Author Topic: 32/20 Revolver (Read 891 times)

Flash · « **on:** June 21, 2003, 09:14:20 AM »

Has anyone had any experience with this beast? I seen this on their web site and immediately fell in love with the idea. It is one of my favorite calibers and if anyone has heard anything about this gun, please pass it on to me.

wiley · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2003, 07:43:17 AM »

Flash: It's not too beastly in factory loadings. The 32-20 was brought out as a black powder cartridge for the Winchester 1873, and was popular through WWII. It is a fine small game cartridge. It received new interest from IHMSA field pistol and all components are available today. A competing cartridge is the 32 H&R Mag, with similar ballistics. My DW in this caliber is a 4" vent stainless. It's a favorite for taking along on walk.
Best accuracy has been with jacketed loads; don't know why lead hasn't panned out. And, it can be pushed, because of the 357 frame and thick cylinder walls. The 32-20 has a bit more case volume and would be more adaptable; might even get into "beast" territory. IIRC, the DW page recommends loads that you could compare to standard 32-20.

Flash · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2003, 11:05:27 AM »

Yes, I'm aware of the 32/20's history as a black powder cartridge and holding a 20 grain charge of it. I was refering to the gun itself. DW's small frame revolver is one that I would love to own as a 32/20 platform. I owned a 8" 357 years ago and loved it but unfortunately sold it. My 32 H&R is a 4" Ruger SP-101 and not a good field piece but a good plinker. This DW will be just the ticket to fill in between my 30 carbine and 32 magnum. I was considering an 8" for the good sight radius. Any feedback is appreciated.

Savage · « **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2003, 12:17:35 PM »

I suspect the case would be the limiting factor in load development. No doubt the platform would be capable of containing many times more pressure than the case. Another problem with the 32/20 is the tapered case. This makes the case very thin at the case mouth, and split case mouths are common with few loadings. I would think the .32 Mag would be a more versitile handloaders cartridge.
Stay Safe,
Savage

kciH · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2003, 06:59:44 PM »

I have a stainless model with the 8" VH barrel, I've been thinking of getting a shorter one. You will not be dissapointed in this round if it's performance that you're after. It will equal or surpass 357 Magnum ballistics with the 110gr bullet. You can push the 100-110gr jacketed bullets to 1700fps with no problem. The brass is not an issue unless you are a sloppy loader. The best method is to size only the neck of the brass and leave the shoulder alone, very simple to accomplish. I load this round on a Dillon 550B and seldom loose a case. It will take handloading to get the performance out of this round as the factory loads are weak and the "rifle only" 32-20 ammo is a page in history. Cast bullets will work well in this revolver, but you MUST slug your chamber throats and barrel and shoot bullets that are gas checked and sized accordingly to get good performance in my experience. I would reccomend cast bullets of 115grs or greater if want to shoot cast in this revolver. You will never be dissapointed with the accuracy of DW revolver in good repair.