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Author Topic: 32-20 revolver loads  (Read 1821 times)

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Offline gcrank1

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32-20 revolver loads
« on: January 27, 2010, 04:29:28 AM »
Just got a Colt's Army Spl. (1919) in 32-20. It locks up like the proverbial bank vault (better than my '70s Python did) and still has the numered to the gun original black grips unchiped!
Anyone have some favorite cast bullet loads to recommend to me (long time reloader, just not this cartridge in a revolver)?
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Offline Blackhawk44

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Re: 32-20 revolver loads
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2010, 08:35:21 PM »
Try a 95 to 100gr SWC (I like RCBS 98gr, Lee's 95gr is not bad) and find some 4756.  Work up but stop at 5gr.  Heavier loads have been listed, but that Army Special is 90 years old and steels and heat treatment were not as refined as now.  I have used Unique, 2400 and a dozen other pistol powders for 45 years, but for some reason, 4756 seems to be the trick for consistant performance in the .32WCF.  Loads heavier than this also begin to develop an excessive muzzle blast.  Do not begin to think that your Army Special has anywhere near the strength of a Colt SAA and whatever you do, do not use loads listed for RIFLE ONLY.       

Have you checked the barrel to see where your bulge is?  A very high percentage of pre-war .32-20 revolvers have a barrel bulge.  At Handloader magazine, Pearce and Scovill found that the inconsistant performance (low velocity) of high friction JACKETED bullet factory ammo would leave a bullet in the barrel often enough to be disconcerting.  Lead bulleted ammo did not seem to be an issue due to its lower barrel friction.

Take care and enjoy that Army Special.  They are hard to come by and mine's not for sale.
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: 32-20 revolver loads
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2010, 09:46:17 AM »
All good points, BH44. I am not a hot loader and just want good non-quenched wheel weight bullet loads. BTW, I had to go check again (hadnt seen anything initially, but...) NO bulges, I win!
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      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline gcrank1

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Re: 32-20 revolver loads
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2010, 05:28:52 AM »
Just did a quick & dirty (and cold) test at spots in the new snow at about 20yd.
Load, 100gr. LRN over 3.0 WW450LS (kinda between RedDot and GreenDot); Bullseye Hold hit a bit high but had good 'snap', Weaver Hold was about on.
Dropped powder chg to 2.5gr and with the Bullseye Hold the POI was POA, power is down, this is a target load.
I'll find a good 115 LFN bullet, see where they print and have six for walk -about and have the target loads 'in the loops'.
All in all Im glad I decided to get this piece and would recommend an 'older' Colt's double action as still a good value. If you want to shoot higher pressure loads get a post 1950ish when they improved the heat treating. Not that the earlier guns are weak, they were made of the finest forged steel of the day with sound design and assembly.
This revolver and caliber picks up where my old 1909 .32 New Police left off. I can always use the .32NP (same as .32 Long S&W) 'light' load equiv. or boost it up a notch as 32-20. It should be about as good as a .38Spl (non +P) for all round use for me.
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"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline Greeenriver

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Re: 32-20 revolver loads
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2010, 05:17:46 PM »
Same load I use in every 32-20 I've owned since I got old enough to load my own.

Fill the case to about 1/8th inch from the top with FFFG BP or Sub, (I use APP FFFG), put anything from a 100 to 120 grn RNFP cast bullet over it, and go have fun.

Got a pair of SAA's (Clones) and am down to about 300 rds of them now, but I'll fix that next reloading session. I try to keep about 600 loaded on hand, and I don't shoot the little 32's much.

That is one of the best BP cartridges ever designed, in my opinion.

Greeenriver
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