Looking to have a centerfire CPA built for cast bullet matches. I understand  that.32-40 is “the” traditional caliber of choice, but was wondering about how the venerable.30-30 Winchester would compare with regard to bullet selection, reloading, but most important accuracy. Ideally I’m looking for suggestions/advice from those who have experience without both.
PS I reload jacketed bullets, but this will be my first venture into casting and reloading cast bullets.  Thanks, Tom

As frnkeore pointed out, if you get the basics of a good rifle, bullets, etc. nailed down, plus practice a LOT, it won't matter whether you are shooting a .30-30 or .32-40. You are gonna be able to shoot match winning scores 

For CBA style shooting (fixed ammo), use the 30-30. 

For Schuetzen style shooting use the 32-40. CPA rifle = 32-40.

And with a CPA 32-40 vs 30-30 is just a matter of ordering 2 barrels with the action and then you can answer your own question. Might as well add a 22RF barrel (block, extractor) while you're at it.

Dr.J wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2025 at 12:32pm:


I've had experience with the .30-30 and the .32-20 CPA. I started with the .30-30 with the thought of shooting both ASSRA and CBA matches with the same rifle. I bought a SAECO plain-base .30 caliber 185 grain mold from their Barry Darr offerings. I already had a RCBS 30-180-SP mold for my .30-'06 Ruger #1. Then I purchased a Hoch action with a Hart 1-10 twist barrel, and the wood for it. The barrel was chambered with a 3 degree (included angle) custom throat. 

This was not as easy as first envisioned. 
1. - The different alloys meant draining the pot before casting. (I ended up buying a second pot.)
2. - The breech-seating for ASSRA matches was with a push seater requiring being very careful to be consistent.
3. - Two different lubricants, Javelina Schuetzen and Gray's #24, again requiring two lubri-sizers. 
4. - Two sets of brass, this meant two sets of 100-round boxes differing in color for easy separation.

Work got busy with six and seven day workweeks and I got tired of the constant changes in loading procedures once I got home. I traded the Hoch action rifle for two Walther PPK's in .32 ACP and .380 ACP. The work bonus was good the next year so I bought a CPA in .32-20 CPA and never looked back.

To the original question, the accuracy of both cartridges relies on the choice of action, the choice of barrel and, most importantly, the choice of gunsmith. I shoot both types of matches with the .32-20 CPA, ASSRA and Plain-Base CBA. This rifle is the most fun I've had in years of shooting.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences with both cartridges.  At 77 and rapidly approaching 78, I’m looking for a new challenge and trying to eliminate as many of the big mistakes as possible. It looks like a .32-40. Thanks again, Tom

All good advice, and here's my perspective. You can indeed have it all in one gun and I think the .30-30 would have an edge if one also wanted to dabble in CBA competition at somewhat higher velocity employing gas checks, and ASSRA stuff, all with the same gun. It's no big trick to breech seat .30-30 - especially if dealing with a lever push seater (I've always felt that such gizmos provide more consistent/straight seating than a plugged case.) Of course there's nothing saying one can't cook up a gc'ed .32 mold and take the old .32-40 off to the CBA races and shoot non-plain base categories as well. 

Personally I'm married to the .32-40, mainly for logistical reasons now, but am eyeing .30-30 for the next rifle.

If I ever stick another .32 target rifle together it will be a 8.15X46R. Tough accurate little case and handles BP with ease if one chooses to use blasting powder.