Reloading for a 32-40, 170 grain?

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Nipigon Jack

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I just picked up brass and dies for my 32-40 this week. I'm really looking forward to loading for this old girl. Finding reasonably priced old ammo at the gun shows has been getting harder.
The only bullets I can find are either the Hornady 170 grain flat point or similar Speer. The Hornady website shows it as it being temporarily suspended so it may be impossible to find.
When I check my manuals I can only find load data for this bullet for the 32 special.
I've seen another post that said its okay to use the data for the 32 special in the 32-40 but I just wanted to confirm. Is the channelure going to be in the right location?
NJ
 
I am in the same boat, I think the canelure is too far back for the 32-40. As for load data the old Lyman manuals have data for the 32-40.
Let me know what you find out about loading this cartridge. Someone in the loading section is advertising lead bullets for the 32-40, I
sent him a PM asking about the canelure but he hasn't responded yet.
BB
 
Big Bull,
How far back is the groove?
Would it be possible to trim the case short so that it will crimp in the groove, and if so, how much neck would you have left?

If I have to buy cast, then I'll look up Ben H and ask him to hook me up, unless someone here has a better idea.
 
Nipigon Jack said:
Big Bull,
How far back is the groove?
Would it be possible to trim the case short so that it will crimp in the groove, and if so, how much neck would you have left?

If I have to buy cast, then I'll look up Ben H and ask him to hook me up, unless someone here has a better idea.
Click to expand...

I can't remember how far back it was but it was enough to concern me.
I tought of recutting the groove but it would end up in the ogive, the bullet (Hornady) is jut not made for the 32-40.
Cutting the case back I think would not help, how would crimp it? You would need a special die, the shoulder would bump before the
crimp was started. I would think.
BB
 
Do NOT trim back your. 32-40 brass!!!! If you neck up. 30-30 brass you will have the correct OAL with the case mouth crimped in the cannelure on the Speer 170 gr. 321 bullet.

Do NOT use .32 Special data for the .32-40 - there is plenty of data out there for it without trying to transpose. The .32-40 is a black powder era cartridge and operates are much lower pressure and velocity. You'd be further ahead looking for correct diameter cast lead bullets, think .321-323 dia...
 
Mudgunner49 is right - DON"T use 32 special data for 32-40. Also, you'd be light years ahead with a bullet mold making your own cast bullets. For what it's worth, Higginson Powder had 32-40 brass last time I looked.
Grouch
 
I do not know id they still sell them but in the past I bought cast bullets from the Bullet Barn for the 32-40. I think you would be much better off using cast bullets then jacketed ones.

Graydog
 
bigbull said:
I am in the same boat, I think the canelure is too far back for the 32-40. As for load data the old Lyman manuals have data for the 32-40.
Let me know what you find out about loading this cartridge. Someone in the loading section is advertising lead bullets for the 32-40, I
sent him a PM asking about the canelure but he hasn't responded yet.
BB
Click to expand...

BB, replied to the PM yesterday. I can send you a sample bullet to try if you like. PM your address if you want it. They work well in my Winchester M1894 32-40, but there is some variation in different rifles.
Thanks.
 
I'll bet the Bullet Barn bullets will work well for you. The only downside is the alloy is pretty hard. I've used them a couple of times for fireforming brass in for my single shots.

Chris.
 
Corbin makes a nice little crank style cannelure tool. I finally bought one and like it, and it will allow you to put a nice Hornady style cannelure wherever you like on the bullet shank. If I was shooting a .32-40, I think I'd be looking for a supply of cast bullets, but maybe I've read too much Lucian Cary.
 
One thing I should have mentioned, the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook has plenty of data for the .32-40. I haven't used any of it though as I shoot black powder in my single shot rifles.

Btw, if you ever have trouble finding brass just full length size some .38-55 in your .32-40 dies and it'll come out pretty much exactly the right length ( assuming that you start with the modern "short" .38-55 brass.

Good luck with that .32-40, it's an excellent cartridge.

Chris.
 
Boomer said:
Corbin makes a nice little crank style cannelure tool. I finally bought one and like it, and it will allow you to put a nice Hornady style cannelure wherever you like on the bullet shank. If I was shooting a .32-40, I think I'd be looking for a supply of cast bullets, but maybe I've read too much Lucian Cary.
Click to expand...

You're dating yourself Boomer with the reference to Lucian Cary.
I'm no spring chicken and had never heard of him. Thank you Google for the help.
Thanks for the reply, I'll keep that tool in mind. I'll order some cast and see how it works out.
 
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