Winchester hand loading tool

My Christmas present to myself was a Winchester model 1892 in .32-20. I recently got an original hand loader with decapping tool and am wondering if it is worth using to reload rounds. I'd appreciate comments.

Slow but sure method for relaoding for the same gun in which the cases were fired. I believe that tool only sizes the neck.

Since I've never reloaded, I'm thinking this would be a good way to get into it. Any recommendations?

I have also recently started messing around with an 1892 Winchester 32-20. I reload almost exclusively but use a full press. The 1892 action is a very strong lever action and capable of handling reloaded ammunition. Some things can be taken for granted but the fact that you are shooting a 100+ year old rifle shouldn't. If you question its ability to handle higher pressures have it checked by a competent gunsmith. Generally if the bore is decent shape and everything functions smoothly it should be ok.
I've fired both Remington and Winchester factory ammunition, it is available from common internet sites and reasonably priced. Thats one way to get your hand on brass, I've found the brass is fairly common and have even purchased it locally. They recommend using magnum small pistol primers, the powder choices are up to you. Hornady makes both 85gn and 100gn HP-XTP bullets that are designed for 32-20 applications at blackpowders speeds of around 1000-1200. I built up some 100 gn HP-XTP loads that pushed 2000fps and noticed the beginning of primer cratering, also at that speed they print so high on the target that my receiver mounted peep sight can't lower enough to bring them into the black. I'm currently in the process of working that out by lowering the amount of powder, to 1800 and 1600fps. There are molds available if you want to go that route, I use pre-manufactured lead bullets that weigh 113gns and have a gas check, I'm working those bullets into a good plinker round and trying them at 1200 and 1300fps. Hoping to get to the range today to give all this stuff a try.
The little 32-20 is a blast to shoot...you have to exercise some care when re-sizing the cases, the walls are very thin and the cartridge is quite skinny...you can wrinkle and damage the mouth of the cartridge if not careful while ramming it up into the de-primer, it seems location where the depriming pin fits into the re-sizer die has a wide shoulder. If you are not careful you can catch the edge of the mouth of the cartridge on that shoulder and crunch the mouth wall, it happens...not very often. I plan on smoothing that shoulder with a dremel tool.
As far as worth-while, if you like to reload its worth-while to reload everything...I draw the line at .380...ain't worth it for the amount I shoot it.
I think the 32-20 is a great little cartridge, should be hell on varmints with those hot little HP-XTP bullets. The old boy I got mine from said he shot dozens of deer with head shots and kept the coyotes in check in his large apple orchard.
Have fun with it...

Babalooie said:

Since I've never reloaded, I'm thinking this would be a good way to get into it. Any recommendations?

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I think a much better way of getting into reloading would be to purchase one of the Lee Hand Presses and a set of dies. You don't need to bolt anything down and can work from a small table. As noted previously the old Winchester tool only sizes the neck of the brass, thus limiting the reloaded cartridge to the single firearm that first fired it (the brass expands to fill the case when fired. Not a big issue in a rifle, but you could find that some of your chambers are not exactly the same size as the others. You'll end up with much better ammunition with a relatively small investment in "new" tools. (It's frequently possible to find used equipment at a great bargain.) Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll find that it really enriches your shooting experience to be able to load and shoot your own.

I would love to know what it is we are talking about??? Pics??? Please???

This is a Winchester manufactured loading tool for .32WCF / .32-29 ammunition. Patent dates are Oct. 20, 1874 and Nov 7, 1882. The bullet like object to the right is the decapper. It gets inserted into the cavity (protrusion on bottom) to remove spent primers. The cavity also accepts a shell casing so that a bullet can be inserted into it. That's my guess, anyway.

LET-CA said:

As noted previously the old Winchester tool only sizes the neck of the brass, thus limiting the reloaded cartridge to the single firearm that first fired it (the brass expands to fill the case when fired. Not a big issue in a rifle, but you could find that some of your chambers are not exactly the same size as the others.

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Maybe I'm being short-sighted, but since I'm using this in one gun (a rifle) it should not be a problem using the old tool.

Winchester

I load with winchester tools for 44-40 38-40 32-20 25-20 no problems.Thanks Bill

That tool, with that rifle, seem like an excellent way to get into reloading at only the cost of a box of primers, a box of bullets, and a pound of powder.

dickttx said:

That tool, with that rifle, seem like an excellent way to get into reloading at only the cost of a box of primers, a box of bullets, and a pound of powder.

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YEAH.

I'm guessing that tool would sell for enough to buy a modern reloading setup.

gregintenn said:

I'm guessing that tool would sell for enough to buy a modern reloading setup.

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The tool and a bullet mould were purchased to go with my "new" almost 120 year old Model 1892. The idea of using it for reloading came later. I'd rather have this one.

Oh, I wouldn't sell it either. I was simply suggesting that it has some collector value.

gregintenn said:

Oh, I wouldn't sell it either. I was simply suggesting that it has some collector value.

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Definitely.