Handgun 32-20 Loading

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MI2600

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I have two Colts and a S&W chambered in 32-20. All were made around the 1920s. I assume they were intended for smokeless powder and reloading should not be a problem.

However, my manuals, the "newest" being the Lyman's 50th, go back into the '70s and '80s and not only disagree, but also are very limited in bullet info. I checked my 32-20 inventory, dating back to 2010, and some appear to be way over the current max. I plan on shooting those in my Contender just to clean them out.

I plan on reloading with 100gr LRN and LSWC and I'm looking for some middle-of-the-road recipes for plinking.
 
If you're having trouble finding loads to use, use loads for 115 gr lead.
This page has good info. www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/3220wcf.htm
Also, a good source for 32-20 is Pet Loads by Ken Waters.

I have 6 handguns and 1 rifle in 32-20.
My favorites for handguns, all with 100 gr. LRN.
AA#2 4.0 gr
Unique 4.0 gr
Trail Boss 2.7 gr
Titegroup 2.7-3.0 gr
Bullseye 3.1 gr
 
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Thanks, Archangel.
I don't have any Lil Gun, but do have Titegroup.
I have L'il Gun. After trying it in some cartridges, I consider it to be better used in small bore shotguns than handguns. Inconsistency and flame-throwing seem to best describe it. For the 32-20, medium to fast burning powders have worked best for me. YMMV.

Give Titegroup a try. Remember to tilt the gun back before firing, you get better ignition with TG. I thank Walkalong for that knowledge.
 
I run 3.7 gr W231 under a 98 gr (actually 100 gr) rnfp in my 73 clone as a standard load
 
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