Vintage 32-20 Ammo

[jsfricks]

Found a couple of boxes of 32-20 ammo for sale locally. I plan on reloading for my S&W 32-20 but if this is usable that's always a plus, and can be reloaded too. But one appears to be rifle ammo. I guess I would need to pull the bullets on those and use for reloading only. But what about the yellow box. Should it be good for shooting (if in good condition, of course)?

 

[Alk8944]

ALL .32-20 ammunition is rifle ammunition! That's what it started out as in 1882 and nothing has changed. But, the ammunition the warnings are about is loaded with an 80 grain jacketed round nose hollow-point bullet. The ammunition you picture has a 100 gr. RNFP bullet and is perfectly alright to shoot in revolvers. It makes no difference if the bullets are plain Lead or jacketed, as long as they are flat-point there is no concern.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

I would check to make sure non of that is collectible before shooting as I am not an ammunition collector I don't know but I haven't seen any super x or western ammo in a long time especially in 32/20 . Other than that it should be good to go .They made a for rifle only ammo that was a higher velocity round as Alk8944 said and I believe I have seen at least one manufacturer making something like that today but it is clearly marked for rifles only and shouldn't be fired in older revolvers.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Decades ago the major ammo makers (Western, Winchester, Remington, Union Metallic Cartridge, Dominion, and others) usually marked boxes with the type of firearms for which the ammo was intended, such as Colt Revolvers, Winchester rifles, Marlin rifles, etc. This was done for several reasons:
1. Some calibers were offered in both rifles and revolvers, with differing powder charges according to intended use.
2. Some older firearms remained in use despite relatively weak actions, as compared to later developments (example: Winchester 1873 vs. Winchester 1892, Marlin 1894, etc).
3. Bore and groove diameters, as well as rifling methods, varied widely between manufacturers (example: Colt .44-40 revolvers with .426-.427" groove diameters vs. Winchester & Marlin rifles in .44-40 with .429-.431" groove diameters).

Since about WW2 there has been a largely successful effort to standardize, with the SAAMI (Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) standards becoming the norm. More modern ammunition is produced so as to be safe for use in any modern firearm in good mechanical condition, although it may not be optimal for any particular firearm. Those of us who use vintage firearms have come to understand that reloading ammo tailored specifically for those guns is the best way to fully enjoy their capabilities.

The Winchester Super X box shown in the OP's photo is of relatively recent production (probably 1980's to 1990's). The Remington yellow box is typical of 1960's to 1980 or so production, both well after SAAMI standardization. Assuming that the ammo contained is original factory production, shows no signs of damage or severe corrosion, and has been properly stored, it should be safe for use in any modern firearm in good mechanical condition.

 

[jsfricks]

Thanks for the info. Both look good.

 

[jsfricks]

And other box.

 

[Frank46]

Used to shoot a 32-20 Winchester low wall single shot rifle. This was back in the mid to late 80's. Both Remington and Winchester made either 100 grain jacketed and lead bullet ammunition. I used to save the empty cases and reload them with some IMR 4227 and lyman's #311316 with a gas check. Out to 100 yds and iron sights 3" groups on a good day. Got a low wall action with a 25-20 barrel that has seen better days. So maybe I'll come full circle and have it relined to 32-20. Starline makes and sells 32-20 brass and it is good brass. Frank

 

[DWalt]

The .32-20 ammunition you have has no special collector value and there is no particular reason not to shoot it. It will be safe to use in any revolver or rifle. Back in the good ol' days some fired high velocity rifle ammunition in revolvers, considering it as basically a .32-20 Magnum. I have seen stories about its causing cracking of the barrel in the forcing cone area but have not personally seen a revolver having such damage. The HV rifle ammo hasn't been factory-made for over 50 years, although some of the boutique makers such as Buffalo Bore may offer something like it.

Those who favor .32-20 guns for shooting are usually reloaders, as factory ammunition can be difficult to find and is somewhat expensive.

 

[jsfricks]

Thanks for all the help. I went ahead and bought both boxes at $25 each. Both were missing one round, why I don't know. So I have .51 cents a round in loaded ammo. After shipping from Midway I would have had .33 cents a round in just the brass. So it was a no brained for me, plus I will have name brand brass to reload.

 

[Texas Star]

Probably most S&W .32-20 revolvers were made before cylinders were heat -treated. That began in the early 1920's and production of the M&P for that ctg. ended in 1929.

Are older cylinders considered safe with factory ammo?

BTW, that rifle-only ammo was for just Winchester M-92 and Marlin rifles, not Win. '73's. It may still fall into the hands of unwary shooters shopping at gun shows.

 

[Drm50]

I have a lot of older 32/20 and several guns to shot it. I have
never seen a box of 32/20 made after WW2 that was the hi speed
rifle ammo. I have many boxes of Win Super X in the Yellow box
and several in the White box, circa 1980s. I shoot this in Levers
and S&W revolvers with no problem. Liability is the reason they
load so it can be shot in rifles and revolvers. Bottom of picture
is box of Hi Vel rifle loads, with warning against use in revolvers.
I also have old Rem ammo maked the same.

 

[DWalt]

"I have a lot of older 32/20 and several guns to shot it. I have never seen a box of 32/20 made after WW2 that was the hi speed rifle ammo."

The last Remington price list which shows the high velocity .32-20 rifle load is 1966. The last Western price list which shows it is 1967. As I earlier said, 50 years.

 

[Texas Star]

I have a lot of older 32/20 and several guns to shot it. I have
never seen a box of 32/20 made after WW2 that was the hi speed
rifle ammo. I have many boxes of Win Super X in the Yellow box
and several in the White box, circa 1980s. I shoot this in Levers
and S&W revolvers with no problem. Liability is the reason they
load so it can be shot in rifles and revolvers. Bottom of picture
is box of Hi Vel rifle loads, with warning against use in revolvers.
I also have old Rem ammo maked the same.

Why is that Marlin lever hanging down? Broken spring? The hammer is fully down, suggesting that the lever has yet to begin cycling the action.

I don't know lever guns well. I hope this wasn't aa dumb question.

 

[Walter Rego]

I have shot the newer Winchester .32-20 ammo in my 1923 S&W .32-20 M&P without any problems. I can say that it has a good sharp crack when it goes off, it's not a .327 Federal but it's not a pipsqueak when fired in a revolver either.

 

[Yorkie Man]

What are the lot numbers on the end flaps?

 

[weatherby]

Rifle ammo comes in a twenty round box.....not serious folks.
The velocity on these is listed at 1,500+ though.
I think that's pretty high velocity for the 115 grain bullet.

 

[rburg]

I can say that it has a good sharp crack when it goes off, it's not a .327 Federal but it's not a pipsqueak when fired in a revolver either.

"That thing will shoot plum thru a man".

 

[Tom K]

"That thing will shoot plum thru a man".

So, a poor round for self defense due to over-penetration.