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Help loading my first CPA .32-40 (Read 4543 times)

gmkmd Participating Member Offline Posts: 17 Location: Bethlehem, PA Joined: Jul 18^th, 2006	Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Dec 11^th, 2022 at 8:56pm	Print Post
	I would appreciate advice on starting loads for my CPA, in .32-40. This is my first foray into Schuetzen loading. But I’ve done plenty of long-range BPCR. Anyway, it’s a model 52, and an early one (before they moved to Dingman’s Ferry). I have a set of reloading dies, which are RCBS Cowboy dies (not sure how they differ from regular dies). Any suggestions for loads, bullets, etc.? Many thanks!


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gunlaker Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2261 Location: lower mainland, B.C. Joined: Dec 13^th, 2010	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #1 - Dec 11^th, 2022 at 9:09pm	Print Post
	That's going to be an enjoyable rifle . Under the forearm you should find the barrels groove diameter and twist rate stamped into the barrel. If you are breech seating you will probably never need to use those dies. I'm not a competitive bench shooter, but I can say that a tapered 200gr bullet and something close to 14.0gr of IMR-4227 will probably work extremely well. Do you have a breech seater tool or a plugged case? Chris.


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gmkmd Participating Member Offline Posts: 17 Location: Bethlehem, PA Joined: Jul 18^th, 2006	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #2 - Dec 11^th, 2022 at 9:24pm	Print Post
	Thank you. No, I don’t have any breechseating implements. I’ve read a lot about it, though.


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critter68 Senior Forum Member ASSRA Board Member Offline Posts: 267 Location: Wisconsin Joined: May 31^st, 2018	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #3 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 7:59am	Print Post
	the nice thing about your CPA is that you can use a "plugged case" to breach seat bullets if you go that route. Gail at CPA can sell you one or you can make one. I would suggest strongly that you buy a copy of Randy Wrights book Loading and Shooting Traditional Schuetzen Rifles, A Beginners Guide. He is advertising it in the for sale section. Have fun with your new gun Mike

	ASSRA LIFE#294 NRA LIFE #194353342
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Skalkaho Oldtimer Offline Posts: 783 Location: Montana Joined: Sep 29^th, 2006	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #4 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 2:26pm	Print Post
	Ditto with Critter. Randy's books are "thee go to. to help you out.....

	May the Bullet Gods be with you.......
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gmkmd Participating Member Offline Posts: 17 Location: Bethlehem, PA Joined: Jul 18^th, 2006	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #5 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 3:08pm	Print Post
	Thank you both. Yes, I have read Randy's books, and really enjoyed them! Any suggestions where I can buy cast bullets appropriate for this? The only ones I can find are 160 to 170 grain, whereas guys are suggesting 200 to 210 grain.


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oneatatime Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 3864 Location: Rocky Mountains Joined: Oct 30^th, 2011	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #6 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 3:13pm	Print Post
	It's time to "bite the bullet" and start casting your own for the best quality and control.


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Premod70 Oldtimer Offline Posts: 864 Location: North Carolina Joined: Jan 16^th, 2016	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #7 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 3:13pm	Print Post
	Check the twist rate on your barrel before bullet shopping. CPA’s are usually stamped on the barrel under the forearm. 1-16 twists like 175 grainers where the 200+ versions do better with a 1-14.


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JLouis Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 10625 Joined: Apr 8^th, 2009	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #8 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 5:19pm	Print Post
	My CPA is a Douglas 15 twist and I have used spitzer bullets up to 216 grains with real good success. I personally have found an average velocity of 1474fps to be the best for myself. This for me would be 14.2 grains using 300MP, AA-9 or H-108.

	" It Is Better To Now Have Been A Has Been Than A Never Was Or A Wanna Be "
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gunlaker Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 2261 Location: lower mainland, B.C. Joined: Dec 13^th, 2010	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #9 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 5:37pm	Print Post
	gmkmd wrote on Dec 12^th, 2022 at 3:08pm: Thank you both. Yes, I have read Randy's books, and really enjoyed them! Any suggestions where I can buy cast bullets appropriate for this? The only ones I can find are 160 to 170 grain, whereas guys are suggesting 200 to 210 grain. I would very seriously consider casting your own. I have never tried purchased bullets in my CPA's but I did a test in one of my highwalls. Store bought hard cast 170gr bullets meant for lever action rifles shot about 3 moa. Breech seated Saeco #732 bullets ( 200gr tapered ) cast in 20:1 shoot right around a minute of angle. Chris.


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rgchristensen Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1088 Joined: Jan 2^nd, 2014	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #10 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 6:18pm	Print Post
	Most purveyors of "hard cast" bullets will make bullets out of anything they can melt. Casting your own is a rewarding approach to loading ammo. I probably own 100 bullet moulds. Doesn't have to be expensive -- the big LEE 20# pots are about as useful as anything on the market. Need a good thermometer to stick in it, tho. The casting temperature will vary with your casting pace/mould temperature. CHRIS


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Mick B Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 1004 Location: 19 Ian Nicol St watson ACT aus Joined: Apr 11^th, 2013	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #11 - Dec 12^th, 2022 at 6:39pm	Print Post
	I second the Lee #20 pot choice, get the one without the bottom pour feature and cast with a ladle for best bullets, also get a temp gauge to ensure constant temperature, this results in more even weight bullets. If possible find a rich widow who wants to take up bullet casting as a hobby and befriend her. Been trying to do this myself for 40 years but with no luck. Mike.


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Highwall Pete Participating Member Offline Posts: 11 Joined: Jul 15^th, 2015	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #12 - Dec 15^th, 2022 at 7:54pm	Print Post
	Try the RCBS Easy Melt 2 - just set the temp you want and it keeps that temp even as you use up the lead; no need to adjust.


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Skalkaho Oldtimer Offline Posts: 783 Location: Montana Joined: Sep 29^th, 2006	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #13 - Dec 17^th, 2022 at 12:36pm	Print Post
	Montana 200 gr cast bullet... (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) The Lee 20# pot is guaranteed for life. Had one 20 years old,they sent all new parts OR you can send it to them and they rebuild it ,you pay shipping.

	May the Bullet Gods be with you.......
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JLouis Frequent Elocutionist Offline Posts: 10625 Joined: Apr 8^th, 2009	Re: Help loading my first CPA .32-40 Reply #14 - Dec 17^th, 2022 at 4:15pm	Print Post
	I was gifted a Lyman Mag 25 Digital Melting Furnace Pot. Is it actually better than the Lee 20lb. casting pot ? No and it really is not and no where near the asking price. The Lee Pot and a good casting thermometer is all that one actually needs.

	" It Is Better To Now Have Been A Has Been Than A Never Was Or A Wanna Be "
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