Modern .32-20

[Green Frog]

I'm no ballistician, but isn't the rule of thumb to use a lead bullet one or two thousandths over groove diameter? If yes, it sounds like you planned 311 bullet will be just the ticket with those 311 chamber throats. Anybody see any problems there?

Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

While I have you knowledgeable guys' attention.

On the Liberty 30 carbine:
I pin gauged the cylinders and got all right at .311"
I slugged the bore and got bore size (land to land) of .309"-.
I got a groove size (groove to groove) of .300"
Those are correct with published specs.

I would like the bullet to fit the cylinder exits, .311", without tilting. A .311" or even a .310" would do.

I usually select a cast bullet .001" - .002" oversize to obturate and fill the bore and the grooves (.309 + .002 = .311).

So I need a .311 for both the cylinders and bore.
I'm thinking I could see some serious pressure from trying to mash that .311 bullet into .300" grooves.
Of course I've already mashed a .313 from the 32-20 trial through that barrel without incident.

Is my math correct?
Should I be concerned?


Prescut

How do you come up with a bore size larger than the groove diam?

Otherwise I'd agree with your math per what Froggie posted.

 

[Green Frog]

Jim, isn't the groove diameter the diameter to the bottoms of the grooves? In other words, with a slug that has properly filled all space in the barrel, you have a mirror image of the barrel, and the full diameter of the slug to the fins, provides the "groove diameter" or so I've been led to believe. Meanwhile, bore diameter can be defined as the smaller diameter, that is the size of the bore before adding the depth of the grooves. According to the definitions I am working with, the largest plug gauge that will pass through the barrel would be the measure of the bore diameter, and as stated above, the largest diameter of a slug forced through the bore and displaying ridges from the barrel's grooves would provide groove diameter. Have I been wrong all this time?

Froggie

 

[308 Scout]

Ok, I have an AK47 barrel. I know it isn't the best diameter for this project at .310" but I can adapt in my bullet sizing. As a machinist, I have no problem cutting and turning it down to make a barrel liner for this project. I envision boring out the Smith and Wesson barrel to just a little more than the threaded barrel shank, threading the liner to the proper thread and then installing the liner using either Brownell's epoxy or maybe even silver soldering it. The cylinder work is something I need to work out. I get figuring the headspace involved.. My friend has a .32-20 chamber reamer.. Any thoughts on any traps involved here?

I would contact John Taylor. He lined an old 1873 Winchester barrel for me and I'm sure he could help you. In addition to knowing his stuff, he's a really good guy. I'm really anxious to know how your project turns out.

308S

 

[oddshooter]

I think you are both right and I am Wrong.

Green Frog is correct about how to do the measuring. I said the same thing.

Hondo is right in that I reversed the readings.

Sorry guys.
I'll try to be more careful in the future.
Thanks much.

Prescut

 

[Hondo44]

Prsecut,

No worries, I've done worse! I was pretty sure of what you meant and didn't mean to sound so critical.

Thanks for taking the time to measure and share your precise dimensions with us.

It's all good,

 

[Weldmeister]

So, just a little update on my old post... I bought one of JS Sales Model 10 barrel less actions and have fitted an old 1905 .32-20 cylinder to it. Now I just need to rebore that Model 15 barrel (gave up on the .22 barrels), make the liner from the AK barrel and get it fitted. Slow progress, I know. But it is a mood thing. I have found in my old age, if I am not in the mood to work on something, it's better to leave it until I am.

 

[Green Frog]

A 32-20 made on a modern frame with modern steels sounds good to me! Is the serial number on the cylinder above 75 000, indicating the improved heat treating? Unless you plan on hot rodding your new project, the earlier ones should be OK, but building a modern, new 32-20 calls for "modern" steel treatment, at least IMO.
Froggie

 

[Green Frog]

I also have all the parts to assemble a post-war 5-screw target sighted .32-20. It's still a few slots down on my project list. Some day.

Now that this zombie thread has arisen from the dead, what about this project? Did this post War K32-20 ever get built? With the emergence of the 32 H&R and the 327Fed Mag, I'm not sure I'd do it myself, but it would be an interesting project!
Froggie

 

[Green Frog]

Well, I was informed that I had another "Like" on this thread. Has anyone done anything neat with a 32-20 or 327 in the last few months. I just got a Ruger #3 back from a great gunsmith in Idaho. Although it's "modern" it's not a 32-20... that's been done. I now have an extremely rare beast, a custom 327 Ruger #3 carbine. Go figure!
Froggie

 

[Jebus35745]

Sweet rifle Froggie, need some pics. How about a range report also!! Found a Ruger NO1 re-barreled in 32-20, nice and accurate rifle. Wish it was in .327, 32/20 seems to be somewhat difficult to reload. Have to slow down and quit nicking the case mouth.

Long live .32 caliber guns, Larry

 

[Alk8944]

32/20 seems to be somewhat difficult to reload. Have to slow down and quit nicking the case mouth.

.32-20 is no more difficult to re-load than any other cartridge. The neck and mouth of the case is a bit thinner than most other cartridges and simply requires more caution as it is more easily damaged! The last portion of the quoted post is the secret.

 

[Weldmeister]

Just a little update on my continuing saga of getting a "Modern" .32-20. I built the liner out of the AK barrel and got it installed in a 4" Model 15 barrel. I found an old .32-20 Cylinder on Ebay and have it installed in the frame with a Power hand, and is indexing right. Just have to get the barrel fitted to the frame with the correct cylinder gap and take it out to see if it works.... If all goes well, I'll machine that Model 10 frame for an adjustable sight.

 

[dwh]

I have all of the parts to send off to Andy Horvath to create a 3in 32-20 kings super police. I recently got a S&W target barrel rebored and stamped 32-20. I could be a model 16 barrel restamped. I'm looking for a model 15 now to sacrifice to the project. I also have colt barrel I not sure what. I'm doing with yet.

 

[Green Frog]

I'm having a little difficulty understanding your project(s). Did you get that 6' barrel rebored to 32 cal and marked as such? Are you going to make a quasi-K32 target model with the 6" barrel length or are you cutting that barrel off to make a 3" gun? If you're going to shorten it, why did you have it marked since the markings will be in the wrong place or lost altogether.

Regardless, I am sure Andy will do an excellent job for you. One mismatch I see is the LERK on the ejector rod while the barrel is not notched to match. You'll either have to find an early post War e-rod with the knurling and RH threads or else have Andy mill the barrel.

Other than these concerns it seems like you've gotten a good set of parts and should have a good project for Andy to do. At the end of the day, the reboring of the barrel is the big deal, and you've done that already.

Please keep us informed of your progress.

Froggie

 

[dwh]

Froggie, I have 2 projects in the works.
1. I'm using a prewar 32-20 cylinder (matching sn# 140xxx) and barrel to build a 3in Kings Super Police on a 10-7 frame.

2. I have 6in masterpiece 32cal barrel that is either rebored and restamped 32-20 or it started as k32 barrel and was restamped 32-20. That I'm going to build a 32-20 masterpiece with on model 15 frame. With an additional cylinder in 32 H&R mag.

3. There is Colt Officers model 32 long heavy barrel that is languishing in my parts box begging to be a Smolt. I may just sell that barrel.

I hope this clears up my projects.

 

[Green Frog]

Sounds like you're on a roll, dwh. I can foresee some stellar results to both of those projects. The Super Police conversion from King has always been a dream for me since I saw my first picture of one. I've never been able to get my ducks in a row to have one built though, and at my age, I'm going to guess it's beyond my reach now.

The K32-20 Masterpiece promises to be a real treasure. I have a 648 cylinder and extractor assembly that I hoped to send to Andy and have him rechamber it to 32-20. I'm starting to wonder whether I'll even get this done, since the "616" I planned to put it on has become a favorite as a 327 FM. I don't know whether I would ever use it. Maybe showing off yours will reignite my passion for that project.

Best of luck,
Froggie

PS A 32 S&W Long Smolt would be one of a kind... I like it!

 

[Model19man]

How about a range report a 32/20 seems to be somewhat difficult to reload.

I load for 3 revolvers in 32 WCF. One of them is a S&W Model 1899, the others are Colt products.

I ruined a lot of cases until I finally figured it out - make all the cases the same length. No more problems! A few minutes with a case trimmer made all the difference.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Slightly off topic but related enough to mention…

I wish Rossi would produce model 92s in 32-20 and/or 327 fed mag.