30/221 vs. 32-20 Help!

[Centennial]

Is it worth spending the $$ on a new 30/221 or sticking with the 32-20 WCF? 
I am looking for very quiet sub sonic small game loads for hunting in populated areas as well as target shooting.  It looks like a new 30/221 barrel (1:8 ) ready to go will cost ballpark $700 ($350 bbl, $250 scope w/rings and base, $75 dies, $30 brass)  I think I should be able to get a used 32-20 all set up for 3-400.  I don’t need dies or brass.  Again, quiet is key and I know that I would really like loading and shooting heavy bullets, 180g+. 

Am I missing anything?  Thanks everyone.  I'm new and learning. 

[Czech_too]

I may be wrong on this, but I don't believe that you can load a 185+ gr. in a 32-20.  I've gone from a 85 gr. to a 125 gr. and believe that the manual(s) go up to a 130 gr. but not beyond.  Don't have access to a chronograph so don't know the velocities.

Brian, in Ohio

[RonF]

I don't know why you would need 185+ gr bullets for small game.  If quiet is the major concern, then I think the smaller powder capacity of the .32-20 would be the best bet.

RonF

[JV]

I have no experience with the 30/221 so I can't comment on that. I think that is also known as the .300 Whisper? I had a 32-20 barrel that shot the Hornady 190 BTSP very well. Both of these calibers are used in handgun silhouette. You maybe able to find some more experienced opinions at ihmsa.org or ihmsa.net

[Centennial]

From what I have been able to gather the T/C 300 Whisper and 32-20 WCF both have 1:10 twists.  Supposedly, they have very similar capabiities and both work with the midweight .308s.  Some report acceptable accuracy with 200g and less.  A custom 30-221 (300 Whisper) can be made with a 1:8 twist which will stabilize any .308 bullet.  The issue is the money.  The custom bbl is much more expensive and I am wondering if the extra cost is realy worth it.  I plan on using it to hunt fox, coyote, and maybe lion in an area where housing developments border National Forest; quiet is key.  The other use is simply the fun of plinking at the range with a unique cartridge.  Thanks guys

[MS Hitman]

If you are trying to stabilize the heavy bullets and shoot a true Whisper; then yes, you need to decide if the extra cost is something you can live with.  If you are content with an "also-ran"; then any barrel should do just fine.  For this endeavor to be effective though, you are going to need the heavy bullets to tumble in the larger game.  Otherwise, you are shooting a .30 caliber punch press.

If you want quiet, you are going to have to invest in a suppressor as well.  Even the sub-sonic loads from a Whisper are not "quiet".

[Reece]

Try the .30 REECE. It will handle 100 to 220 gr. bullets with ease. The case is in-between the .32-20 and .30/221 in size. It is a shortened .357 case with a .004' total taper that is 1.165' in length.  Barrels are easy to get from MGM and OTT LLC, also the T/C custom shop. Info for it is on Thompson Center Handguns Sponsored by Ed's TCs.


Carson