While looking for something else, I ran across RCBS dies to form 32-44 brass from 25-20. Dimensions seem to be close, 25-20 rim is a bit thicker and a bit of trimming is needed. Question I have is what diameter bullet (.312 to .315 seems about right) and amount of powder needed. Always wanted to shoot my 32-44 target New Model Three. Retired now so I have the time to invest in this project tho' the dies are 150.00 some dollars and special order. Anyone else ever loaded 32-44?

Thanks for any help
John #697

John,

I would suggest .32-20 instead of .25-20, and don't see any point to a form die set for the .32-44 as all it can possibly be doing is expanding the cartridge, and starting with .32-20 this is already done. Recent Remington .32-20 which I have measures .345 at the base, the same as Suydam lists for the .32-44. You could also use .32 H&R Magnum brass trimmed to length. It will bulge a bit, but after the first firing it will fit just fine. You may have a few cases split, but probably not.

All it should take is thinning the rim slightly, if your gun requires it, and trimming to .980". Run the case into your expander die and you are done, and saved $150! I would ask, are these really "Form" dies, or a loading die set with an expander to open up .25-20? I would go to CH-4D for loading dies, they will probably be 1/2 this price.

This cartridge is a "true .32", unlike most cartridges called .32. Bullet diameter is closer to .320-321 for which you probably will need to have a custom mould cut. I would suggest a bullet like the RCBS .32-098-WC, only cut to cast .321-323.

.32 S&W Long or .32 Long Colt loading data for the same weight bullet using starting charges should be very close. A case , full to bullet base, of Trail Boss will work too. Of course you could use Black Powder too. Fill the case about 1/16" higher than where the bullet base comes to so the charge is slightly compressed, use FFFg. This is a very mild cartridge even for a top-break. There shouldn't be any worry about straining the latch unless you try to hot-rod it.

If you want to slug the bore of your revolver and mail me the slugs I would be happy to measure them for you. I do have the correct guage block to measure a slug from a 5-groove barrel.

I've never loaded it, but looking in the "Handloaders Manual of Cartridge Conversion", they say to cut .32-20 WCF brass to length and fireform it. Then inside neck ream to accept .320-.321 dia. bullets.

According to their diagrams and measurements the case length of the .32-44 is .970, and if so, the .32-20 brass would be cut in the neck area and would either need to be expanded or fireformed.

Update: Found some 32-20 "cowboy loads" at the local gun show. Worked well no bulging, no splits, no problems with cylinder binding and dropped right into cylinder. A bit pricey perhaps at 15.00 for 20 rounds. Reload them probably won't since I seldom fire this NM 32-4 and was more curious than anything. Thanks all for the comments, suggestions.

John

In reloading this number,,does the bullet have to be a W/C style?

If not then a cast bullet originally made for use in the 8mm Japanese Nambu pistol may work. They are normally cast as .320dia and in weights of 80gr & 102gr. These are RN design flat base, no gas check.

You have to do a bit of searching but some of the smaller specialty casting companys carry them. The last ones I got (quite a while ago) were from Liberty Cast Bullets in Oregon.

I use the 102gr bullet in light loads for 'J' bore 8mm Mauser & Mannlicher Sporter rifles

I got one of those 32-44`s myself. And I use an old Ideal mold. Very old. It says 32-44-83 S&W. That mold casts a roundnose .325 bullet. Some say that they used to trim that bullet to .323. I slugged my bore and found that it was pretty darn close to .320... The chambers is more like .321 than .323. Soft lead would pass through anyway, but I use a .321 bullet sizer for my old timer.

The bullet is supposed to be seated way down the casing. Case length is .97 for the 32-44. OAL should be .985. I make my brass out of 32-20 like mentioned above. Iv been using small rifle primers, but I think Ill try small pistol instead.

When I find a good load Ill post some pics of the groupings.... This is going to me my MLAIC cartridge iron so I have to crack the code for good shooting...

As a collector of .32 molds, I've managed to get myself a nice Ideal dual mold for the 32-44. It casts a RN 83 grain bullet, and a .319 round ball. thus providing projectiles for either the target load, or the gallery load.