hand-loading for the Savage 23c in 32-20

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

Hi,

I recently acquired an old Savage Model 23C in 32-20 caliber.

I hand-load for a broad range of rifles and handguns, so I've already ordered the dies and components.

The loads listed in Hornady come under the caveat "Use only in modern rifles or handguns in good condition."

I think the 23C qualifies as a "Modern Rifle;" they made them into the 1940s.

I've spoken to member Eastbank (thanks for the help) about this, as he hand-loads the same caliber, but he holds to middle-of-the-road loads as the rifle locks on the bolt handle, not on lugs.

Anyone else have experience loading for this rifle?

The same rifle was also chambered in 25-20, .22 Hornet, and .22 Rimfire.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
KR

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

Wow. Crickets...

I did some digging and may have learned something that some other loader may find useful down the road. The 23 Sporter series were also chambered in .22 Hornet and .25-20, both of which generate 43,000 and 28,000 cup respectively - built on the exact same action.

The express loads in Hornady approach the 28,000 pressures of the 25-20, but fall far short of the 43,000 Hornet pressures.

I've come to the conclusion that this rifle will, indeed tolerate the express "modern rifle only" loads in Hornady.

KR

 

[PapaG]

The first rifle I handloaded for was a 23 Savage in 22 hornet. I'm sure that they'll handle anything a 92 Winchester would but would start 10% below and work up.

I used Sisk 36 grain hornet bullets I bought for about $4/100, H240 powder @ $1.25/pound and .55/100 primers. Lyman truline Jr. dies and a steel die you drive the case into and out of with a steel rod. BTW, that was in about 1959.

Enjoy. Like an idiot, I traded mine for a Llama .22 that tossed the empties down my shirt collar.