New 1894CL 32-20

[dubber123]

Just bought home a new 1894CL, in 32-20.  I have only fired about 20 rounds from the front porch, (it's raining), but it seems to show alot of promise.  Anyone with experience with these?  Favorite handloads with cast bullets?  Thanks.

[Pump35]

I have had mine for about 18 months and have not played with it as I had hoped but have found a few loads it likes. Try 4.0gr.s of Universal Clays behind 115gr. Oregon Trail bullets. The load is mild in mine but shoots well under 1/2" for me.
                                                                                                                                     Pump35

[Cheesehead]

Dubber

Check out the lever action forum some time back about the 3220. Here is a quote i found useful.

Dear Cheese,
You asked of the 32-20 in the Marlin 1894CL:  Can it be reloaded a little hotter to be some what of a heavy hitter?

Rick Jamison (Shooting Times, Feb 89) lists several "hotter" loads suitable for the CL.  One is 100 Speer HP, 15.0 H4227, W-W case, CCI400 for 2068fps, average group 1.7" @ 50yds.  Another is same bullet, 11.5 2400, Rem case, CCI 400 for 1818 fps, average group 1.4" @ 50yds.

Brian Pearce (Handloader Dec 01) lists loads grouped into three catagories by pressure.  There are several in the middle catagory of 30,000 CUP, which provides a good balance of power and case life.  One is 100 Speer HP, 13.5 H-110, Starline case, Win small rifle primer for 2125 fps and .9" @ 75 yds.  Another is 100 Hornady HP, 11.0 2400, same case and primer for 1766 fps and 1.7 @ 75yds.

I am loading for an original Win 73 so won't go anywhere near these.  If I had CL, which I might since I really like the cartridge, I'd work up to these loads in my rifle.  You might try to get the magazines I mentioned and check the rest of the data.  I picked these since that's where I'd start if I wanted to plug a smallish deer at close to moderate range.

Good luck and above all, have fun.

AJAX



Cheese

[dubber123]

Sorry about the wait on the reply guys.  I will try to look into the info mentioned.  I fired my first cast bullet loads today, they functioned fine, but were so fugly I didn't bother to group shoot with them.  I only have a .314" sizer, and this puts a nasty bulge at the base of the bullet, (and not all the way around), which means to me the bullet is seated crooked.  I slugged the bore, and get around .312", so I will try a smaller size die and see if this helps.  I really like the rifle and cartridge, so I'll stick with it.  Thanks again.

[Echo4Lima]

I've had mine now for a bit over a year.  Dont know why I waited so long!!  I really enjoy this rifle.  Some call it "a poachers" caliber though I think its a bit loud for that. 

Taken a turkey and some other small game.  Going to use it on some private property next season to take a small Blacktail. Penetration is excelent with both jacketed and cast.  I do like the cast a bit more than the jacketed.  The jacketed can be put out faster, but, the cast penetrate just as well, with less meat damage.  Good "archery" shot thru the lungs will do it.

100g Hornady XTP- 13.5g H110 (appx. 2000fps.)  Fast and accurate in my rifle.

115g Buffalo Arms FPGC- 11.3g A2400. (appx. 1800fps) This is my favorite load!  Very accurate, fast and great penetration. Very little recoil.  Like a .22.

I have a Williams FP rear sight with a Marbles .530 front. I need to change this to a .55o or .600.  The cast loads print 1.5" @ 50yds in my rifle.

Man, I LIKE THIS RIFLE!!

[dubber123]

Thanks for the loads, I loaded a few the other day, but my .314" bullets seem to be a little too fat, and leave a nasty bulge in the case neck.  The bore slugs at .312" so I'm waiting for a smaller size die to try any more.

[Echo4Lima]

.312 for lead!