S&W 1905 4th Change 32-20 WCF -- modern ammo question on safety

[cmansguns]

A couple weeks ago I saw a thread on the reloading section of this Forum. Perusing through the thread I saw several comments about reloading for this impossible to find factory new round.

What really caught my though was several comments from a lot of well known, long time members about using modern S&W 32 Long ammo and shooting it out of these type handguns. There did not seem to be any comments that this practice would be unsafe but since I have a 1905 HE chambered for 32-20 WCF and I have a decent quantity of S&W 32 Long factory ammo for my Model 31 on hand I thought maybe more of you folks would weigh in on this subject.

The gun: Model 1905 4th change, 32-20 WCF, s/n 105093, Roy verified it shipped in October 1921. All #'s match, bore and chambers very good, 5", mechanically good, no issues. According to sources, cylinder heat treating started on these Models at s/n 81287 so mine should be heat treated.

The ammo: Magtech, S&W 32 Long, 98 gr. LRN (Lead Round Nose).

Question for readers: Have you shot this modern ammo in an older 32-20 WCF chambered gun?

Is it really safe? My ammo is 98 gr and the cowboy action ammo I have been trying to find is listed as 115 gr. Lead Flat Nose. I don't know the real velocities of either. I know one is not supposed to shoot "rifle loads" through these old guns.

I would welcome any thoughts on this matter because I sure don't want to try something inherently unsafe for me or the gun but I would also like to put a few cylinders through this old guy if safe.

Moderators: If this post really belongs to "ammo" or "reloading" please feel free to move it. I thought the revolver forum would maybe gain more replies, good or bad.

 

[Brooks]

Ya, I saw those posts about shooting 32 long in a 32-20 gun. Personally, I have not done it, and I would not do it..... but hey... that's just me...right?

 

[glowe]

Years ago, I grabbed my 32 Winchester S&W and a box of ammo and went to the range. Chambered and fired six shots and was not impressed by the results. Opened the cylinder and pushed out the brass to see that every one of the rounds fired resulted in cases split from base to mouth. Looked at the box to find I had grabbed a box of 32 Long. Never did that again, but it was not a dangerous act, just ruined 6 cases vowing never to repeat my mistake.

 

[Muley Gil]

As I have posted several times, I worked two different murders where the killers used .32-20 S&Ws loaded with .32 Long ammo. It works, but I have several .32 Long revolvers & I don't want to waste or ruin the brass.

 

[Drm50]

It will fire and split & bulge the cases. No point in doing it unless dire emergency. It has been suggested you can fire 32 in the 1892 French 8mm
military revolvers. It is true it will fire but with same results of brass and even less results on paper.
It is good policy to fire the cartridge intended for the firearm.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Ya, I saw those posts about shooting 32 long in a 32-20 gun. Personally, I have not done it, and I would not do it..... but hey... that's just me...right?

Agreed...I only shoot .32-20 cartridges in my .32-20 M&P (Model of 1905 4th Change), and it's usually Cowboy Action ammo (Black Hills, HSM, etc.). I do not reload, and it's about the only ammo I can find (occasionally!). I routinely Google .32-20 ammo to see who might have some in stock. CAS ammo is very safe and fun to ammo, when you can find it.

 

[Model19man]

The gun: Model 1905 4th change, 32-20 WCF, s/n 105093, Roy verified it shipped in October 1921. All #'s match, bore and chambers very good, 5", mechanically good, no issues. According to sources, cylinder heat treating started on these Models at s/n 81287 so mine should be heat treated.

32 WCF is the stamping on the barrel. That's what is used in those. Hard to find and expensive when you do. AKA 32-20. Any other ammunition is the wrong stuff.

 

[adowns]

I think the 32-20's are much less of a concern with modern ammunition than the same model revolvers chambered in 38 Special because the cylinder walls are so much thicker in 32-20 revolvers.

And despite the ever present warnings about 32-20 rifle ammunition, I have never seen a picture of a revolver blown up by its use. But I'm no expert and the real experts may have some examples.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

Years ago, I grabbed my 32 Winchester S&W and a box of ammo and went to the range. Chambered and fired six shots and was not impressed by the results. Opened the cylinder and pushed out the brass to see that every one of the rounds fired resulted in cases split from base to mouth. Looked at the box to find I had grabbed a box of 32 Long. Never did that again, but it was not a dangerous act, just ruined 6 cases vowing never to repeat my mistake.

Almost did the same thing myself, but noticed how loose the rounds were in the cylinders before going any further.
It would be a fools folly to do it intentionally.

John

 

[cmansguns]

Agreed.....I won't be shooting 32 Long in my 32-20 revolver

Agreed with all replies. No sense taking any chances. I'll keep on looking for some 32-20 Cowboy Action ammo. I did see 1 place on line but only payment they would accept was electronic and reviews were all negative that indicated a total scam.

Reliable sources on line all out-of-stock, no backorder, but I'll keep watch.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

I have seen 32-20 more more often at gun shows than online or at the shops. More so with empty brass than complete ammo.

John

 

[4K2022]

32 WCF is the stamping on the barrel. That's what is used in those. Hard to find and expensive when you do. AKA 32-20. Any other ammunition is the wrong stuff.

LEFT to right; 38 S&W, 38 special, empty 32-20 brass 32 S&W long, 32 S&W, 32-20 soft point and 32-20 lead

Sorry for omitting the 357 magnum,, (case length)