Number 3 New Model 32-44S&W Target

[edgarspencer]

Greetings from wet CT. I am a new member, but have been shooting S&Ws for much of my 74 years.
I finally scratched the itch to own a No.3, and while I was looking for a .44 Russian, Condition and price were a big factor.
I enjoyed reading the thread about value of a NM 3, and it confirmed to me, there is a lot of confusing information regarding the .32-44 cartridge.
I have made a few dozen cases from 32-20 brass, as well as acquired the last 12 cases on hand at Buffalo Arms. There is clearly a step in the 1 7/16" cylinder, about 5/16" back from the front face of the cylinder.
Reading elsewhere, 10grs. of BP was the standard charge, so I loaded a few, more the fire-form the reformed 32-20 brass.
I believe CH4D makes dies for this cartridge, and I am sure in my usual fashion, I will go 'all in' for molds, dies and brass, and shoot the gun once. I have shelves full of ammo for guns I no longer own, which will attest to this OCD habit.
What I would like to know from those who have gone down this road, is what is a suitable smokeless charge. Using info for similar period cartridges of like-caliber, it seems the 2.0-2.5 grs of Bullseye might be about right.
The gun is in remarkably nice shape, and was factory refinished in 1917. It has a brilliant clean bore.
Thanks for any information, and allowing me into this great resource.

 

[iby]

Thank for the picture.
welcome.

 

[BMur]

32/20 case volume

Welcome to the forum.

I have used 32/20 cases for my 32-44 target; however, I've only used full loads of black powder. I wouldn't normally recommend using smokeless on a New Model 3 platform but the 32-44 has some special features that in my opinion qualify it for light loads of smokeless use.

I would use the charts below based on 32/20 pistol loads since that is the case you are using, and this round was pretty common on pistols during that period.

The smokeless load would be based on bullet weight. see charts for "pistol loading data only". This is NOT for rifle.

*** Also, I would not use this loading data for original or reproduction 32-44 cases as the case volume is different, therefore the performance and pressure would also be different.

Murph

 

[cgt4570]

I also have a NM3 target in .32-44. Haven't shot it yet. In my meager accumulation of antique ammo, I have 2 very distinct lengths that are headstamped .32-44. I also have exactly 6 empties of the shorter version that were gifted to me by a member a few years back.
I played around with various doner cases and settled on 7.62x38 Nagant Revolver as the closest fit. Starline was making it for a while so I have a few to play with when time allows.
I plan on using GOEX since I have a bunch.
I'll try to follow up tomorrow with pics and measurements of the antique factory loaded cartridges I mentioned.

 

[rct269]

The original 32-44 loads were an 83 grain round nose bullet in front of 11 grains of black powder---gallery load was 50 grain round ball with 6 grains of powder. Both bullets to be seated on compressed powder----or to quote glowe, a black powder load with air space (between powder and bullet) is the definition of a pipe bomb.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[TexasViking]

The New Model No 3 is the cat's meow! Elegant certainly comes to mind. Especially the later versions where they added calibers like the .44 WCF. Not all that sure that Sam Colt made men equal. A number of the deadliest pistoleers preferred Model 3s in its different forms.

 

[Boulder350]

I also have a NM3 target in .32-44. Haven't shot it yet. In my meager accumulation of antique ammo, I have 2 very distinct lengths that are headstamped .32-44. I also have exactly 6 empties of the shorter version that were gifted to me by a member a few years back.
I played around with various doner cases and settled on 7.62x38 Nagant Revolver as the closest fit. Starline was making it for a while so I have a few to play with when time allows.
I plan on using GOEX since I have a bunch.
I'll try to follow up tomorrow with pics and measurements of the antique factory loaded cartridges I mentioned.

Chris,
Do you mind sharing pictures of the 2 different marked cases for the 32-44? I have heard there were three different lengths a time or two but have not seen them.