.32-20 rifle bullet question

[petemi]

I have a custom Handi Rifle in .32-20.  It shoots well with .312 100 gr. Hornady XTPs at about 2200 fps.  I'd like to try a little heavier pointed .312 rifle bullet, but the closest I can come is the Speer .311 .303 123 gr. SP.  I haven't slugged the bore, but it doesn't like .313s.  I'd like to try these.  Does anyone have a clue if they'll shoot well and can recommend a load.

Thanks,

Pete

[Flash]

It depends on how heavier and what twist your barrel is. The factory loading goes to 110 grain bullets but keep in mind that if you go with a heavier bullet, you CANNOT use the same powder charge that you use in your lighter load. It's not prudent to offer experimental load data on the internet but there are places to gather enough data to make your own conclusions.
 
You probably won't gain much if anything at all. The 32-20 case capacity is small to begin with so you are limited on charge weights and powder burn rates. I personally would stay with the XTP's or try a cast bullet. Lyman makes a 311359 that is just what you're looking for and since it's cast, it makes everything more forgiving and somewhat safer.

[petemi]

Thanks for the advice Flash.  There's a lot of meat in what you say.  I've tried cast in .312 and .313 without much luck.  They weren't gas checked so I couldn't push them very fast.  You brought up a very good point.  I bought the stubbed barrel used, and don't know the twist rate.  I'm going to grab some lunch and take the rifle down to the gun room and find out.  I'm going to slug the barrel at the same time. 

Thanks,

Pete

[Flash]

You'll probably find that the bore is .309. I have a Rossi single shot that has a .309 bore and it's chambered in 7.62x39. I believe gun manufacturers keep their cost down by making the bores common between 30 and 32 calibers. A few thousands isn't going to blow the gun up but the accuracy will be in the toilet. I assumed that the bore on mine was at least .311 so I was sizing at .312 but the thing was shooting all over the place at 25 yards. Now, I size at .309 with 14 grains of 4756 and I can squirrel hunt with it.
 
Also, if you're going to use cast bullets, the bore must be clean of all copper fouling. Powder fouling isn't so much an issue but the copper has to come out otherwise, you'll have bad leading.

[quickdtoo]

How bout the Hawk .115gr .312" RN they make specifically for the 32-20. 

Tim

http://www.hawkbullets.com/Pricelist.htm