1921 32-20 Smith&Wesson

[Centex Bill]

I have a 32-20 that is estimated to be a 1921` issue. It is in very good shape. I would like to load some rounds for back yard plinking. I have new brass and 71 gr lead bullets. I would like a 750 FPS load. What powders should I use and any load suggestions. Thanks in advance for any input.
Centex Bill

 

[dwh]

Bill, I usually load 100-115gr bullets in the 32-20, but the same powders work with the 71gr bullet. You can use Unique, Bullseye, Win 231, AA#2/5. My plinking load uses 231.

 

[Alk8944]

Why 71 gr. bullets? Standard weight for .32-20 loads ranged from 100 to 125 grains. All my loading for .32-20 is with nominal 110-115 grain cast bullets, the Lyman 3118 (now 311008).

.32-20 in revolvers should never be loaded with light charges, the cartridge is known for producing squibs, and very many S&W revolvers in this caliber have barrels that have been bulged as a result! I strongly recommend using a medium burning rate propellant, in the range of Alliant Unique, because these are bulkier and fill the case better. The same for bullet weight, use standard for caliber bullets! The slower powder and heavier bullets help to avoid squib loads. This is no idle recommendation as I own numerous both S&W and Colt revolvers in ,32-20 and have been loading/shooting them for over 60 years. I know people who have not heeded this advice and have bulged their barrels as a result!

Personally I have never experienced a .32-20 squib, but I always have loaded as described above.

 

[Muley Gil]

Why 71 gr. bullets? Standard weight for .32-20 loads ranged from 100 to 125 grains. All my loading for .32-20 is with nominal 110-115 grain cast bullets, the Lyman 3118 (now 311008).

.32-20 in revolvers should never be loaded with light charges, the cartridge is known for producing squibs, and very many S&W revolvers in this caliber have barrels that have been bulged as a result! I strongly recommend using a medium burning rate propellant, in the range of Alliant Unique, because these are bulkier and fill the case better. The same for bullet weight, use standard for caliber bullets! The slower powder and heavier bullets help to avoid squib loads. This is no idle recommendation as I own numerous both S&W and Colt revolvers in ,32-20 and have been loading/shooting them for over 60 years. I know people who have not heeded this advice and have bulged their barrels as a result!

Personally I have never experienced a .32-20 squib, but I always have loaded as described above.

Those bullets are common for the .32 ACP and at one time, were about the only factory bullets to be found.

Since Cowboy Action Shooting arrived on the scene, proper .32-20 bullets are more available.

 

[Alk8944]

Those bullets are common for the .32 ACP and at one time, were about the only factory bullets to be found.

Since Cowboy Action Shooting arrived on the scene, proper .32-20 bullets are more available.

The question was directed to O.P, why don't you let him answer it!??

I have been reloading for more than 60 years, and for more than 60 calibers! I am fully aware what was and is available. Proper cast bullets have been available for most, if not all, of that 60 years from several sources!

 

[glowe]

. . . you also would find some 75+/- grain bullets in 32 S&W. Standard for 32 S&W was 85 grain and for best performance and something above 90 grains should give you the best performance in 32-20. I use Trail Boss in my 32 Winchester cases and gives extremely low SDs since the case is almost full of powder. 2.5 to 3 grain is around 750 fps with most 95 grain bullets.