1894 chambered for .32-40
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- Old Time Hunter
- Advanced Levergunner
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- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 11:18 am
- Location: Wisconsin
1894 chambered for .32-40
Ran across a gent that claims he has a 1911 Winchester Model 1894 TD, Octagon barrel chambered for .32-40. Will take a look at it this weekend, any advice? Is the .32-40 any good? Any load suggestions?
- 2ndovc
- Advanced Levergunner
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- Location: OH, South Shore of Lake Erie
I had a 94 in 32-40 several years ago. Sold it when the prices really jumped up and was building my last house. Wish I hadn't, was a super accurate rifle. Very mild recoil.
Don't even want to think what a nice take down is worth
Don't even want to think what a nice take down is worth
jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
I can't claim to be an impartial source. I go nuts for takedowns. If it has a bore that looked like I could tolerate, I know I would be sorely tempted.
The 32-40 is an older black powder cartridge that shares the same basic case as the 30-30 and so on. I can't imagine you not being able to make reloads that are not very similar in power to the 30-30. I also believe it uses the same bullets as the Winchester 32 Special.
Lymann's Cast Bullet Handbook should have reloading data on it. If not, starting data for the 32 Special would be a place to work from; being careful of course with a rifle that is near 100 years old.
The 32-40 is an older black powder cartridge that shares the same basic case as the 30-30 and so on. I can't imagine you not being able to make reloads that are not very similar in power to the 30-30. I also believe it uses the same bullets as the Winchester 32 Special.
Lymann's Cast Bullet Handbook should have reloading data on it. If not, starting data for the 32 Special would be a place to work from; being careful of course with a rifle that is near 100 years old.
The .32-40 is more tapered than the .30-30 and so has less capacity than that cartridge or the .32 Winchester Special.
Also, .32 WS bullets don't have the cannelure in the proper location for .32-40 seating. However, the .32-40 is about an ideal cast bullet cartridge and can do quite well with cast 170 gr. bullets going about 1700 fps.
Given a good bore and possible extras (look for them), that might be a great buy!
Also, .32 WS bullets don't have the cannelure in the proper location for .32-40 seating. However, the .32-40 is about an ideal cast bullet cartridge and can do quite well with cast 170 gr. bullets going about 1700 fps.
Given a good bore and possible extras (look for them), that might be a great buy!
Sincerely,
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
Hobie
"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
If you form your cases from 30/30 brass you can use Hornady 170 grain jacketed SP & use the cannelure. Real 32/40 cases are too long to get a proper oal with them. I think Speer makes a 170 grain bullet for it too
I wouldn't recomend useing 32 special data as, like Hobie just said, the 32/40 has less capacity & pressures would be high.
I believe my load is 23 grains of RL7 under the Hornady bullet for 1900 fps.
I'd not shoot too many jacketed bullets thru it tho. Theres alot of cast options that work well & are easier on the bore.
I wouldn't recomend useing 32 special data as, like Hobie just said, the 32/40 has less capacity & pressures would be high.
I believe my load is 23 grains of RL7 under the Hornady bullet for 1900 fps.
I'd not shoot too many jacketed bullets thru it tho. Theres alot of cast options that work well & are easier on the bore.
Here is a link to one I sold recently. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... m=75238353
Not a takedown, but button mag & antique. Was a joy to shoot, but I was worried I would wear it out shooting it. (Also got a case of gun trade fever, I feel another case coming on too ) Chris
Not a takedown, but button mag & antique. Was a joy to shoot, but I was worried I would wear it out shooting it. (Also got a case of gun trade fever, I feel another case coming on too ) Chris
- Old Time Hunter
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 2388
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 11:18 am
- Location: Wisconsin
Well, I truly appreciate the in-put guys!
CB, you would be shocked at what this gent want for the one I'm looking at. 'Course he isn't into guns, he is just one of my clients that happens to have acquired it through his family over the years and he never used it, plus his wife wants it out of the house. Told him I'd stop by and take a look at it, might be worth a couple of hundred in perfect shape. He said come over this weekend!
CB, you would be shocked at what this gent want for the one I'm looking at. 'Course he isn't into guns, he is just one of my clients that happens to have acquired it through his family over the years and he never used it, plus his wife wants it out of the house. Told him I'd stop by and take a look at it, might be worth a couple of hundred in perfect shape. He said come over this weekend!