[Buck13]

I'm gearing up for reloading a couple of pistol calibers. I've read ABCs of Reloading twice, and asked enough stupid questions online that I think I'm starting to get an idea of how to be less stupid.

Are there manuals to buy that have a decent amount of good pressure-tested data for .32-20 and 10mm? I probably have enough info to get started, but the more I read, the better, I hope.

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49 is the goto book for all lead and jacketed bullet data in one place.

They show 4 bullets and 10-12 powders for 32-20 WCF.
And 11 bullets and more powders then I have time to count right now for 10mm.

rc

[noylj]

Hornady is good (#7 or #8)--except the .32-20 is for the T/C Contender and not SAAs.
Richard Lee's #2 manual may be good--Lee compiled lots of data.
You might want to join LoadData.com.

The problem with manuals is that the newer manuals tend to concentrate on the newer powders, so you really do need to watch for older manuals for a lot of powders that are available.

[JLDickmon]

Walkalong here on the board does a fair amount of 32-20 loading..

I do some, too, but mine are for a Ruger Blackhawk..

[Mike 27]

The Hornady 8th reduced some loads from the 7th for 10mm. I would caution you on that as I had some issues with AA7 loads in the 7th. Long story.

Mike

[RandyP]

There is also a lot of free info available at powder manufacturer website - like Hodgdon's:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Worth a search.

[W.E.G.]

For the 32-20, you will find that 3.5 grains of Unique with any bullet commonly used for the 32-20 will serve you well.

Its a mild load, and well-suited for the older handguns in that caliber.

If you can think of a reason to "hot-rod" 32-20 loads in those old handguns (I can't), you can go to 4.0 grains Unique without much concern for damaging the gun.
Skeeter Skelton recommended 3.5 grains Unique.

If the bullets stick out the front of the cylinder, you need to seat them deeper.

That about covers it for the 32-20 as far as load data.
The rest of it is technique. You have to learn to not crush the shoulder of the 32-20 during seating/crimping.
The Lee "factory crimp" die is a godsend for reducing the risk of crushed shoulders.
Three or four posters will be along presently to announce that they have been reloading 32-20 since before Skeeter Skelton was born, and have never crushed a shoulder on a 32-20 case.

[CraigC]

IMHO, for cartridges like the .32-20, LoadData.com is a wonderful resource. Because data does not come from just new manuals but throughout the history of Handloader and Rifle magazines. Well worth the subscription price.


That about covers it for the 32-20 as far as load data.
Not really, you barely scratched the surface.

I've been loading for the .32-20 for ten years. After the first couple batches, I've only ruined a handful of cases and have never used a Lee FCD.

[Buck13]

Walkalong and WEG had already given me some good practical .32-20 info on another thread. I'd just like to see a variety of pressure-tested data to try to learn a little more about the background to what is going on in there. My .32-20 is an inherited Colt Police Positive Special, 1916 vintage, I think, so I intend to treat it gently.

Thanks to all!

[tlen]

Check the powder maker online sites for load data. AA, Hodgdon, Alliant, etc.
http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Freebies/default.html

Unfortunately Alliant has cut out much of the old lead load data but if you use Alliant powders this link may be of some use:
http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Freebies/RM/Alliant.html

[Salmoneye]

Lyman/Ideal #40 has 3 lead and two jacketed bullets and 5 powders for .32-20...

[squarles67]

Lyman #49

I use 2.9g Bullseye in my Great Grandpa's 1901 Colt SAA with a 100g LRN

Edit to add: 32-20 cases are THIN and easy to crumple so be careful