I read your response Tom, and understand what you said. It's just not happening to me one any Ballards I own. I've never tried an unprimed case that I recall, so can't speak to that, but it wouldn't surprise me to have the firing pin stick in an empty pocket.
I was simply giving Wayne some info on Ballard rifles since he previously mentioned his being the first Ballard he's owned.

I ran a ladder test a couple of days ago with my new-to-me Ballard .40-65.  Following are the results of 25 shots with Swiss 1.5F & 416gr BACO bullet.  The shooting conditions were excellent with very mild winds out of the south.  The range was 200yds & I used a Lyman 25X external adjustable scope.  The rifle barrel was supported by bench-rest cross sticks with the butt stock resting on a padded rest.

Due to the density of the target holes, I decided to use two targets.  In a single image, I combined the two targets along with the velocities & line graph of the velocities.  Notice how the entire group tightened up on the 2nd (lower) target as the compression & velocities increased, & the two sweets spot areas which I highlighted.  I’ve had up to three sweet spots on other rifles.  So, the next step is to pick a powder charge in the middle of each (53.3gr & 58.3gr), load up 10 rounds of each & head back to the range to determine which one results in the best group & lowest standard deviation.  I’m betting the higher velocity one wins out.

BTW, keep in mind that when evaluating a ladder test target, only the vertical spread is important.  And you're looking for velocity “sweet spots” where the vertical bullet point-of-impact (POI) does not change appreciably over a narrow range of velocities, illustrated as a flattening in the line graph.  The horizontal spread is ignored.  And if you believe as I do that a ladder test based on only velocity is sufficient, a target is not necessary, only a chronograph.  BTW, I used the relatively new little Garmin XERO doppler-based chrono.

Wayne

oneatatime,

You comments reminded me that prior to the ladder test, I had not determined the barrel vibration sweet spot.  An oversight on my part.  But, although it may have affected the POI to some extent when evaluating the targets, it would not have affected the velocity results.  BTW, I rested the barrel on the sticks about 6" behind the muzzle.

On several Browning BPCR & a Sharps, all with heavy barrels, I've found the vibration sweet spot tends to be around 7 to 8" behind the muzzle.

Wayne

This post was timely for me. I just won a Ballard in 32-40 today on the Rock island arms action. It has been restocked with a drop dead beautiful piece of wood. I expect to be picking your brains after I get it. I had a Highwall in 32-40 and loved 4227 16 or 18 grains, I forget which. ? is the Ballard able to handle this load, or will I be limited to BP only? Naturally I want to have the ammo loaded before she gets here.
Thanks.

Single Shot Rifles by Grant.  Chapter 1 is Ballards, I'm re-reading it now. Saw a great picture book, on Abe books, for only $500. For $500 should get great pictures and a scratch and sniff of each rifle.

Of course I will not know until I get it but, the SN is 34610 and the barrel matches the action, and I believe it is a latter model ie: Marlin Firearms company. It has been restocked, so who knows what else. What I read the latter #4's were to be had in 32-40, so I hope that is what is coming.
Thanks, I paid too much for it to blow it in half.

You might want to wait till you get your Ballard and first slug the bore before making up loaded rounds. I put the cart before the horse and made up rounds before getting my 32-40 Ballard. Well, I got .321 bullets and then found out my groove dia. was .323. Just something to think about.