Question about .320 Revolving Rifle cartridge

DCWilson · Oct 27, 2012

Can someone point me to a thread or internet link that details the .320 S&W revolving rifle cartridge? I have had no luck digging up case dimensions or calculations of muzzle speed, muzzle energy, and so forth.

I'm not sure about the bore diameter, either. Can this cartridge in any way be considered a predecessor of the .32 Long?

Many thanks.

David / 2206

Masterpiece · Oct 27, 2012

DCWilson said:
I'm not sure about the bore diameter, either. Can this cartridge in any way be considered a predecessor of the .32 Long?

David,

I've attached the data for the 320 Cartridge from Chicoine's Book for you!! Hope they're clear enough to read & are of some help!!

As to this cartridge being the predecessor of the 32 Long Cartridge, no it is not, but is basically a "Long Case" Variant of the 32/44 Target Cartridge!! The Bore Dia. is slightly larger on both the 320's & 32/44's as both are approx. .320"-.321" compared to .312"-.313" for most other 32 Calibers!!

By the way, congrats on your newest acquisition!!

DCWilson · Oct 27, 2012

Thank you! That's exactly the information I was looking for.

The .320 I just bought is rough and is missing the loose parts (tang sights/tools), but I will try to get some photos of it and post them after I have a chance to pick it up next week.

cgt4570 · Oct 27, 2012

I believe it is a closer relative to the .32 short and long Colt than the S&Ws.

glowe · Jul 5, 2017

Check out this old link: 320 S&W Rifle - General Ammunition Collector Discussion - International Ammunition Association Web Forum Comparisons are made for the 320 and the 32-44 cartridges. An excerpt is as follows:

In the book S&W Sixguns of the Old West it says:
...the basic .320 R OAL 1.465" is essentially the same as the .32/44 S&W Target, but with a 100 grain bullet and using 17 grains of BP instead of 10 grains. The .32/20 can be altered to use in the S&W RR but will have a short case (1.312") 3 lengths of .32/44 S&W Target 1.024", 1.300" & 1.465" The extra long .32/44 comes in as the same OAL as the .320 RR
The 2 .32 RR rds I have come in at 1.467.

model3sw · Jul 5, 2017

If any of you need a .320 RR hammer, which is not the same as a New Model 3 hammer, email me.

I have one ... new / old stock RR hammer in inventory.

Pickax · Jul 7, 2017

320 RR pistol

S&W made 977, 320 RR (in barrel lengths of 16", 18", & 20"). Serial numbers 973 & 974 were specially made for M. W. Robinson Co., NY, NY (Smith & Wessons largest distributer). These guns were special order 320 RR pistols with 9" barrels (note: no slot cut for shoulder stock). They were shipped to Robinson December 16, 1886, New York City. Only one, #974, which I own, has ever surfaced. This gun was used by all the participants at the 1889 match held at Conlin's Gallery in New York City. The gun is inscribed (P.J.D. New York 1889, refers to, Peter James Dolfen, who would later go on to medal at the 1912 Olympics as a revolver shooter (Men's Free Pistol at 50 meters-silver and Team Men's Free Pistol at 50 meters-gold. For more information e-mail me at [email protected].

Scott S Texas · May 16, 2019

320 Ammo needed

I am interested in purchasing al or part of a box of 320 ammo for the 320RR I just got. It is the 18" but one of the 65 that went to England. Also hunting for the tang sight - lotsa luck huh

Thanks
Scott Dallas

mmaher94087 · May 16, 2019

.320 ammo has been scarce and expensive for over 20 years. At that time I saw a full picture box of RR ammo sell for $650. I had to retrieve my socks when I heard the price. Does anyone have a current price?

model3sw · May 17, 2019

I have a replacement forearm for a RR is anyone needs. Got it from the 2017 symposium auction for benefit of the S&WHF.

orbruce · May 17, 2019

mmaher94087 said:
.320 ammo has been scarce and expensive for over 20 years. At that time I saw a full picture box of RR ammo sell for $650. I had to retrieve my socks when I heard the price. Does anyone have a current price?

I saw a UMC sealed box of RR ammo, with a picture of rifle, sell for $3000.00 at Las Vegas a couple of yeas ago. Asking price for individual rounds is $8 - $10 each.

B. Mower

opoefc · May 18, 2019

I need a factory barrel for an RR - 16, 18 or 20 in. I have two 6 inch barrels ( cut ). I recall shooting a lot of .32S&W, and probably .32 Colt also, rounds in a RR in my youth and don't remember any problems. Ed.

SWSC · Apr 12, 2021

Reply number 7

Question about .320 Revolving Rifle cartridge

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