reloading data for a savage model 1899 made in 1904

[99Sav]

Good evening, I'm fairly new to firearms and just started to reload 9mm. I have recently received my grandfathers savage 1899 made in 1904 in .32-40. I have taken it to a gunsmith and the gun is sound.

Now I just need to find some reloading info. I have seen where IMR4227 can be used along with either large pistol or large rifle primers. I have found I could use 30-30 cases but they are a little short and 165 to 185 grain cast bullets. After this I am pretty lost.

A couple of questions, first since this is was mfg in 1904, I have read where I need to determine if this is a strong or weak gun. Second, where can I go to find a reliable "recipe" for reloading.

I would take all additional information anyone has. Thank you,

[Dave Hoback]

Never heard the term of determining if an older firearm is "Strong vs Weak". Not sure where you are getting that...but having someone qualified to inspect the firearm is to determine if said firearm is safe to use. Now, if by STRONG or WEAK, you are alluding to the power of ammunition it can withstand? Well, it's a vintage firearm. Therefore it would not be able to withstand the power that a modern made firearm can. However, the 32-40 is also a vintage loading. So safe loads will be safe in a firearm that has been checked out & given a thumbs up for use.

I would recommend picking up a reloading manual. I have an older Speer manual I could scan & send you the page on 32-40 loads, if you'd like. Would get you started.

[99Sav]

Thank you for the info!!! Yes I would really appreciate the scanned copies for the 32-40 loads from the Speer manual, thanks. I have a couple reloading manuals but they are only for more modern loads.

I think the STRONG vs WEAK related to the 1899 Marlin in 32-40 rather than the Savage 99.



Thanks again

[Dave Hoback]

Yes, the Model 99 could handle high power loads, unlike its contemporary peer Lever Actions, the Marlin 1899 & Winchester 1894.

Let me make sure, do you have the original 32-40 loading with the Straight Tapered case? Or the 32 Winchester Special, which looks similar to a 30-30?

[99Sav]

That is a great question. I assumed it was the Ballard shaped straight tapered case. I do not have any ammo that was used. The serial number is 44.231 if that may help us?

[Dave Hoback]

Does yours look like this?
https://i.ibb.co/KKtVHc1/97604402-5-B4-B-4016-917-F-07-B6-D0365-B4-C.jpg (https://ibb.co/DrBwnPq)

[Dave Hoback]

I’m sorry.. just checked my old manual. No 32-40 Win. Has the 32 Win Special. I read the Lyman 50th reloading manual has listings for the 32-40. And yes, the 30-30 brass works quite well. I would recommend getting the RCBS Cowboy Action 3-die set. It has a neck expanding die, FL sizer die & seater die. Here’s a decent video series as guy did on making the brass & reloading the 32-40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axR_b7sXzOo

[99Sav]

Thank you Dave!!!! I was wondering about which die set to get. I have read that someone suggested 2 different dies to size. One for sizing the neck a little like for the .32 WS and the second to finish sizing the case. But always just a little at a time. So the RCBS Die set sounds perfect.

And I'm only guessing that it is the tapered cartridge and not the sharp shoulder of the .30-30. This seems to be the situation with the little research I have done.
Thanks!!!!

[Dave Hoback]

Watch that video series I linked. Lot of good info & demonstration in it.

[99Sav]

Dave the video is really helpful.

Thanks,

[Dave Hoback]

My pleasure. Here is the die set. https://www.brownells.com/reloading/reloading-dies/rifle-dies/32-40-winchester-cowboy-full-length-die-set-prod111108.aspx

[99Sav]

Thank you Dave. I'll be making a purchase.