I've never separated a .32-40 but did separate a few Starline .38-55's.  Those thin cases didn't like being breech seated with FFFg.  Switching to a slower powder made the problem go away.

On the original topic, just size those cases with your sizing die and shoot them.  They will likely last for years.

Chris.

The ones I have go back to 1998 and are WW Brass. I have a few Nickle Plated Duke cases that I went in halves with a friend to try that do not have the cannelure. I have never had an issue with any of those outside of the typical loose primer pockets. Below is a case that appears to be about ready to separate, the cannelure line is starting to get a bit to wide when typically it is very very thin. This is for those who might not know what we have been talking about in regards to the cannelure ring or what it might look like after being fire formed and used quite a bit over time.

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JLouis

JS, you sure can make it from either of those two choices. I prefer the .32 Spl. to the more common .30-30, but they both have a place here in my stuff. The reason the .32 works better is that you don't have to stretch the mouth much, and that makes it easier. Addditionally, I have found that they are a little closer to the proper case length when finished. Just lube 'em with a good lube and run them into the sizing die.

JS47 wrote on Apr 9^th, 2018 at 9:57pm:


I had so much .32 Spl. brass after selling the guns in that caliber that I sized them all to .32-40. I think it's probably one of the easiest and best choices to rework into .32-40. The shoulder knocks off easily, and they size down with no excess material, or wrinkles.

40 rod, I had the same problem with the JW brass, at the time it was said the brass was brittle from the nickelplating.  Ledball

It being the only chamber I have, I never thought that might be a reason for my cases longevity. Hmmmmm............ interesting notion, John. Mine happens to be whatever Winchester cut back in the late 1880s.
As to the JW brass, it came both with and without the cannelure.  Mine have the cannelure and came to me shot from a 1894 of new manufacture. I have used them less than my unplated cases, but maybe I'll put 'em aside.

I rather doubt the problem with reformed case lengths exists at all. I've shot several different lengths (due to assorted reforming stocks), and I cannot see a whit of difference. Fixed or breech seated, the comparable results are the same. Same loads shoot the same, no matter how long or short. No rings of junk, no problem with anything that isn't explainable. Great caliber, and I got one of Winchester's better ones it seems.