Just bought a Ballard chambered in 25 Zischang. I'm interested in any info anyone might have on this caliber. Load data like bullet weight and powder charges, etc. I read that the parent cartridge was 32 Ideal. If anyone has any info on how to form the brass, I'd appreciate that, too.

As soon as I have the rifle in hand, I'll do that.

Ken Meyer wrote an article in the journal from March/April of 2011 about a "25-20 Zischang Ballard" that he had. In the article he says it was formed from the 32 Ideal case. The archives may still have a copy.

If there are any original .32 Ideal shells around, I’ve never encountered them, and I’ve looked hard.

Turned shells from Rocky Mtn Cartridge Co are available, at a price and a wait.

7.62 Nagant pistol shells can be found, new or used.  The rims are a little small and thin, the length is a little short, and they seem to be pretty brittle, but they can be annealed and blown out straight by fireforming and used in a pinch.

Whether (if tapered down like in the picture) they would work satisfactorily in a Zischang target rifle would have to be determined heuristically.

I’ve had very poor results treating RMC shells like drawn shells; ie, running them through FL sizing dies.  They crack in only a few reloadings.  Whether they’d stand reforming is another question that someone will have to find out.

I bought 32 Ideal brass from Rocky Mtn Brass quite afew years ago at $1.50 each. then the brass went to $2.50 each.  I drew up a sketch and had PTG make the reamer.It a 32-357 Max with 1/2" straight neck so I can do a fixed load if I want to .It is within 1 grain of the original 32 Ideal case .A bomb proof case that will never wear out