32-20 loads

[Gordyf808]

Hi
I have found myself with some 500 Speer 98 grain hollow base wad cutters (.312-.313) and think that they might make a fun plinking load in my old 32-20 revolver.
Have not however been able to find a specific load for these. I must not be the first guy to ever think of this.
Actually found loading data for 100 grain bullets, pretty close, but I am concerned about how deep to set the projectile.
Do I want to bury it as with the 38spl, or set it to the cannelure and crimp. The COAL is the question. Don't want to overpressure.
Powders on hand are 231, Bulleye and Trail Boss.
All appropriate I think.
Anyone have thoughts or experience they might want to share?
Thanks in advance
Aloha
Gordy

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

98 grain 32 HBWC

You'll find those to be very accurate bullets. No need to seat them all the way down as they'll shoot just fine with much of the bearing surface unsupported by the case's neck. In fact, you'll probably not want to seat them too deep as the hollow base may try to open up before leaving the case in the 32/20. Might be detrimental to accuracy. I seat them all the way down in the 32 S&W, but that's a straight case.

I also use them in the 32 S&W Long and the 30/40 and 303 British rifles for a fine plinking and rabbit/vermin load. I keep the velocities below 1,000 fps in the rifles and there is no leading in them or my revolvers.

I use Bullseye in both revolvers and rifles with these, but your other choices should work fine too. Start with starting loads for a 100 grain cast bullet and work up to what you like.

As an aside, these make great training loads in rifles and revolvers for children. My son fired a bunch of them up in his youth. Minimum recoil and report and good accuracy... What's not to like?

 

[Gordyf808]

Great info! Thanx!
Gordy

 

[oddshooter]

With the 32-20, I would recommend trying the singleactions site for recipes. 24 pages on .32 by some of the most knowledgeable around.

Search | Single-Actions

 

[DWalt]

So long as you are not overdoing it, the .32-20 chamber will withstand considerable pressure. There is a lot of metal around the .32-20 chambers, much more than is around .38 Special chambers.

 

[Moe Mentum]

I take it easy on these old timers, my 32-20 load with a 100 grain bullet is 2.5 grains of Red Dot, nice mild load.

 

[oddshooter]

The older 32-20 revolvers (before 1920) need something below 1050fps.
The newer Ruger Buckeye and BH8 are capable of 1400fps and beyond.

I have both old and new. I am very careful about Powder Coating my bullets to indicate mouse farts vs fire breathing dragon rounds.


Prescut

 

[glowe]

Please DO NOT load HBWC anywhere near 1050fps!! There are many variables involved in determining proper loads for a firearm. Type of firearm, barrel length, age of firearm, and why you want to reload this caliber are just a few questions to answer. I have and shoot everything from Model 1899s, 1902s, and 1905 M&P in this caliber and try to keep loads at or below 750fps with great results at the range. What are you shooting?

 

[oddshooter]

My reference to 1050fps was in regard to post #2 talking about rifles running that speed. I was trying to indicate I thought that was TOO much for revolvers.

My older 32-20's get green color of powder coated bullets to indicate mild loads. Don't want to mix them with hot rounds built for the Ruger Buckeye (the tank).

The powder choices should work well for mild loads using 231 and Trail Boss.

 

[OldChief]

My reference to 1050fps was in regard to post #2 talking about rifles running that speed. I was trying to indicate I thought that was TOO much for revolvers.

My older 32-20's get green color of powder coated bullets to indicate mild loads. Don't want to mix them with hot rounds built for the Ruger Buckeye (the tank).

The powder choices should work well for mild loads using 231 and Trail Boss.

Great idea color coating, I color code the labels I print for my reloads.