.32-40 Ballard

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

.32-40 Ballard
Type Rifle
Place of origin USA
Specifications
Case type Rimmed straight
Bullet diameter .320 in (8.1 mm)
Neck diameter .338 in (8.6 mm)
Shoulder diameter .3455 in (8.78 mm)
Base diameter .424 in (10.8 mm)
Rim diameter .506 in (12.9 mm)
Rim thickness .063 in (1.6 mm)
Case length 2.13 in (54 mm)
Overall length 2.59 in (66 mm)
Rifling twist 1 in 16
Primer type Large rifle
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
165 gr (10.7 g) 1,440 ft/s (440 m/s) 760 ft·lbf (1,030 J)
165 gr (10.7 g) 1,430 ft/s (440 m/s) 755 ft·lbf (1,024 J)
155 gr (10.0 g) lead 1,460 ft/s (450 m/s) 786 ft·lbf (1,066 J)
165 gr (10.7 g) 1,740 ft/s (530 m/s) 1,115 ft·lbf (1,512 J)
Test barrel length: 20

The .32-40 Ballard (also called .32-40 Winchester)[1] is an American rifle cartridge.

Introduced in 1884, the .32-40 was developed as a black powder match-grade round for the Ballard single-shot Union Hill No. 8 and 9 rtarget rifles. Using a 165 grain bullet over 40 grains (2.6 g) of FFg (muzzle velocity 1,440 ft/s (440 m/s), muzzle energy 755 pd-ft), the factory load gained a reputation for fine accuracy, with a midrange trajectory of 11 inches (28 cm) at 200 yards (180 m).[2] It was available in Winchester and Marlin lever rifles beginning in 1886.[3] It stopped being a factory chambering around 1940.[4]

It provides performance sufficient for deer at up to 300 yards (270 m) in a modern rifle, for which it can be loaded to about equal the .30-30.[5] It is more than enough for varmints, including coyotes and wolves, or medium-sized game.

High-velocity loads (such as the 1,740 ft/s (530 m/s) example) should not be used in the old Ballard or Stevens 44 rifles.

The .32-40 also served as the basis for Harry Pope's wildcat .33-40.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Barnes, Frank C., ed. by John T. Amber. Cartridges of the World (Northfield, IL: DBI Books, 1972), p.67.
  2. ^ Barnes, p.47.
  3. ^ Barnes, p.47.
  4. ^ Barnes, p.47.
  5. ^ Barnes, p.47.

[edit] Sources

  • Barnes, Frank C., ed. by John T. Amber. Cartridges of the World (Northfield, IL: DBI Books, 1972),