Just got a 1905 second change in 32-20, that hasn't been shot in over 50 years and I just need to bring the old thing back to life. Looking at shooting 100 grain RNFP coated bullets from Missouri Bullet Company. I have some extra Bullseye and by doing some looking, 3.0 grains sounds like a good starting point for some mild plinking loads. Anyone shooting something around this? TIA.
32-20 load data help please
- Thread starter toad67
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I checked the cast boolits site and your recipe sounds good.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I have a 1902 no change (made in 1902), in 32-20. I only use Lyman 3118 and soft alloy. I've used WW231, Bullseye, and Trail Boss. Keep the loads mild and it will go for another 100 years!
Ivan
Ivan
The Bullseye load you cited is a good starting point.
John
John
N7BLW
Member
Lead bullets only
Jacketed bullets are pretty hard on early (pre-1920, or so) 32-20s. The friction is just too high for the soft steel barrels.
Jacketed bullets are pretty hard on early (pre-1920, or so) 32-20s. The friction is just too high for the soft steel barrels.
DWalt
Member
3 to 3.5 grains of any faster propellant, such as Bullseye, Clays, Red Dot, AA#2, etc. will work fine with lead bullets in the 100-115 grain range. MV will be around 900.
How about Unique? I just got a bag of brass and Unique is the only revolver powder I have on hand. Also have the Missouri bullets.
rockquarry
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Look at one of the current Lyman books. They have a good bit of .32-20 data.
gwpercle
Member
I just checked my Lyman and RCBS Cast Bullet Manuals ...
they show data with : TiteGroup , 231 , Red Dot , HP38 ...
But Not One Load with Bullseye ! Sorta odd .
All of the fast powders start at 3.0 grs. to 3.5 grs. min. starting load and go up to a max load of 4.0 grs. to 4.5 grs .
A Bullseye starting load with 3.0 grs and a 100 gr. Lead bullet sounds good ... work up slowly ... maybe calling 3.5 grs. Maximum ...
the old girl was made at the turn of the century .
I have always wanted a revolver in 32-20 ... Nice Catch !
Gary
they show data with : TiteGroup , 231 , Red Dot , HP38 ...
But Not One Load with Bullseye ! Sorta odd .
All of the fast powders start at 3.0 grs. to 3.5 grs. min. starting load and go up to a max load of 4.0 grs. to 4.5 grs .
A Bullseye starting load with 3.0 grs and a 100 gr. Lead bullet sounds good ... work up slowly ... maybe calling 3.5 grs. Maximum ...
the old girl was made at the turn of the century .
I have always wanted a revolver in 32-20 ... Nice Catch !
Gary
27 Man
SWCA Member
In 1969, Skeeter Skelton wrote an article about his load for a 32-20. He used a SWC, Lyman 31133, with a healthy dose of Unique that I am reluctant to repeat. Some of Skeeter’s loads seemed to be a little on the edge for me.
Mike Venturino recommended 3.5 gr. of Titegroup wIth 100-115 gr. bullets.I’ve used it and like it a lot. Very pleasant and accurate.
I use 3.0 gr of 231 with a 95 gr SWC and 2.0 gr of 231 with HBWC. I use them in a Ruger NO1 rebarreled to 32/20. Haven’t hot rodded it yet with jacketed bullets. I shoot offhand 50 ft indoors. Larry
Is there a difference between between revolver and rifle loads?
Oh yeah! A modern .32-20 in a strong action, like a Ruger No. 1, will take pressures that would destroy a revolver.
The ammo factories used to load a special rifle-only .32-20 round that used an 80 grain hollow point bullet. This round was intended for the strong rifles of the day, such as the Winchester M92 and the Marlin 1894.
Yes, there is a difference in the rifle and pistol loads. The 32-20 is a rifle cartridge and the loading data should be treated as such unless stated otherwise. There is load data out there that pushes 100-115gr bullets to 1800-2000fps. Out a 1892 Winchester or modern Marlin 1894 the performance on game is impressive. Please don’t take this as a recommendation to do so. Most older manuals list both rifle and pistol loads for the 32-20.
OP
Yes, there is a huge difference between the two. There's also a big difference between S&W and Ruger/T/C handgun loads...
There isn't any difference... yet, there is a difference. So let me say this about that.
There didn't used to be any pistol data in loading manuals because the 32-20 is a rifle cartridge. When you see data listed for 32-20 and the velocity is around 1100-1200fps out of a rifle, that load will "usually" be good for older pistols, and similar to the current Win and Rem factory loads. It will come out of a pistol at 800-900fps. Please use cast only.
I have never seen (or can't remember) published loads using Bullseye. (Although people do it and post on internet) The charge weight is just too small. You want to fill the case a little more IMO. You want a powder similar to Unique.... HS6....etc.
I have attached some good data from an article by Gil Sengel, Handloader magazine 220, 2003. If you have Unique, use it. It's my favorite. Unique is not available, but HS6 is.
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Here's a .32-20 Bullseye load for the .32-20, right from the powder maker.
Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide
Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide
gwpercle
Member
Thanks for posting this link .
The 32-20 data with Bullseye and lead bullet , is under the heading ...
Cowboy Action Loads ...
I wish they would give Starting Loads and Maximum Loads ...
I like to start low and work up to Near Maximum ... nice to know a safe ... Starting Point ...
That info wouldn't have hurt them to include it ...
Ah Well ... C'est La Vie !
Gary
OP
And they're saying that 2.9 is max, hmmm...
That kinda makes me rethink things a bit.
