Trail Boss powder for me and 93 grain LRN. I always keep the bullets light in these old revolvers, since pressures will be lower at any given velocity. No need to have heavy bullets since they will all go through paper. Actually have a box of 76 grain LRN bullets for 32 S&W DAs and am thinking of trying them out in my 1899s.

One possible reason why you see bulged barrels in 32-20s vs 38 Special because the 32-20 barrels have very thick walls. I bet many 38 barrels would have split and needed replacement, while a 32-20 barrel would absorb the abnormal pressure spikes.

Lastly, I am in the camp that one should not use jacketed bullets in a 120 year old gun. Pressures are higher than lead bullets of equal weight and charge. The only good reason to use such a bullet for target shooting is if you want high velocities, which you definitely do not want in your 1899.

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Gary
SWCA 2515