Few cartridges have quite the history or staying power of the .32-40 Ballard.
Designed all the way back in 1884, it was one of the first cartridges for rifles.
For many years, it was considered one of the best options for hunting medium-sized games at moderate distances.
Even now, over 130 years after its introduction, there are still plenty of shooters who swear by its accuracy and versatility.
So what makes this cartridge so great? Let’s take a closer look!
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What Exactly Is the .32-40 Ballard?
The .32-40 Ballard is a black powder cartridge that was designed for use in both rifles.
It was one of the first cartridges to offer this level of versatility, and it quickly became a favorite among hunters and target shooters alike.
The cartridge gets its name from the diameter of the bullet (32 caliber) and the amount of black powder used (40 grains).
When it was first introduced, the .32-40 Ballard was one of the most powerful cartridges available.
It was capable of taking down large game animals at long range, making it a popular choice for hunters.
Over time, however, newer cartridges with more powerful powders were introduced, and the .32-40 Ballard’s popularity began to decline.
Despite this, it remains a popular choice among target shooters and those who enjoy shooting vintage firearms.
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What is the origin and history of the 32/40 cartridge?
The .32-40 cartridge was introduced in 1884 as a black powder match-grade round for the Ballard single-shot Union Hill Nos. 8 and 9 target rifles.
The round was developed using a 165-grain (10.7 g) bullet and 40 grains (2.6 g) of black powder, with a muzzle velocity of 1,440 ft/s (440 m/s) and muzzle energy of 760 ft⋅lbf (1,030 J).
The factory load gained a reputation for fine accuracy, with a midrange trajectory of 11 inches (28 cm) at 200 yds (180 m).
In 1886, the .32-40 cartridge became available in Winchester and Marlin lever-action rifles.
The.32-40 was first chambered in 1886 for Winchester and Marlon never action rifles, although it was produced regularly until the end of World War I.
It was utilized for hunting medium-sized animals such as deer at ranges of up to 300 yards or 270 meters, as well as smaller varmints such as wolves and coyotes.
It was also used by target shooters because of its excellent accuracy. The .32-40 is perhaps the most spectacular legacy of the round, thanks to Harry Pope’s wildcat .33-40 cartridge, which he created based on it.
According to legend, Pope’s favorite target shooting cartridge of all time was the.32-40., The magnum version has a case capacity range from 40.0 to 41.0 grains of H20 (depending on the bullet weight used).
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Is the 32/40 Good for Hunting?
The .32-40 Ballard is a great choice for hunting medium-sized game at moderate distances.
It’s also a popular choice for those who enjoy shooting vintage firearms, thanks to its accuracy and versatility.
If you’re looking for a cartridge with a long history and plenty of uses, the .32-40 Ballard is a great choice.
How do I reload .32-40 brass?
The process for reloading .32-40 brass is the same as for any other cartridge.
Start by cleaning the brass and trimming it to size, then prime it and add your desired powder charge.
Once you’ve done that, you can seat the bullet and crimp it in place.
For more detailed instructions, consult a reloading manual or watch a tutorial video.
When it comes to ammunition, the .32-40 Ballard is a great choice for those who want accuracy and versatility.
Whether you’re a target shooter or a hunter, this cartridge is sure to provide you with plenty of enjoyment.
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What firearms take the 32/40 Cartridge nowadays?
The .32-40 has been around for over a hundred years, and it’s still a popular choice for target shooters and hunters alike.
Thanks to its relatively low recoil and good accuracy, the .32-40 is a great all-around cartridge. But what firearms take the .32-40 these days?
The answer is quite a few! Marlin, Henry, Winchester, and Ruger all make rifles that chamber the .32-40.
In addition, there are a number of single-shot and lever-action rifles that can fire the .32-40.
With modern AR-15 or M4 platforms, you won’t be able to use the .32-40, nor will it work for handguns, submachine guns, and other similar-sized weapons.
So if you’re looking to shoot the .32-40, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to rifles.
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What are the Cartridge Specs for the .32-40 cartridge?
The .32-40 cartridge is a rimmed straight case type with a bullet diameter of .320 inches (8.1 mm), a neck diameter of .338 inches (8.6 mm), and a base diameter of .424 inches (10.8 mm).
It has a rim diameter of .506 inches (12.9 mm), a rim thickness of .063 inches (1.6 mm), and a case length of 2.13 inches (54 mm).
The overall length of the cartridge is 2.59 inches (66 mm), and it has a rifling twist of 1 in 16. The primer type for the .32-40 is a large rifle.
The .32-40 cartridge is noteworthy for its specifications and its relatively unique size.
It’s a little larger than the .223 Remington cartridge, but a little smaller than the .270 Winchester cartridge.
In terms of actual specs, the .32-40 breaks down like this:
- Case type–rimmed straight Bullet diameter–.320 in (8.1 mm)
- Neck diameter–.338 in (8.6 mm)
- Base diameter–.424 in(10.8 mm)
- Rim diameter–.506 in(12.9 mm) Rim thickness
The.32-40 was originally designed for use with lead projectiles, but it has evolved to take 165-grain soft point bullets rather than lead ones.
In today’s weapons, these can typically achieve a speed of around 1440 ft./s and provide 760 foot-pounds of energy or 1030 J.
However, you may occasionally discover 155-grain lead rounds used in this cartridge.
These arrows will reach speeds of 1460 ft/s and have slightly more energy: 786 feet per pound.
Last but not least, the .32-40’s excellent twist rate partially explains its usage: one turn in 16″.
That’s fantastic for a rifle so old, and it helps it retain accuracy even in the competitive environment with new cartridges.
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What are the Primary Uses and Effective Range for the 32/42 cartridge today?
The .32-40 was developed as a match-grade cartridge for target shooters back in the late 1800s. Today, it remains a popular choice for both target shooting and hunting.
The .32-40 is typically used in rifles, and has an effective range of up to 300 yards away.
When used in a rifle with a scope, the .32-40 can be accurate at even longer ranges.
Whether you’re looking to hit a bullseye at the range or take down a deer in the woods, the .32-40 is up to the task.
Is the 32/40 Cartridge good for target shooting?
The .32-40 cartridge was introduced in 1884 for Winchester’s lever-action rifles and carbines.
The .32-40 is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge that is well suited for target shooting and for hunting small to medium-sized game animals.
The .32-40 has excellent accuracy and is also suitable for long-range shooting. The cartridge is available in a variety of bullet weights and bullet styles.
The .32-40 is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of applications.Target shooters will find the .32-40 to be an accurate and versatile cartridge.
The .32-40 is also a good choice for hunting small to medium-sized game animals.
The cartridge is available in a variety of bullet weights and bullet styles, making it a versatile choice for a variety of applications.
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Final Thoughts
The .32-40 is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Whether you’re looking to hit a bullseye at the range or take down a deer in the woods, the .32-40 is up to the task.
If you’re interested in trying out this old-but-reliable cartridge, be sure to check out the selection of .32-40 ammunition available at your local gun store.
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FAQ About the 32/40 Cartridge
Below are some commonly asked questions about the .32-40 cartridge.
Q: What is the .32-40?
A: The .32-40 is a black powder cartridge designed in 1884. It is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge that is well suited for target shooting and for hunting small to medium-sized game animals.
Q: What are the primary uses for the .32-40 today?
A: The .32-40 is typically used in rifles, but can also be used in handguns. It is popular for target shooting and hunting small to medium-sized game animals.
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Q: Can you use the .32-40 for self-defense?
A: While the .32-40 is powerful enough to be used for self-defense, it is not typically recommended as a first choice for this purpose.
Q: What are the ballistics of the .32-40?
A: The .32-40 has a muzzle velocity of around 1400 feet per second and a muzzle energy of around 1000 ft·lbs.
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Q: What is the maximum effective range of the .32-40?
A: The maximum effective range of the .32-40 is about 300 yards.
Q: How much does a box of .32-40 ammunition cost?
A: A box of .32-40 ammunition typically costs around $35.00+.
Q: Where can I buy .32-40 ammunition?
A: You can purchase .32-40 ammunition from most gun stores and online retailers.
Q: Can I use .32-40 ammunition in my .30-30 Winchester rifle?
A: No, you cannot use .32-40 ammunition in a .30-30 Winchester rifle. The two cartridges are not interchangeable.
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Q: Is .32-40 a good deer hunting cartridge?
A: The .32-40 is a good choice for hunting small to medium-sized game animals. It is not typically recommended for large game animals such as deer.
Q: What is the difference between .32-40 and .32 Winchester Special?
A: The .32 Winchester Special is a more powerful cartridge than the .32-40. The .32 Winchester Special has a muzzle velocity of around 2000 feet per second and muzzle energy of around 1400 ft·lbs.
Q: Can I handload the .32-40 cartridge?
A: Yes, the .32-40 can be hand loaded. Hand-loading this cartridge requires a set of dies and brass cases. You will also need to purchase bullets, powder, and primers separately.
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Q: What companies manufacture .32-40 ammunition?
A: A variety of companies manufacture .32-40 ammunition, including Winchester, Remington, and Federal.
