Data please: For 32-20 Winchester; Hand Ejector

peppercorn

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Like the title says, I am looking for load data for this old revolver. I am finding plenty for rifle but not much for the pistol.
I have some .312, 95grn lead bullets and Starline brass.

Thanks in advance.
 
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I use 3.2 grains of W231 with 100 grain lead bullets.
 
I use 3.2 grains of W231 with 100 grain lead bullets.

Great, I have plenty of HP38 so this will be a good way to use some of it.

What diameter is that 100 grain bullet?

Also, I am reading it is important to trim these cases to length so as not to crumple them in the seating process, are you finding that to be true?

I am mostly a straight case pistol loader so trimming isn't a 'normal' procedure for me.
 
Also, I take it that this is an uncommon cartridge to reload, especially when it comes to loading it for Hand Ejectors?
I have searched around and not found much specific to the early S&Ws, as mentioned above it seems to be more popular with the rifle crowd.
 
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There are some hi-velocity rifle loads, don't use them in pistols
 
To the best of my knowledge, my 100 grain lead bullets are .312.
 
My best loads use 100 grain .313 cast lead bullets from Missouri Bullet Co. and 3.5 grains of Bullseye. You are very unlikely to run across any of the old factory high velocity .32-20 rifle loads, as they have been out of production for well over 40 years. No lead bullet loads are high velocity.
 
If you want to cast your own, find the Ideal/Lyman 32/20 in 115 flat base or 117 with gas check. About 30 years ago I bought it with GC and sized .311 for 32/20, 7,62x39, 303 Brit. Sized .308 (without added GC) 32 long, w GC 30Carbine,30/30, 308 Win & 30/06 light loads. There are more! This and a good 44 or 45 mold and 38/9mm mold will cover 75 to 90 percent of your cast bullet needs. As infered, you don't have to use gas checks on slow loads and sugest always using GC on rifle loads including 32/20. As for powder, Trail Boss is a good load for older guns (stick to the cowboy loads). The W231/HP 38 work well also. I have a M1902 Smith (made in 1902) and a Colt Police Positive Special (made 1918 or 1919). They both like the Trail Boss loads. For sizing/lubeing you could start with a Lee set up. For a lead pot, a tuna can on a hot plate has been known to work. ONE LAST THING: If you load any high volicity loads, mark them in some way (I color the primer RED) so they won't be used in the weaker guns. For fun, I've cast bullets over a campfire the sized and loaded the next day with a tong tool like the old timers did. Very slow and very rewarding, also makes me (very) glad I have modern equipment too!
 
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