Author Topic: .22 magnum a 32-20 or??? (Read 1435 times)

Kevin Higashi · « **on:** January 19, 2006, 03:22:56 PM »

I thought I would give Tony T a break from all of my questions and post them here.

I'm looking for some thoughts regarding my selection of a good caliber to play in the lever action pistol cartridge silhouette matches. Can anyone shed some light on performance between the 2 catridges? I'm not sure if the magnum has the accuracy or knockdown power for the rams. Or, if the 32-20 cartridge is a better all around cartridge for these matches?

I'm also considering the purchase of either a 9422 xtr or a Browning model 53 for this game. Any suggestions from the pro's out there?

I like the idea of a barrel at least 22" long and pistol grip for the type of rifle I'm looking for. Again, I'm open to thoughts and recommendations.

Kevin

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rn122 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2006, 04:09:15 PM »

Kevin: Don't consider myself a pro, but I'll weigh in here. Although the 22 mag has the accuracy and light recoil, you will have to live with ringing some rams. Just depends on the condition of the rails, targets, wind direction and how you hold your tongue in your mouth. For reliable ram knockdown, the 32-20 should fit the bill, along with light recoil. One of the downsides from people in the know, is the brass has very thin necks; easy to ding up and crush if you're not careful reloading.

As far as choice of rifle, either should be okay. I'm assuming you'll buy either/or depending on calibre choice? The Browning would get my vote.

Have you considered other calibres for PC? Using a 357 or 44 mag would also allow you to shoot LAR, that is if you don't already own a 200 meter rifle.

Jason · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2006, 07:29:17 PM »

I've used a 22 mag with a 24" barrel in that match, and have run one ram out of 27 hit in the last three matches. I use the 50-grain Federal Classic load, as the CCI load I used before got discontinued. I use the 40-grain CCI Maxi-mag FMJs for the other three animals and the accuracy is great with no chance of ringing them. The ram I run was on a very cold, rainy day with the wind coming from behind the ram. The hit was low in the belly toward the front foot. A larger caliber like 357 magnum probably wouldn't have only rung it, though.

Kevin Higashi · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2006, 05:21:30 AM »

Thanks for the feedback!

I have heard about the thin necks on the 32-20 cases, which may prevent me from reloading on my Dillon, but I have a couple of single stage presses that should minimize the problem albeit at a much slower pace.

I also looked into the new Winnie 94 Legacys in .357 and was all prepared to make the purchase, but the slop in the action really turned me off. The lever when cycled didn't lock into the closed position very well. When I compared an old Browning .22 lever that I have to the new Winnie, I was a bit dissapointed to say the least. The .22 magnum Winnie on the other hand cycled and felt much better. I like the idea of one gun for the 2 matches but wasn't sure how effective the .357 would be on the 200 meter rams when full set on the rails.

I pick up an older Marlin 39a next week and will take it to a few of the matches and see what others are using in the matches. I've got a couple of boxes of the Aguila SSS rounds (rams) and will try this rifle and ammo in both the smallbore and pistol cartridge matches until I can make up my mind. Thanks again for the information!

Kevin[/list]

Kevin Higashi · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2006, 05:24:19 AM »

Thanks for the feedback!

I have heard about the thin necks on the 32-20 cases, which may prevent me from reloading on my Dillon, but I have a couple of single stage presses that should minimize the problem albeit at a much slower pace.

I also looked into the new Winnie 94 Legacys in .357 and was all prepared to make the purchase, but the slop in the action really turned me off. The lever when cycled didn't lock into the closed position very well. When I compared an old Browning .22 lever that I have to the new Winnie, I was a bit dissapointed to say the least. The .22 magnum Winnie on the other hand cycled and felt much better. I like the idea of one gun for the 2 matches but wasn't sure how effective the .357 would be on the 200 meter rams when full set on the rails.

I pick up an older Marlin 39a next week and will take it to a few of the matches and see what others are using in the matches. I've got a couple of boxes of the Aguila SSS rounds (rams) and will try this rifle and ammo in both the smallbore and pistol cartridge matches until I can make up my mind. Thanks again for the information!

Kevin[/list]

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Kevin Higashi · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2006, 05:26:57 AM »

Thanks for the feedback!

I have heard about the thin necks on the 32-20 cases, which may prevent me from reloading on my Dillon, but I have a couple of single stage presses that should minimize the problem albeit at a much slower pace.

I also looked into the new Winnie 94 Legacys in .357 and was all prepared to make the purchase, but the slop in the action really turned me off. The lever when cycled didn't lock into the closed position very well. When I compared an old Browning .22 lever that I have to the new Winnie, I was a bit dissapointed to say the least. The .22 magnum Winnie on the other hand cycled and felt much better. I like the idea of one gun for the 2 matches but wasn't sure how effective the .357 would be on the 200 meter rams when full set on the rails.

I pick up an older Marlin 39a next week and will take it to a few of the matches and see what others are using in the matches. I've got a couple of boxes of the Aguila SSS rounds (rams) and will try this rifle and ammo in both the smallbore and pistol cartridge matches until I can make up my mind. Thanks again for the information!

Kevin[/list]

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Kevin Higashi · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2006, 05:29:26 AM »

Thanks for the feedback!

I have heard about the thin necks on the 32-20 cases, which may prevent me from reloading on my Dillon, but I have a couple of single stage presses that should minimize the problem albeit at a much slower pace.

I also looked into the new Winnie 94 Legacys in .357 and was all prepared to make the purchase, but the slop in the action really turned me off. The lever when cycled didn't lock into the closed position very well. When I compared an old Browning .22 lever that I have to the new Winnie, I was a bit dissapointed to say the least. The .22 magnum Winnie on the other hand cycled and felt much better. I like the idea of one gun for the 2 matches but wasn't sure how effective the .357 would be on the 200 meter rams when full set on the rails.

I pick up an older Marlin 39a next week and will take it to a few of the matches and see what others are using in the matches. I've got a couple of boxes of the Aguila SSS rounds (rams) and will try this rifle and ammo in both the smallbore and pistol cartridge matches until I can make up my mind. Thanks again for the information!

Kevin

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rn122 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2006, 08:24:17 AM »

Kevin: People will have different opinions on the 357 mag regarding 200 meter ram knockdown. I have one, and am still experimenting with loads. My last match, I hit 6 rams, and rang all 6, so as you can see, i've not found the magic load yet. I hear Greta Graves, the gal who won the ladies silo championship at Raton last year used a 357 for the 200 meter match. I'm not sure what her load was.

I have a Rossi 1892 that limits me to jacketed bullets. Will shoot cast bullets out to 50 yds, but with longer distances, accuracy disappears. I've been experimenting with the old Nosler 180gr Silhouette bullet with 13.5 gr of H110, which rung the rams. I either need to use a heavier bullet or up my powder charge above and beyond published recommendations. The only jacketed 200 gr bullet out there is the Speer, which would be way over length for my Rossi, unless I used shortened brass.

If you are really in the market for one rifle to shoot 2 matches, I think the 44 mag would be the one. With me, I already have the 357, and I don't see another rifle in the near future for me.

Sixgun · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2006, 02:27:46 PM »

I shoot a Rossi 92 in 357 mag. I used it only for PC for several years and have done really good with it. Scores average in middle 30s and I have shot two 37s recently. The load is 124 gr TC RCBS cast bullet with 5 gr bullseye. Groups are under 2 inches at 100 meters.

I mentioned that I would like to try my 357 for the 200 meter Cowboy rifle game and everyone told me it wouldn't work. I took it as a challange and worked up a load that I thought would work. A 180 gr RCBS sil bullet cast from a soft alloy and gas checked and tumble lubed. The soft alloy comes from my mold at 190gr. I get 60 fps more, with this bullet, with the Lee Liquod Alox. Powder is 16 gr of Lil' Gun and volicity is 1890fps. I love Lil' Gun.

The first match I shot it in the wind was blowing 20 mph with gusts up to 40. I hit 9 rams and only 8 went down. The wind held up the 9th one. I also rang a turkey, if you can believe it, for the same reason. I ended up with a 32/40 and was the match winner.

At our match last month I shot another 32/40 with the same load. There was no wind and everything I hit went down. I got 9 rams.

Just thought I would share to let you know it can be done.

Sixgun

Kevin Higashi · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2006, 05:09:57 PM »

Thanks for the input fellas! I did consider the .44 mag but only for a short while. I've had a lot of experience with the round but the recoil just isn't appealing enough for me.

Sixgunner- are you trimming brass to get those big bullets to feed? By the looks of performance you're at or near what most are getting from their 30-30's. I too like the idea of a reloading challenge and it seems you've found a pretty successful recipe. Not to mention the fact you seem to have very good success in hitting those rams in the first place.

I've got way too many dormant smallbore and highpower silhouette rifles currently collecting dust. The last thing I need is to add to the pile with more rifles, so "one rifle-two events" is very appealing to me and my pocketbook.

Looks like I've got some more homework to do before I dive in and make any additional purchases. I've found a couple of additional choices of rifles to consider and am now leaning towards the Cimarrons.

Kevin[/list]

Sixgun · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2006, 12:36:58 PM »

Kevin

I wondered if you would notice or even know that there may be a reason to trim the brass.

No, I don't trim the brass. I probably should and that would work but what I do is crimp the bullet in the middle of the front driving band. This cuts it pretty close and sometimes I have to help a round up in line with the bore but most chamber all right.

The 124 gr TC bullet is a 9mm bullet. I crimp it in the driving band also. I size both bullets to .358.

Sixgun

Kevin Higashi · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2006, 03:46:08 PM »

Hi Sixgunner,

The main reason I trimmed brass was so I could shoot those long cast bullets in my revolver and keep the crimp in the crimping groove. I guess a side benefit to trimming insured my case lengths were uniform.

I'm not sure oal of any loaded round for lever actions, shooting pistol cartridges, is as significant as it is for certain rifles or revolvers. Ease of feeding may be just one benefit to trimming.

Kevin

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rn122 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 28, 2006, 01:50:57 PM »

Sixgun:

Glad to hear you're doing so well on the 200 meter range! With your soft alloy bullets, are you having any problems with leading at your velocities? And educate me about your choice of Lil'gun. Not much reloading data as compared to H-110, 2400 or AA #9. If I remember correctly from the cast bullet forum, you're just using standard primers, not magnums. Any problems with smoky cases, and unburned powder residue? Thanks