help with reloading for Savage 99 in .32-40

Hello, I'm fairly new to firearms and just started to reload. First is the 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,

Might want to try here . . . . Cast Boolits

Run your questions by these knowledgeable guys.

I have several .32-40's, an 1893 Marlin and 1894 Winchester. Haven't been lucky enough to find an 1899 in .32-40. I use resized .30-30 cases, and yes they are a little short but they work fine!! I resized in two steps. First running the .30-30 case through a .32 Special die to open the case mouth, then run it through a .32-40 die. That's just me, it can probably be resized with just the .32-40 die!!They can be made from .38-55 cases but find it weakens the brass and get a lot of split cases. Sometimes, you can find .32-40 brass but it's lees than scarce!
My go to load is 8.2 grains of Unique and a 170 grain cast bullet. Shoots great in both rifles. Unique is great powder for the old BP cartridges. It's a mild load at about 1300 FPS. If a gunsmith has already checked it over, load them up and enjoy shooting it!!
If you can't find .32-40 dies, try Ebay!! I use Lee dies, they work great!!

The .32-40 is a rare one!! I have 1899 takedowns in .38-55 and 25-35. All three were discontinued in 1917.

Thank you for all the great information. I can now do some more hunting for parts and gather more supplies!!!!!

Thank you for the Cast Boolits link. I will contact them and run the questions past them.

Thank you for the tip about resizing 2 steps. That makes a lot of sense. The .30-30 cases seem to be the way to go. They have to be more available and less expensive. At this point in time it may be hard to find the Unique powder or do you have any suggestions? I only mentioned the IMR 4227 powder since I found a 1lb bottle. Sounds like you have a great time shooting these old guns. I hope to shortly as well.


Here is the serial number just in case I really don't know what I'm talking about 44.231 The barrel stamp shows .32-40.

Here's some info I found includes data for IMR 4227 and other powders. I shoot the Rim Rock cast boolits, but the shipping may be slow!! Hope this helps!! Enjoy!! :cool:

32/40 loads (gunloads.com)

Cast Bullets for the .32-40 | 32 40 Load Data | Load Data Article

ASSRA Forum - IMR 4227 powder for 32-40

Powders for 32/40 (gunloads.com)

CB .32-40 170 gr. RNFP per 400 (rimrockbullets.com)

Thank you for the links. I will review today.

Also, when you seat bullets in the shorter cases, the case mouth will not be in a crimp groove. This has not been an issue in my tube feed rifles, and should work just fine in the rotary magazine.

Thank you for the tip. I'm sure As I collect supplies and start loading I'll come across more items like this.
Thanks again,

I am luck enough to have an 1899 in 32-40, also have factory ammo and brass & reload stuff, I use "Ken Waters PET LOADS" for all my savage reload data. my 32-40 is a 1899 A short rifle in 99.99% condition
forgot also have a Marlin 1893 in the 32-40 that's very nice, have not shot either, hope to take a pig with the Savage. how do I post pics?

Thanks for the info texken. I'll check out the Ken Waters pet loads!! And nice to have the factor loads and reloading stuff!! I'll get there sometime........ Enjoy shooting that 32-40
Thanks