Safe .32-20 Ammo

[BigRich315]

I thought this would be a more effective section to post in than Ammunition, mostly because it's the only place it applies.

I searched for (and failed to find) an old thread regarding what factory loads are safe in 1902/05 .32-20s. I believe one was Remington R32201, 100gr LRN.

I wanted to be sure before using it since the product line is Remington "Express Rifle". IIRC, most "rifle only" rounds are no longer made, would be labeled so, and have a lighter bullet.

So: good to go?

(btw, based on the premium price, I will definitely plan to reload this brass.)

 

[Oldiron]

I have shot the Remington in mine. Like most ammo that is mfg for the "old" rifle cals it seems to be mild. I shoot 45/70 in a T/C Contender pistol and factory Remington is sedate.
Reloading is the way to go. Just use a powder that is low on cup and will mostly fill the case. 3 grains of Bullseye is used by lots of folks but is way too easily double charged and not noticed. If you use it, just be dilligent. Be careful on the resizing, 32-20 is easily wadded up. Seating the bullit and using a separate cripping die will extend your brass and your nerves.
If you want more brass, start looking. Midway USA is out of stock on most of what I want to order from them right now. 32-20, .32 long, 38 S&W etc. Most say seasonal run.
Be safe and enjoy. Larry

 

[David LaPell]

The factory stuff you have to concern yourself with was marked "High velocity" not to be confused with what is advertised as high velocity like is marketed on pretty much every box of ammo. These were 85 grain JHP's and the headstamp on the shell says either H-V or High Velocity, all of the ones I have are Winchester. I have a few spent casings of these, when I get home either today or tomorrow I will take a pic of the headstamp. I don't recall what the boxes look like for these. I have shot factory Remington and Winchester 100 grain lead bullets out of Smith M & P and never had any problems.

 

[Alk8944]

All currently manufactured .32-20 ammunition is appropriate for revolvers of any vintage. This also includes ammunition of any period loaded with 100-120 gr. Lead flat-point or jacketed flat-point bullets.

The only "rifle only" load that has ever been a concern was the 80 gr. JHP Round Nose "High-Velocity" load that has not been made since, possibly, the 1950s or '60s. This is the only ammunition that was ever loaded with that bullet, so it is real easy to identify.

 

[rburg]

If you get the box, it will say "for rifles and handguns" or similar. Gawd I'm glad I went looking and bought a bunch of stuff some old guy (older even than me) wanted to be rid of. Full boxes of ammo, partial boxes, boxes full of fired brass, new brass, and even a box of bullets. At another gun show some guy had a coffee can and a jar full of cast bullets. He wanted $8 for about 500 of them. A friend scrounged up a box from his waste pile and gave it to me. Suddenly I went from no ammo to a bunch of loaded ammo and components to make 500 more. I'm rich.

 

[ElToro]

ever since both a shooting buddy acquired a 1st gen colt bisley in 32-30 and my dad inherited a win 92 in 32-20 from my grandpa, i have been jonesing for one. i have seen some old 1905s around but non in a while.

 

[BigRich315]

Thanks for the confirmation, I'd rather be over-cautious than risk hurting my favorite shooter (and myself in the process).

Rburg, you're right there, buying 500 factory rounds these days would cost a small fortune... well... as least enough that you could buy another gun or two instead But then I would need even MORE ammo! The circle never ends...

And interestingly enough, the box doesn't say anything about what it can be used in.

 

[tops]

Dillons did have a bunch of 32-20 brass. Cowboy Shooting has 115 gr. bullets. 4 grs. of Unique does 880 fps. out of my 6 in. 1905. Larry