Shiloh Rifle Forums

Have any of you formed 32-40 from 30-30 brass?
I looked at a Marlin 32-40 last weekend and passed on it. I then thought about the 5 gallon bucket I have of once fired 30-30 brass and thought 30-30 cases might be formed into 32-40 brass.

The 30-30 brass will make short 32-40 cartridges.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT

short length 38/55 brass works fine as does 32 special art

The 30-30 comes out a little short for the 32-40 but they work just fine. And, if you are going to use the 170 grain flat point jacketed bullets, that short length is about right for the crimping chanulare on the bullet. Might actually have to shorten them just a little. I use that combination in my 1894 Winchester and it works very well.

George

Interesting thread Glen.I recently found out that there were actually three separate 32-40 cartridges. The original was a Ballard design case and is what Marlin and Winchester adopted for their lever and single shot models. I have a High wall here now that needs the barrel set back and chamber lengthened . The Brownell's catalog says it uses a 30-30 head space gauge but neither of my gauges will fit in the chamber so I don't know whats up with that. I guess I will have use a case to set it.
Remington and Bullard (not Ballard) also had a 32-40 of a different shape.
I suppose one could nib out 30-30 brass in a lathe to make the correct length or use one of the hydraulic case stretching tools.

Thanks George. I have wanted a 32-40 for a few years and I like to cast bullets so maybe now is the time.
mdeland...I learn something new almost every day. Shooting, loading, bow making and knapping stone tools...It's all very interesting and knowledge we should all be passing down to the next generation.

I shoot a 32-40 and brass was pretty plentiful before the Dem-penic. Bought slot of Winchester brass, easily mage from 38-55 brass.

Kevin
I'm thinking a 32-40 might be a low recoiling rifle for my grand son. Have you ever shot your 32-40 on the silhouette range? I know it's way too light...but might get my Grand Monkey into BPCR.

I have shot a 32-40 at the silhouette range Glenn. It was out of gas at the turkeys and when I finally lucked into hitting a ram, it just stood there. 38-55 is a very mild recoiling cartridge and yet is still suitable for silhouette.

Woody

I was afraid of that Woody. 38-55 might be the way to go. he's growing VERY fast.

The 35-40 works quit well on silhouettes and a number of folks have shot them.

geologist
I have no idea what a 35-40 is.

It is a necked-up 30-30 or a necked-down 38-55 to 0.357, and it can be either 2.085 inches or 2.140 inches long.

It can also be a necked-up 32-40.

Right now my 32-40 marlin as my main gun this year. I shot it at Tappanhill and it did well, went to Topeka and hit rams well but three didn’t go. But I am shooting light loads, 14 grains of 4227 under a 165 grain bullet. I am going to to try a heavier load for rams as I had to do that with my 30-30. And shoot light loads on other three animals