Author Topic: Another 32-20  (Read 2551 times)

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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #30 on: April 16, 2013, 06:40:31 AM »
When I had 32-20s I was using fully fire-formed to the chamber and a nice finger press in fit cast bullet. Made reloading a snap and the only brass I lost, IIRC, was when I initially resized brass, got in a hurry and crunched them on the upstoke.
I think that Lee will make a custom Collet Neck Sizing Die for a nominal fee and it would be dandy for cast bullet use.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #31 on: April 16, 2013, 06:57:27 AM »
I always FL resize for the handi. You need to work a bit slower, keep your mind on what your doing. The necks are thin and a little misalignment helps fill the brass bucket. ::)

I have so much brass myself its a non issue. BUT I have loaded at least three times with my heaviest loads no issues I don't even see much thinning or trimming... Maybe Larry's chambers run tite?

Pete is right its is a favorite. But the Marlin gets used a little more. I just love plunkin those 115 swc bullets at 900or so fps. Almost no noise and clover leaf accuracy. I always envision Gus shooting at one of Blue ducks boys over his saddle. EVERYTIME I line up the sights I installed a carbine ladder site and age appropriate post front. Just like on Gus's Henry, for just this purpose!

http://youtu.be/ka8ZDlz1AZg

I'm just a sucker for a good lever and a good SA revolver.

CW
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Offline petemi

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #32 on: April 16, 2013, 07:46:50 AM »
I too haven't had any case failures after two or three loadings.  BUT, as CW has said, just go slow and be careful.  He's also right about the levergun.  When I walk out the back door, the Marlin keeps hollering "Grab Me!!!  Grab Me!!!.  Not meaning to sound anti-Handi, it is a great little rifle.  My Maxis and .32s will be the last rifles I ever let go.  They're more fun than the proverbial barrel of monkeys.  If anyone cares, Larry's .32-20 outshoots the Marlin.  The lever ain't bad at all, but the Handi is better.

Pete
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

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Offline frgerald

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #33 on: April 16, 2013, 09:28:45 AM »
You guys have me "chompin' at the bit" to get my "Trotter special" in to shoot.  It is in the mail and should arrive in a couple days.  It will take a while to decide which scope to use on it though.  Now, if it cools off some, I'll go out to my garage and load up a few rounds for trial.  The weather can't make up it's mind what to do.  Last Tuesday night a front blew in and it was 70 during the day and 34 Wed. morn.   It was 85 yesterday and supposed to be down to the 40's by Thurs. and raining.  Sadly,  :'(  I think Larry might not tackle another conversion unless it's a handi.  Maybe mine will be so purty, he'll change his mind!!   ;D   Photos will follow when it arrives.  Thx to all for their input and encouragement.  Gee Pete, I can't afford a new Marlin right now (not and stay married) does it HAVE to come to that?  Gerald
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #34 on: April 16, 2013, 10:32:23 AM »
You guys have me "chompin' at the bit" to get my "Trotter special" in to shoot.  It is in the mail and should arrive in a couple days.  It will take a while to decide which scope to use on it though.  Now, if it cools off some, I'll go out to my garage and load up a few rounds for trial.  The weather can't make up it's mind what to do.  Last Tuesday night a front blew in and it was 70 during the day and 34 Wed. morn.   It was 85 yesterday and supposed to be down to the 40's by Thurs. and raining.  Sadly,  :'(  I think Larry might not tackle another conversion unless it's a handi.  Maybe mine will be so purty, he'll change his mind!!   ;D   Photos will follow when it arrives.  Thx to all for their input and encouragement.  Gee Pete, I can't afford a new Marlin right now (not and stay married) does it HAVE to come to that?  Gerald

Well Gerald, Just based on the quality of work Larry is known for I KNOW your gonna me estatic with your new rifle barrel!!!

I have been lucky enough to own two barrel he has built. There are getting to be quite a number here abouts. I have never herd of one that its owner was not more then happy!!

Knowing that Larry likes to use the Enfield 303 barrels in this caliber, be sure you try .310-.313 diameter jacketed bullets. Mine likes the .313, but still shoots the '39 .310 123g bullets pretty well! I will be turning my attentions to the Speer 115GD bullet made for the 327Fed mag. I think it may prove a good choice as a hunting bullet. I may not be able to push it as hard, but feel with the good experiences I have had using the GD series of bullets I'm pretty sure I can make it work!
 I did not see the expansion I had hopped for from the '39 bullets. NOT a slight in any way, the '39 pushes them at 2400+fps  where I am just about 1950-2050fps in the 32-20.
If all you shoot is lead, no worries cause the lil 32 loves that too!! I have had great results with a light load of PB powder and a 115 SWC bullet!!

CW
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Offline petemi

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #35 on: April 16, 2013, 11:41:54 AM »
Gerald, some decisions are tough in life.  As far as the Marlin .32-20 goes, CW and I both have one, I'll quote Charleton Heston "From my cold dead hands".  It's not that we like them or anything ::)   I've got rifles in a lot of different calibers, but I don't think any are more fun than the .32-20, and that includes the Maxis and rimfires.  Have fun with yours.

Pete
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline YRUpunting?

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #36 on: April 16, 2013, 03:10:48 PM »
Whats the smallest bullet you've been able to shoot?  Has anyone tried shooting 32 caliber pistol bullets under 90 grains?  I read somewhere a suggestion to use one of the 32 caliber carbide sizer dies as a neck die.  Would that work?   

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #37 on: April 16, 2013, 11:33:01 PM »
Whats the smallest bullet you've been able to shoot?  Has anyone tried shooting 32 caliber pistol bullets under 90 grains?  I read somewhere a suggestion to use one of the 32 caliber carbide sizer dies as a neck die.  Would that work?

The 85g XTP and 90g Sierra bullets shoot OK in my Marlin but not so great in the Trotter Special.  Remembering the barrel is from a SMLE rifle and 150g + bullets its not that surprising.

I have gotten those little 85's to nearly 2400 fps. Man they come apart too!! ::)

CW
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Offline petemi

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #38 on: April 17, 2013, 04:09:44 AM »
Brian, those 85s sound like a great porky, skunk, woodchuck, coon, etc. exterminator out of the Marlin.  I'll have to give that a go.  I generally don't do hides unless they're prime, so I don't care much if it blows up a coon this time of year.  My neighbor had a coon getting in his hen house this past weekend and took him out with a 20 ga., so they're out and about as are the rest of the gangsters.

Pete
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #39 on: April 17, 2013, 05:29:24 AM »
It will do that easy Peter!!!

I shot a couple chucks when I first bought the Marlin. That's how come I bought the Bee! ;). I remember the laughs.... I bought the Marlin bee and mounted a old 18x Leupold and went to the ramge. That lil rifle shot darn good too!!!

CW
"Pay heed to the man who carries a single shot rifle, he likely knows how to use it."

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Remember... Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.

Offline AccelR8

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #40 on: April 17, 2013, 12:15:11 PM »
Wow, a very nice project. I love seeing stuff like this.

Offline frgerald

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #41 on: April 18, 2013, 07:12:52 AM »
Okay!  The wait is finally over!  ;D   Is that not a great looking little fun shooter?  A "one of a kind" Winchester 32-20 single shot Larry Trotter custom build from a Model 370 .410 shotgun.  I loved the original slim line of the shotgun and Larry was able to perfectly duplicate that.  Now to decide what sights to use and load up some rounds.  In the near future, the fore-arm will be slimmed down somewhat to not be so bulky.  Right now, it weighs a little over 5 lbs and with a scope and slimmed forearm, should be a great carry rifle.  I couldn't be any more pleased with Larry's work or his price!!  If you have a pet project and he is willing to take it on....GO FOR IT!  You won't be disappointed.  Guess you can tell by the length of this post that I am well-pleased!!   ;D   Gerald
Food is God's love made edible!

Offline petemi

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #42 on: April 18, 2013, 09:47:17 AM »
That is sweet Gerald.  Now get it scoped and outside and shoot it ;)    I was wondering if Larry sent it back to you in that maple chest of drawers ???

Pete
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline gcrank1

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #43 on: April 18, 2013, 10:37:04 AM »
Gerald, a trim little 'vintage' scope like a Weaver D series with would look great on there (7/8" tube), as would the earlier 3/4" B or even C series, but mounts to a std weaver type base are now kinda hard to find. The size and weight of those, as well as the magnification are right for a (to steal a term) 'woods loafin' gun'.
If all you can find are 1" tubes I suggest the straight tube front objective, belled fronts seem to 'overweight' the look to me.
Low mounts help to keep that slim & trim thing going too.
"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 frgerald

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #44 on: April 18, 2013, 11:09:43 AM »
Yeah Pete, it is a sweet feeling little rifle also.  I made up a dummy round and can get the SP 150 Hornadys to chamber with a 1.92 COL.  The spire point allows extra length.  With the 1-10 of the 303 barrel, I think they will be OK - want to use some 150's kinda like a 300 Whisper, although I don't have the powder capacity of the 300, it should make a fairly quiet report.  Maybe it won't scare everything in the county like my 454 or 38-55 does! ::)   No....had to buy the chest for the wife some years ago.   Crank, that's a good idea I had not considered....will look for one if not too high.  I have a Simmons Master Series I thought might use???
Food is God's love made edible!

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Another 32-20
« Reply #45 on: April 18, 2013, 12:16:37 PM »
LOOK GREAT!!

 Throw any scope on there and shot it!  THEN start the hunt for the scope it will wear for good!

I tried some 150's when I first got mine too... Your correct, you dont really have the powder cap to get any kind of respectable ballistics... BUT as a plinker, SURE!!

CW
"Pay heed to the man who carries a single shot rifle, he likely knows how to use it."

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Remember... Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.