Could Russian Nagant revolver ammo be used in a rifle or revolver chambered for 32-20?
Nagant Revolver Ammo in 32-20 Firearm
- Thread starter erikpolcrack
- Start date
robertrwalsh
SWCA Member
I have heard of people firing the .32 long cartridge in weapons chambered for the .30 Russian Nagant. Never tried it myself.
When the Nagant revolver came on the market back in the 1980's (?), they offered an after market .32 ACP cylinder as an option. I bought one and it worked OK.
Lee made a die set with special instructions to use original Nagant brass and still be able to seat the bullet and make it as intended. A somewhat PITA, but it worked.
The option was to use 32/20 brass, with info on proper loads. Of course, this way would not enable the "gas seal" feature.
I liked 32/20 better than .32 ACP and I have been going that route ever since. Use the Nagant loading data and you will be very happy.
Lee made a die set with special instructions to use original Nagant brass and still be able to seat the bullet and make it as intended. A somewhat PITA, but it worked.
The option was to use 32/20 brass, with info on proper loads. Of course, this way would not enable the "gas seal" feature.
I liked 32/20 better than .32 ACP and I have been going that route ever since. Use the Nagant loading data and you will be very happy.
TJm15.38
Well-known member
The 7.62x38r ammo is so weird and unlike any other chambering, I just don't think it's going to work in any gun or revolver other than the M1895. As for shooting .32 S&W Long in the Nagant, the case head is just too small and you would destroy your .32 cases with splitting or bulging. I don't think you'd blow your revolver up with the .32 being such a low pressure round. The little revolver is built kind of like a T-34 tank, but it's best with the gas seal Nagant ammo or .32 ACP if you acquire the cylinder chambered for that round.
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Mine works perfect. No case splits and reasonably good accuracy for an old warhorse.
I load and fire 32/20s out of my Nagant. I use 90 grain WCs with a mild load. Very Accurate and fun to shoot. The 32/30 doesn’t hinder the gas sealing of the cylinder and forcing cone. Works just as designed.
I use 93 grain round nose Lee 0.311 boolits with Bullseye. Good results as well.
Back in the day when Nagants became popular (could buy one from Century for $59, the ACP cylinder was another $19, or one converted to .32 Long was $99), Lee put together a reloading kit. Midway was marketing the kit, with instructions on how to reload 32/20 or original Nagant brass.
Boy this bings back memories - had to review my notes from 2000.
robertrwalsh
SWCA Member
I am pretty sure Fiocchi still loads for it, but they do it in batches about once a year. You have to find someone who actually ordered some I guess.
TJm15.38
Well-known member
I have 400 rounds of the Fiocchi commercial ammo for the Nagant. I also have over 1500 rounds, including an un-opened spam can (1092 rounds) of military ammo. As slow as the revolver is to load and unload, I don't think I will expend that stash in my remaining life. For these reasons, I haven't found a good reason to invest in reloading the round.
metrotps
Well-known member
Is this what you have? I had an M1895 back in the 1980's-1990's with the .32acp cylinder also. Mine always shot better with the Nagant ammo.
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OP follow-up. Nagant ammo will not chamber in a 32-20 revolver. It goes most of the way in, but not quite all the way! Very reminiscent of trying a 38 S&W in a 38 Spl chamber. Was tempted to try it in my old Savage bolt action, but forcing it in with the bolt might be too much and asking for trouble! Was also tempted to take it to my local reloader and have him mash one cartridge with the 32-20 resizing die, but instead went to a big local gun shop where they gave me 2/3 of my money back on the box of PPU Nagant ammo.
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