Do any of you load for this caliber? I recently acquired a model 94 Wrangler that is in great shape and am looking forward to shooting it but I ran into a problem with the Speer reloading manual (#12). For IMR 4064 behind a 170 grain flat nose bullet they are showing a starting load of 34.0 gr. and a max of 36.0 gr.. 34.0 grains looks like 100% powder capacity. 35.0 gr. is a compressed load and 36.0 gr will also be for sure. The problem is that It does not notate this in the manual. I ran into the same problem with the max load of 35.0 gr. of 4895. I checked the powder scale for accuracy and it is right on. Did Speer mabye forget to notate this in the manual or am I missing something? If anyone uses these loads, can you please confirm? I know little about this caliber but I do know that these cases are pretty thin and I would hate to overload them. As always, I am going to start shooting the starting loads and work up to the max as long as there are no problems with pressure but I am a little nervous that this info is not given in the manual but it does say that all of the listed loads are within the industry working pressure of 38,000cup. Thanks in advance for any help. -Rob

I've loaded this round for years. The older Speer manual (#11) also makes no mention of compressed loads in any of the data they list. IMR data for the 30-30 (same case) does show 34.0grs of IMR 4064 as being a compressed load. For whatever reason Speer didn't designate any loads for the 32 Spl as being compressed. If you only have the Speer manual, you can find load data from the other powder mfgs on their websites.

Many reloaders seem to fear compressed powder loads. I see no good reason for those fears.

I have been loading for it for some time now. The powder that I have found to work best is AA2520. It fills the case about 90% and the velocity is as reported. If you find you need cases .30/30 brass put through the FL Sizing die bumps them up nicely, watch the OAL as they tend to strech quickly after only a couple of loads.

I've found you need to adjust your crimp very carefully with this round. The thin case walls can collapse very easily with too much crimp applied. I use mostly 3031 or Varget.

NoCAL

Brass is still available from some sources such as Graf.
http://www.grafs.com/metallic/787

I haven`t used the 2 powders you are concidering , but I do use 3031 with a Hornady 170 gr in my M94. If you find you aren`t happy with the powders you have you may want to take a look at it.

For crimping lever rifle rounds? there is no excuse for not owning a Lee Factory Crimp die.

Roll crimping is just buckled cases waiting to happen.

The Lee die is driven by the shell holder, so case length is pretty much irrelevant to the crimp, provided you haven't trimmed it too short for there to be a crimp at all.

AD

Thanks for the help. I went and shot my test loads yesterday. They were ok, no pressure signs even on max loads. My accurate load so far is 35 gr. of IMR 4064. Shot about 1.2 inches for 5 shots at 50 yds. This will probably improve a bit. I have little experience with flat iron sights. Ol Joe- I am thinking of trying some 3031, it seems to be everybodys first choice for .30-30 and .32WS. AD- I am using winchester brass and an RCBS full length sizing die. I have not run into buckled cases, provided that they are all trimmed to the same length. I just make sure not to over crimp. I do have another question. What kind of accuracy is to be expected from a model 94? I have heard mixed answers from MOA accuracy to 4-6 inch groups @ 100yds. I understand that a lot of it has to do with who is doing the shooting but what kind of accuracy do you guys get from your rifles?

My early 1894 (1907 rifle 26") 32Spl will do around 2". My 94 (1970 carbine 20") 30-30 does 3-4".

Mine is a `30 something edition my Grandfather bought new that has a Williams Fool Proof and ivory bead front my dad put on when he got it. I expect about ~2.5" at 100 yd if I`m haveing a good day for 5 rd off the bench. I load 1 rd at a time as I feel filling the tube and shooting it puts a change in stress on the barrel as it empties. True or not it`s my little mental quirk with this rifle.
To be honest though I don`t shoot it as often as I should anymore though.....

Ol' Joe our guns were set up much the same. Mine is a '48 vintage with the same ivory front and Willians Fool Proof rear. My grandfather had it done years before I was born and a faster on target combo would be tough to find. With my '94 I do not worry a great deal about accuracy more so about functioning. It's a woods lot gun for me, so shots seldom exceed 100 yrds [most often less]. I get 2½" - 3" groups and that's plenty to put the biggest baddest buck in the woods in your freezer.

Scout Master 54