32-20

thshields · #1 01-13-2017, 12:28 PM

I RECENTLY ACQUIRED A 32-20. CAN I SAFELY SHOOT 32 LONGS IN IT? 32-20 AMMUNITION IS HARD TO COME BY

sigp220.45 · #2 01-13-2017, 12:33 PM

I'd say its probably not a great idea. The 32/20 is a bottlenecked cartridge (far right), so I'm pretty sure a .32 long (far left) would rattle around a bit in the chamber.

I suspect the rounds would chamber and fire, but would swell to fit the larger chamber.

I have been able to find 32/20 ammo in "cowboy" loads without much trouble.

Inusuit · #3 01-13-2017, 06:48 PM

I consider it best to use the ammunition specific to the firearm, usually marked on the gun itself. YMMV.

TIMETRIPPER · #4 01-13-2017, 07:04 PM

In a word... No. I shoot both cartridges in the guns they are intended. 32 Long has a smaller diameter case rim and head and will split if fired in a 32-20 chamber.

John

J. R. WEEMS · #5 01-13-2017, 07:50 PM

Once again,

loading your own is the way to go here. 43.50 a box of 50 vs. whatever.

DWalt · #6 01-14-2017, 01:13 AM

It's probably not dangerous, but as the .32 Long casing is somewhat smaller diameter than the .32-20, it will expand and could split upon firing. I wouldn't do it except in an emergency situation. PS - I once accidentally loaded and fired some .32-20 rounds in a .38 Special revolver. Nothing bad happened, but the .32-20 cases all split. In fact I didn't even notice anything amiss when I did that until I ejected the fired .32-20 cases and saw what happened.