308 bore/32-20

[wch]

I wonder if anyone has loads for 308 bullets (the barrel is a 308 bore, 311 groove) in a 32-20; I'm particularly interested in 150 - 170 gr bullets.
Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

The 32-20 WCF uses .311" bullets.
The groove measurement determines what size bullet actually fits the bore, and as you noted, yours is .311".

I have never heard of using 150 - 170 grain bullets in a 32-20.
The slow rifling (usually 1/20 twist) used in all original 32-20 WCF arms would not be able to stabilize bullets that long at all the velocity you could push them.

You would only be able to attain very low velocity with those little bitty cases and really heavy bullets at the 16,000 CUP pressure limitation.

rc

 

[ForneyRider]

There's a 32-20 and a 32 Winchester Special.

The 32-20 is 32 cal 20gr of blackpowder. I see .311, .312, .313 bullets even .315 bullets if the rifle requires it. 100gr jacketed and 115gr lead are common size bullets. 16k CUP pressure and 1000fps is common, although Lyman says some rifles can handle the 18k CUP pressures and 1600-1800fps or so velocity. Load data is interesting to read as IMR 4198, AA 1680 fast rifle powders are common as are #7 and #9 pistol powders, even HP38(fast pistol). My neighbor has a Ruger pistol in the caliber.

32 Win Special has 170 gr common size bullet.

 

[LightningMan]

There is some data in the Speer No. 11 manual for 32-20 (pistol section) using .308 dia. bullets, and the heaviest being 130 grs. Personally I wouldn't use .308 dia. bullets for that caliber. LM

 

[ForneyRider]

The 32 Win Special in Lyman data offers the 170gr. 30 calibers became more popular than 32 so Win Special lost favor. It is a blown out 30-30. It is slightly faster than a 30-30 170gr.