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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · SAAMI

.32-40 Winchester

Also known as .32-40 Ballard · .32-40 Marlin · 8.1x52mmR

Black-powder target cartridge from the Schuetzen era, originally introduced by Ballard in 1884 and adopted by Winchester for the Model 1885 single-shot.

Caliber
0.32″ · 8.128 mm
Introduced
1884
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Hunting, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains165 gr
Identity
Introduced
1884
Type
Rifle
Origin
United States
Inventor
Ballard
Manufacturer
Winchester, Marlin
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Limited
Build
Case capacity
38 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
30,000 psi
Eff. range
175 yd
Max range
350 yd
Recoil
5–8 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .32-40 Winchester.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

Wikipedia · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 8.130.320 ~
Neck ⌀ 8.590.338 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 10.770.424 ✓
Rim ⌀ 12.850.506 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.600.063 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 54.102.130 ✓
Overall length 65.792.590 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .32-40 Winchester is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

1 reloading powder listed for .32-40 Winchester, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

IMR 3031
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .32-40 Winchester

12 models in the database chamber .32-40 Winchester. Browse all →

Pedersoli Sharps 1874 Sporting 32-40 30-inchWinchester Repeating Arms Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative .32-40 Win 20-inchSavage Arms Model 1899Winchester Repeating Arms Winchester Model 1894 .30-30 Win 26-inchJ. Stevens Arms Stevens No. 44 Ideal 32-40 WinMarlin Model 1893 .30-30 WinMarlin Model 1893 32-40 Win 26-inchMarlin Model 1893 30-30 Win 26-inchMarlin Model 1893 32 Special 26-inchMarlin Model 1893 30-30 Win Octagon 26-inchMarlin Firearms Model 1893Marlin Model 1893 38-55 Win Octagon 26-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (1)
.33-47
Family TreeOpen .32-40 Winchester in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Reloading1 suitable powder — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .32-40 Winchester

History

Originally a Ballard target cartridge from 1884, adopted by Winchester and Marlin for their rifles. It was one of the most popular Schuetzen match cartridges of the late 19th century. The low-pressure rimmed case is ideal for cast bullets and black powder. Factory ammunition in reduced smokeless loads is still available from Cowboy Action suppliers.

FAQs

What twist rate does .32-40 Winchester use?
.32-40 Winchester typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .32-40 Winchester?
.32-40 Winchester uses a 0.32″ (8.128 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .32-40 Winchester still in production?
.32-40 Winchester is active; typical availability is limited.
What is .32-40 Winchester used for?
.32-40 Winchester is primarily used for hunting, target.
What are the best powders for .32-40 Winchester?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .32-40 Winchester include IMR 3031.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 7 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →