I have been searching for 32-20 unprimed brass but am now aware scams are everywhere. Does anyone know of a reputable seller. Starline has a scam alert on their website and all the usual places are out of stock. I feel like a target every time I run out of ammo!
Searching for 32-20 brass
- Thread starter delta-419
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Im afraid for now Gunbroker is the only source for 32-20 brass and ammo. It is running abt $2 apiece for the brass
DWalt
Member
Someone from Starline posted here a few weeks ago to say that they would resume production of .32-20 brass, but they were too jammed up with other priorities at present. No estimate given when that might be. If you are really desperate, .32 Long cases will work in a .32-20 chamber.
Here in central MN my LGS has UltraMax 32-20 ammo for sale at $99 per box of 50. It was loaded with Starline brass. $2 per round, but it was a way to shoot the 1892 Winchester I recently acquired and have the brass for reloading.
I check Starline every couple of days hoping to see that they are taking orders for 32-20 brass.
I check Starline every couple of days hoping to see that they are taking orders for 32-20 brass.
I recently acquired a .32-20 Hand Ejector and went looking for brass as well. Almost fell into a scam myself; even placed the order and gave them my credit card info. When I received an email telling me the credit card “held” my order until I paid with zelle, I knew it was a scam. I had no idea the brass was unobtainium until I went looking for it. Until it becomes available, I’ve got a nice looking 100 year old paperweight
I’m patient, though, and I’ve got a friend with a box he’s going to trade with me for some other ammo next time I see him at a gunshow. In the meantime, I’ll keep looking and hope Starline resumes production. I’ve heard the brass doesn’t have a long life, only good for five or so reloadings, so that’s another reason there’s none available.
Old Corp
Member
Yep. In same boat.
Did both an email and a "contact us'' note to Starline regarding just being put on a 'notify' list for .32-20 brass. No response to either.
And the GB sellers can pound sand at the scalping figures they're showing.
Did both an email and a "contact us'' note to Starline regarding just being put on a 'notify' list for .32-20 brass. No response to either.
And the GB sellers can pound sand at the scalping figures they're showing.
DWalt
Member
The brass is thin and does not hold up well to repeated reloading. I have a very nice Colt Army Special in .32-20 that I seldom shoot because a significant percentage of reloaded cases develop sidewall splits after one reloading. I do not know why, possibly that the Colt’s chambers are slightly enlarged. At one time I had a Winchester 73, it also had the same case life problem. Maybe two or three reloads before case splits occurred.
rockquarry
Member
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2005
- Messages
- 8,661
- Reaction score
- 10,657
Agreed, the brass is thin and it's easy to deform or crush a case in the neck area if you're careless when placing the case in the shell holder during handloading steps. I've ruined a few cases like this; same goes for the .22 Hornet and other thin-necked cases.
I've loaded the .32-20 for a couple of rifles and one revolver beginning forty or more years ago. I don't recall ever losing a case except for the reason cited above. I've never had a neck split and cartridge life with cast lead bullets (all I've ever used for handloading) and standard pressure loads is as good as with any other cartridge case - a very long time, but I don't count the number of loadings.
DeplorabusUnum
Member
Agree with this. I've crushed a few cases. You do need to be careful sizing 32-20 cases (if you can find one).
Rambler42
Member
You can find it pretty regularly on Gunbroker but it ain't cheap. Usually $1.25 to $2.00 a case.
I have a S&W 1899 in .32-20 and a Winchester in the same. A fun round to shoot in either gun.
Last edited:
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
They are available right now but I wouldn't hesitate. It's from Optics Planet so it's a safe site.
Winchester .32-20 Winchester Unprimed Rifle Brass | Free Shipping over $49!
Winchester .32-20 Winchester Unprimed Rifle Brass | Free Shipping over $49!
Last edited:
Thanks for the heads up…I ordered some.
DeplorabusUnum
Member
YES!! Thank you. I ordered a couple as well. Appreciate the heads up.
Old Corp
Member
Another thanks! IIRC, I was on a 'notify me' status with them for this, but don't believe I ever got a notice. Just ordered some.
I ordered as well, Thanks! order status email: availability in 4 to 6 weeks.
tinstarfirearms
Member
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2014
- Messages
- 33
- Reaction score
- 27
I ordered some .25-20 with the same 4-6 week availability, that would be amazing.
Annealing will help with prolonging the life. I do it the easy way, with a power drill and propane torch as seen on Youtube. Even newer brass will benefit as often it is too hard. If its dirty on the out side after firing, it is too hard to expand and seal the chamber. Especially with moderate loads.
Most of my brass is older batches found at gun shows, though I do have some new Starline and R-P. you buy it when you find it.
I've lost more cases from oops when reloading than from splits.
John
Most of my brass is older batches found at gun shows, though I do have some new Starline and R-P. you buy it when you find it.
I've lost more cases from oops when reloading than from splits.
John
Model19man
Member
Might want to check the reviews before ordering......
OpticsPlanet Reviews - 215 Reviews of Opticsplanet.com | Sitejabber
"OpticsPlanet has a rating of 1.7 stars from 215 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about OpticsPlanet most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and next day problems. OpticsPlanet ranks 147th among Outdoor Equipment sites."
OpticsPlanet Reviews - 215 Reviews of Opticsplanet.com | Sitejabber
"OpticsPlanet has a rating of 1.7 stars from 215 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about OpticsPlanet most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and next day problems. OpticsPlanet ranks 147th among Outdoor Equipment sites."
Ditto only I use R-P brass.
The 32-20 is my favorite cartridge. I shoot it in both revolver and a carbine. I do take my time when resizing the case as the case mouth and neck are thin.
Another thanks for the heads up. I ordered some, also.
