It is safe to reload those pistol bullets...would go with cast lead fr seriously low speed loads (in the 800-1200fps area) and jacketed bullets for faster loads (up to that 2000fps area). Of the two, lobbing those lead bullets out at sub-sonic speeds is proably the most fun (and quietest).
That barrel is proably about .310" (be nice to measure it)...but I'd go for lead bullets in the .312" range. ASre a lot of offerings for the 32-20 that run about 115gr.
Still prefer Red Dot for these super lite loads; it's "fluffy" (low density) so it takes up more volume than the same weight of other fast powders. To lob lead bullets out there at about the speed of sound, would try somthing in the 7 to 8gr. range.
With jacketed bullets, would move on up to the 11 to 12gr. range, and proably toss a 90gr. JHP out at about 1600-1700fps. Are several bullets in the 85-100gr. range made for the .32HRM or 32-20 that would work fine.
----
Freind had a problem with garbage rading 'coons and 'possums, but the only rife he had at the time was an SKS. He's rural, but still has neighbors to worry about, so wanted something not likely to go dribbing all over the landscape (and into a neighbors hours or barn). Worked out a load that would cycle the SKS using a 90gr.JHP (made for the .32hrm)...was screaming out of the little carbine at 2600fps, but they held together (at least at short range) and certainly took care of two racoons.
