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Author Topic: 32-20 Varmit Hunting ?  (Read 1174 times)

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Offline Ravenwolf

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« on: February 11, 2005, 05:44:07 AM »
Hi all,  A friend and I are building from parts a 32-20 single action utilizing a Uberti frame.  Barrel length is 5.5" and grip frame is a birdhead (just cuz I like them and they fit me well).  Tolerences are being kept tight.  My question is what bullet(s) type/weight would you recommend for varmit hunting woodchucks during the spring/summer and fox/yotes during the fall/winter?  I load mostly for the big bores and 38 cals and haven't used a 32-20 before.  I'm looking for a well balanced load as far as accuracy and velocity.  Thanks...RW
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Offline Blackhawk44

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2005, 01:24:57 PM »
Goto Wolfe Publishing and for $6 order the back issue of Handloader Feb/2002.  Very extensive article by Brian Pearce loading 32-20 to three different pressure levels.  Many bullets-many powders.   Also finding copy of Ken Water's Pet Loads would be handy.  Separate articles for revolvers and rifles.  Trying to use full rifle loads in handguns: even if pressures are OK, you will find most higher powered loads absolutely earth shaking and ear shattering, even with muffs.  Takes the fun out.  Better a balanced pistol load.
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Offline Ravenwolf

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2005, 07:26:10 AM »
blackhawk44,  thanks for the info.  I have a friend who has the last 10 yrs or so of Handloader so I'll see if he will copy the article for me.   We are just getting ready to screw in the barrel and will soon be getting some loads together to try before we adjust the front sight blade...RW
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Offline Blackhawk44

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2005, 02:21:24 PM »
Actually, if the cylinder you have isn't already chambered, I'd chamber to .32H&R.  Easier on brass, far less trouble to load and every one ever seen is a great shooter.  In truth, you can get just as much true speed as any reasonable 32-20 load and is far less temperamental.  This is from experience with both and not on articles or hearsay by folks without chronographs who think blast and fury equates to fast and powerful.
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Offline Ravenwolf

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2005, 03:43:51 AM »
Blackhawk, I believe I should have gone that route initially.  However, the cylinder is already chambered for 32-20.  Then I could have played with the 32 Long also.  Maybe later I'll have a 32 Mag cylinder made up since I don't believe any of the Uberti/San Marco single actions were chambered for it....RW
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Offline sharps4590

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2005, 11:47:27 AM »
You didn't say if you planned to shoot cast or jacketed bullets.  Here are my two loads for my 32-20's.  Both utilize the RCBS mold throwing a 100 gr. Keith type SWC.  5 Grs. of Unique for general purpose/fun and Elmer Keiths load of 10 grs. of 2400 for varmints.  Lube is RCBS Pistol.  The 2400 load is absolute death on cats...go ahead, ask me how I know....hehehe.  It is also ear shattering.

I shoot almost exclusively cast bullets so I'm sorry I can't give you any jacketed bullet loads.

Venturino also lists several loads for the 32-20 altho I don't believe he is much of a fan of the cartridge.  Personally, the 32-20 is one of my favorite cartridges.

Vic
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Offline Ravenwolf

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2005, 02:51:25 AM »
Vic, thanks for the load info.  I to plan on using mostly cast bullets and will also cast my own once I find a load the SA likes.  I probably will try jacketed for when out woodchucking, but cast makes for more inexpensive practice and shooting....RW
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Offline wild willy

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2005, 04:06:23 AM »
I used a 32 H&R mag Ruger with 4 5/8 barrel several years ago Hornady 85 gr. on groundhogs max load of AA no.5 didn't have chronograph then maybe 1000 fps at most. had trouble with them making it down the hole the ones I got showed same size hole going out as in.As you know groundhogs tough for size hard cast slugs will probally do the same thing
bought some other bullets but didn't try them Sierra have a lot more lead exposed if I was doing it again I'd try them and a little hotter loads with slower powder
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Offline 45 WLN

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #8 on: February 27, 2005, 06:40:45 AM »
I own a Ruger Blackhawk Buckeye which has 2 cylinders 32-20 and 32HR, it is a favorite of mine. In my Hogdon # 26 manual, they list 17.5 gr. H110 as a max with the Hornady 85gr. xtp and 15.5 as a starting load. My favorite is 17gr. with this bullet. This averages 1710fps from the 6.5" barrel, and groups right at 1" at 25yds. Word of caution Blackhawk 44 was right ear protection is a must earsplitting is an understatement :eek:
    While I do not have any ground hogs we do have a great many priarie dogs in wyoming.and this load combination will cut the dog nearly in half. 100yd. shots with open sights is not difficult with this load. This is also the load I use for calling coyotes, however if you intend fox and plan on saving the pelts this bullet may not be the choice it tends to leave large exit holes. Get out the needle and thread  :shock:
    At this time I am working with an excellent cast bullet from Jay Sanders of BRP. It is 115gr SWC gascheck. I am using both H110 and Lil Gun. To date Lil Gun seems to be winning 16grs is producing groups at 1" with 4 of 6 making 1 hole 1/2" still tweaking loads but will keep you updated. I have not chronyed this newest load as of yet, weather permitting next weekend I will have more info.
    I hope this has helped :D
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Offline targetshootr

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #9 on: February 27, 2005, 01:21:49 PM »
45,
I tried to PM a question about your 32-20 but it seems to be down. Could you email me?
 thanks

targetshootr@aol.com
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Offline Ravenwolf

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32-20 Varmit Hunting ?
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2005, 04:21:55 AM »
45, sounds like your 85XTP load would work well for me when woodchucking.  I will look forward to hearing how you make out with the cast bullets.  Pelts here in NY are getting more valueable and I'm not to handy with thread and needle.  LOL  Thanks...RW
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