Author Topic: Heavy cast bullets in 32-20 for contender (Read 1544 times)

Graycg · « **on:** February 19, 2003, 11:10:42 AM »

Greetings,
Finally got a good deal on a 32-20 10 inch barrel and was looking for loads with 170 or so grain cast bullets, but can't find any data whatsoever in any of my many manuals above 115 grains. Has anyone got any ideas? I generally use 2400, H110, Unique, 4227, 4198 and some others around the bench, so any of those will be available to me.

I recognize this data would all be used at my own risk, all I'm looking for is accuracy at 100 and 200 yards.

Thanks for your thoughts and help.

Graycg

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2003, 02:17:28 PM »

I played around with .30 US Carbine loads and heavy bullets many years ago. They were not too sucessful due to the s-l-o-w rifling twist and the chamber throat limitations on the standard M1 Carbine chamber. Accuracy was poor. chamber pressure indications went from "okay" to EXCESSIVE with little warning.

If you are determined to do this, try the slow shotgun powders, or the fast rifle powders like IMR 4227 or IMR 4198. Avoid the ball powders like WW296 or H110. They are not too reliable burning in reduced charges (to keep chamber pressures safe).

Maybe you can take a tip from the guys that have experimented with .30 Whisper loads. they take a 7.62x39 case and load it with a .30-30 sized FMJ bullet at subsonic velocities. There was mention of that on another forum. Powder charges started at about 50% of normal for the 123 grain FMJ bullets.

What on earth made you select the .32-20 case for these heavy bullet loads? I would have thought the case was too small and weak to do much good.

Graycg · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2003, 04:33:42 PM »

John Traveller,
Actually the 32-20 is very successful in Hunters pistol matches with 32-20 in the contender with 150 and 170 grain cast bullets and they recoil little and knock down the targets. I just haven't seen any loading data for the loads.

regards,
Graycg

Nobade · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2003, 05:53:02 AM »

I have had exellent results from the 30-20 and 32 H&R mag on big bore silhouettes using the RCBS 175gr. bore riding silhouette bullet and either WC820 or WC680. Both like rifle primers, and will work well around the 1300 fps you'll want to get to take the rams. Of the two, the 680 is more forgiving and you'll get better case life using it. You can also do this with either of the 4227s, AA1680, 2015, WW296, or H110. Charge weights for the pistol powders (296, 820, or 110) are around 9-11gr, and the rifle powders around 13-14gr, though you'll need to chrono individual loads in your gun to get it where you like it. Just start light and work up, and watch for sticky extraction. With some experimentation you'll find that's one of the best, most versatile barrels TC ever made.

Graycg · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2003, 01:06:01 PM »

Thanks Nobade,
That's exactly what I was looking for! I actually have some 820, I'll give it a try. I appreciate your help.

regards,
Graycg

# 566 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2003, 04:28:14 PM »

I've used the following in me BB standing T/C
1. 9.0 to 9.4 AA # 9 with the Saeco 165

2. 9.0 to 9.5 H 4227 with the Saeco and RCBS 165

3. 10.0 AA 5744 with a 180 Saeco = 31141

4. 13.0 RL 7 with the Saeco 190

Graycg · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2003, 03:47:04 PM »

#566,
Thanks!!! That's outstanding! I really appreciate your assistance, I think I'm gonna have a lot of fun with this project. If anyone has any more loads, please keep them coming!

regards,
Graycg

# 566 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2003, 04:12:37 PM »

GRAYCG,
check the twist of your BBL. T/C made some that have a slow twist 1-20 or so and they won't handle the heavy billets, the newer ones have a 1-10 twist.