I wanted to break into Schuetzen matches and target shooting.  Looked at rifles at gun shows and after 6  months decided on a cartridge. 32-40.  Went to a dealer and looked a a bunch of rifles.  Picked one out.  Got home and the barrel said 33-47.  Hmm I like the rifle, original Stevens 44 1/2 action with new heavy barrel and wood.  Friend has helped me out with 235 grain bullets, a modified case used as a bullet seater, and some 32-40 cases to fire form.  What are starting loads for this 33-47?  I have IMR 4227.

Thanks for information.  Needed a starting point.  I read an old post on favorite loads that had been tagged on this website but no mention of 33 on it.  Not sure if this is a common round or not.

Angus,

Pope as well as Schoyen, Petersen, and Zischang would often bore the original 32-40 barrel to .33 caliber.  Either to clean up BP pitting, or just to do their special twist or land and groove dimensions.  You will often find a 33 that has the original 32-40 chamber, just over bored, or a 33-47 where the case mouth has been expanded as well to enable loading fixed ammunition.  I have both, one on a Winchester 1885; the other is a Stevens-Pope on a Ballard action that was done at the Stevens factory.

Have fun with your new rifle,

Rich