I NEVER GET LUCKY!  But thanks, only way I could enter this sport. I initially was just interested in scope, left gun store, called Squirrel Pizza, and he made me (not really, but it helped.. ) go back and get it. I had no idea about .32-40, Winchester high walls, I was totally nieve.  Know I know what "breech loading", "loads for .32-40", etc. etc. etc.  And I pray my wife doesn't know who "Timber"  (e.g. me) is!

Although it doesn't matter, What would rifle, scope, 500 brass, 500 (now 450...) cast bullets, and sizing/bullet seat die go for in your opinion?  Not retail, but what it would "sell" at?

I'm hoping I can get 1" at 100 yards (bench) but didn't happen on first 50 loads.

Thanks again.

Thanks...certainly going to try that.

QUESTION - where do you folks get your bullets?  Not easy to find stuff folks talk about...I presume a lot of the bullets discussed are from vintage molds?   

And is it sacrilege (or stupid) to use jacketed bullets in a Briesen barrel? I honestly don't know, but also ain't trying it unless a lot of folks say it is okay...

I did find some molds, but holly cow they are EXPENSIVE! I have never laid 3 figures on a mold (all I have cast for are round balls for Flintlock...).

Thank you Fitz!  I wondered about powder charges that only fill 1/3 or so of the cartridge case.  Need some wads anyway so I give it a try.

Maybe it's the load, one day find out...

Of course it could be the shooter but I had the rifle in training wheels (bench rest contraption). And with 20 power scope ( which I have never had before) you can sure quarter up that orange sticker up real easy...   

Timber

Timber wrote on Dec 20^th, 2016 at 9:34pm:

Be very careful about using wads. Fitz wasn't recommending wads for the 32/40, it was for the 38/55.  It has a straight interior, 32/40 is tapered inside and those type of wads won't work and will fall against the powder.

If you do decide to try any kind of wads BE SURE, NOT to put the wads down against the powder. Note he said .100 off the powder.

I do not use any wads, at all because, I have budged a chamber that way. The wad was in contact with the powder.

Frank

Frank, thank you. No wad for me! I know one is used under bullet in black powder but had no idea it could jump pressures by being in  the cartridge in wrong spot.  Thanks again for the caution.

300MP for me has been an excellent powder not only in the 32-40 but also in my 28-35SS and 25-21 as well. My 8th 8lb jug is just about empty so now going on having used 64lbs. it is not just an opinion but it has proven to be an excellent powder for my competitive use. In the 32-40 and using roughly a 200gr. bullet 14.2 to 14.4 grains depending on the temp. for the day has worked extremely well for me. It is also the powder I used to set the new ASSRA 100yd. 5-5 Shot Group Average Record. The lot to lot consistency from one lot number to next has also been extremly excellent and I highly recommend the powder. It has also proven to be quite a bit more consistant than 4227 day in and day out and through all of the temp. ranges from the 30's to over 100 for me. Once you find a primer it likes and you need to should try them all including the magnums I think you will be extremely pleased. My rifle and 32-40 pet load prefers the Winchester Large Rifle Magnum Primers, the 28-35SS Federal 210's and the 25-21 Wolf Small Rilfe.

I hope this was somewhat helpful and if you have any questions please send them to me Via a PM if you would like them to be addressed.

JLouis

I think that could also be caused by your rest and rifle position and varying the way the gun recoils. JMO. Just seems extremely tight horizontal to rule out mechanical response issues. Again JMO