Do you have an older Lyman or other book w 32-40 data?


I would think a modest amount of 4895 would be a good place to start and I doubt a slightly shorter case would make a difference, especially with your bullets seated out.


You might consider fire forming using some cast bullets and a moderate load.


As long as your bullet isn't jammed hard into the lands I'd think you are ok.


Have you tried any of the powder maker web sites for data?


I'm wondering if that cannelure is for a different cartridge hence the longer length?


With a modern firearm like the TCR I'd think you have a little better margin of safety vs a very old worn lever action 32-40.

 

I really have had a sweet spot for this caliber for some years. I have looked for a Marlin in 32-40 and come close once and even bought one that had been rechambered but not marked 32WS...

I have bullets dies and brass set aside. For when I do. Sorry that dont help you. Have you searched the internet? Here is some good articles.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/32-40Win.htm

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=32-40&Weight=All&type=Rifle&Source=

http://www.loaddata.com/Cartridge/32-40/192

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?90434-Loading-the-32-40-Win-94

http://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-shooting-and-hunting/Reloading+for+32-40/

http://www.chuckhawks.com/32-40WCF.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.32-40_Ballard

Good luck!

CW

BTW, if you would benifit from a few actual 32-40 cases, shoot me a PM with your address. I can spare a few for you.

 

No longer own it, but once had a 32-40 barrel for my TCRs. Never had a problem with reformed 30-30 brass. The Hodgdon # 26 manual lists max case length at 2.130; trim to length at 2.110. As to overall length, I think some of the stuff in the manuals limited OAL so the ammo would cycle through lever action rifles. I don't think OAL is a problem in a top-break rifle as long as the round will chamber. Had good luck with the 170gr Hornady flatpoint bullet and, I think, 12 grains of 4227(not a lot of difference between Hodgdon and IMR 4227). That's about the middle of the range for 4227 in the Hodgdon # 26. Don't remember the velocity or OAL, but I did seat the bullet to the cannelure. I generally fireform when making cases, always when they are for a top-break rifle. My two cents worth.

 

I was over at the Huntington Die Specialties site and they have case RCBS forming dies to take 38-55 brass to 32-40. Looking in my Lyman 47 manual I see that 38-55 brass is supposed to be about 2.118 to 2.129 inches. Maybe that would be a way to get proper length brass? Maybe a hassle tho. I see Midway USA has Starline Brass in stock.

 

I was over on the marlin forum and some members said that the crimp ring is in the wrong place on the bullets that I have and need to be seated deeper but even at that they are still too long as per the book.
I did find a web page that has all the different makers specks for their barrels and the Thompson TCR 32-40 26 inch rifle barrel uis listed there case length is listed at 2.130 and loaded round is 2.500
The 30-30 brase is 2.072 and with the bullet seated to crimp ring it is 2.609. I shot some today to sight in and they are all over the paper. It could be the scope but it was ok on another rifle I removed it from mount is solid as well as rings every thing tight. First time I have ever had this problem I am thinking with the round out of specks that may be problem but round was fitted to chamber till it closed with ease.the bullet size is 321 as per the barrel maker.


Deaconllb

 

This might be off-topic, but it looks to me like the problem may be with the barrel. I have four TCR receivers and seven barrels. A couple of the barrels only shoot well on a specific receiver, I'm convinced on account of headspace issues. I also have one that needed to have the crown recut, and all of them shot better after I hand-lapped them. OAL does affect accuracy, but, at least in my experience, not to the point of causing as the rifle to shoot patterns rather than groups.

 

The head space is fine I think the scope is the problem as I removed it from my Muzzle loader and when I got to thinking about it I was having a little problem last deer season so I will replace the scope with a known good one and see what happens once this 50 mile an hour wind goes away you may have seen on the news how we are having lots of fires here in Oklahoma last one was caused by high winds arking the power lines.
Don't know where there is a 308 barrel for sale do you? I have 2 receivers and 9 Barrels


Deaconllb

 

A bad scope can sure cause problems. Hope you get it worked out. Have seen news reports on the fires, and on some flooding and tornados. You folks out there in Oklahoma seem to get more than your share of weather problems. Had a TCR 308; got it rebored to 356 Win some years back. Haven't seen any TCR barrels for sale in a while, except that there seem to be lots of 7 Mags. If I run across a 308, will let you know. My favorite is an '83 with the set trigger, in 7X65R. It started life as a 7X64, but I'm a big believer in rimmed cases for top-break rifles. All of my barrels were made for, or have been altered to accept, rimmed cases. Nine barrels is quite a collection. Don't run into too many TCR enthusiasts. Good luck with your 32-40.