gunbroker or THR? Someone might offer to custom load a batch for you for the right price.

 

[DZon]

I bought the rifle.
Most online ammunition is out of stock, never mind being just expensive.
So you provided me decent brass and costs.
that is a start, the .32 caliber bullets can simply be .32 lead bullets for something like flat nose .32 win spe? The bullet weights between the two cartridges basically same range, 165-180gr. .321 fit and seat best
Fast loads, may apparently cause leading? Good lubricants for that? I am thinking moderate, balanced performance powders as H-110 and 4227.

 

[Jim Watson]

Lyman Handbook 44 shows loads for .32-40.
IMR 4227 works well, I loaded some cast .30-30 with it that were accurate.
http://www.nzha.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Lyman44.pdf

It shows some pretty fast loads but I doubt they were pressure tested in those days.

I don't know about H110 in light cast loads.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

so how does a Ballard differ from a Winchester? I'm not positive, but I don't think Winchester chambered for Ballards, so perhaps this rifle has been modified?

It's the same as a 32-40 winchester. That was originally a Ballard cartridge, Winchester did not invent it.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

It partly matters when the gun was made and what steel is in the barrel. I have a model 94 32-40 made in 1898 that says nickel steel especially for smokeless powder. Some early 32-40 were not meant for smokeless.

IMO if you want an old 94 chambered in 32 that you really are wanting to get the most performance with smokeless then I would look for a 32ws rather than a 32-40. I love the 32 special, my favorite cartridge in a 94.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I bought the rifle.
The .32 caliber bullets can simply be .32 lead bullets for something like flat nose .32 win spe?

Have you slugged the bore? .318-9" and 323"-ish are the most likely candidates -- if the latter, you can use heavier 8mm bullets. If you don't mind the extra step, polymer coating or paper-patching may offer advantages with lead bullets.

The bullet weights between the two cartridges basically same range, 165-180gr. .321 fit and seat best. Fast loads, may apparently cause leading? Good lubricants for that? I am thinking moderate, balanced performance powders as H-110 and 4227.

IMR 4227 is my favorite in the .32-40. Very clean and efficient, assuming you are happy with velocities.

Paper patching and polymer coating are also ways to address leading issues. Here's a typical patching vid: