Picked up a ol Hi Wall that was rebarreled in 32-40. What would be a good smokeless load for a 170gr cast bullet?


JMH

If you are shooting fixed loads, try about 14gr. to 14 1/2gr. of IMR4227. That Federal primer is a good one, but others are all right too. I wouldn't bother with crimp, but play around with seating depth to see what works. 
There's a zillion loads that work in this caliber- it's pretty easy to get pleasing results with. Look in older books, or on the internet. Others here will offer advice, too. Probably. Sooner or later, you may want to try breech seating, and that above load will probably work to start out there, too.   
Anyhow, I bet yer gonna like the new rifle, and I hope you soon come back to tell us how you're doing. Enjoy.

If you can find some of the IMR 4759 try that at about 14.0 grs with a 165 grain bullet. This powder has been discontinued again but it appears permanently as it doesn't allow for modern manufacturing methods (bean counters at work here) according to IMR. As always start low and work up. Frank

I've had good success with 12 to 13 grains of 2400 under a 165 grain Rapine plain base bullet in a High Wall, a Ballard, and several Winchester and Marlin lever actions.

Thanks for pointing that out, I often forget to go back to square one and Check the Stickies .There is allot of Imfo there. 
Thanks, Bruce

Thanks again for that nifty load, G-F. One of my favorites.

The stuff they loaded with lead bullets is all right. The jacketed bullet version is of the high velocity (for a .32-40) variety, and probably not a good idea in some old guns. I have shot both in my high wall, but that's the only twenty rounds of jacketed ammo I've ever used in it. Neither slug shot very well, if I remember correctly. Still have a box an a half of the lead version.