Already have a 32-20, so...

I've got both a Ballard and a Maynard in 32 S&W long. They are a hoot to shoot. I shoot an Accurate 100 grain bullet with 3.0 grains of Unigue. It is accurate and cheap to shoot. We were shooting chickens at 200 meters with the Maynard at Ridgway several years ago. It held up to 200 meters and took chickens down with one hit. 

Don't stress a cast Ballard action with the 327 Fed. I lined a 32 rimfire Ballard with the reversible firing pin with a TJ's liner. Go for it. I think you'll like it.

As long as factory ammo never gets loaded in it!

True, Vall, but I wonder how many current 44-40 smokeless loads have been shot (before loosening up!) in original Ballards in that loading and at 22,000 CUP max of the 44-40 versus the 21,000 CUP max of the 32 H&R Mag not even taking into account the lesser back thrust of the smaller case. Thanks, RAM, I wanted to get a feel for how it worked in a rifle.

32 S&W Long it will be.

oneatatime wrote on Mar 28^th, 2023 at 7:04pm:


I am un familiar with much of what is being discussed. However, I am familiar with the 44-40 max loads. Regardless, I would also be interested in any rifles that "loosen up" due to what may be considered excessive loads.

However, back to the 44-40 max loads...

2-14-1917
Winchester cartridge engineering offices proof pressures documents show the following,

- Loads for the Winchester Model of 73' - 13,000cup average service pressure and 16,500cup proof pressure.

- Loads for the Winchester Model of 92' - 18,000cup average service pressure and 23,500 proof pressure.

If modern standards calls for 13,000cup as the max load pressures for the 44-40, I doubt that 22,000cup is the max load pressure for the 44 W.H.V.

I don't know exactly which single shot rifle is being discussed here, but Lyman calls for 19 rifles chambered for the 44-40. Of those, the following rifles are considered strong action, of which Lyman lists 21,900cup max loads to be used.

Group 2 (Strong Actions)

Winchester Model 1892 (& replicas)
Marlin Model 1889
Marlin Model 1894
Remington Keene Bolt Action
Remington Model 14 1/2 pump action
Winchester Single Shot rifles
Remington No 1 Rolling Block single shot
Remington "Baby Carbine" single shot
Stevens Model 44 1/2 single shot

My 44-40 #2 Ballard was rebored and rifled from 38 Ballard Long to 44-40 with a .429 groove diameter. It had been used as a match rifle (with maybe a lot of shooting) and, at some point in its past, had developed a very slight bit of looseness. As suggested, I used pin gauges to measure the link holes and a fine gent made me 2 new screws of proper diameter and it now locks up like a vault. My primary consideration was an accurate load and I was able to get that with a moderate load that should keep everything tight for a long time. For the #2 in question I foresee no problem getting and keeping that level with the 32 S&W Long.