HV load for 32 20

[game chicken]

Montana Bullets makes a gas checked bullet for the 32 20 which is nominally 115 grains. But it actually weighs right at 125 in their alloy. I’m wanting feedback from you guys about whether it is too heavy a bullet to try to work up to 11 grains of 2400 powder or 5.1 grains of Unique powder. The rifle used will be a miroku browning model 53. If I’m getting into dangerous territory pressure wise, I want to lower my goal charges. I want to achieve about 1550 fps and I have seen an article stating that I can do that with the 2400 load stated. I have 2400 and unique powder and not much else. Thanks

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

The old Ideal No.40 lists 11.0gr of 2400 as the max rifle load for a 111gr cast gas-checked bullet. I think for a 125gr you’re going to be pushing the primer pockets too hard. It’s probably going to shorten case life and probably won’t be accurate. What’s the max velocity for the bullet at your rifle’s twist rate?

 

[game chicken]

The old Ideal No.40 lists 11.0gr of 2400 as the max rifle load for a 111gr cast gas-checked bullet. I think for a 125gr you’re going to be pushing the primer pockets too hard. It’s probably going to shorten case life and probably won’t be accurate. What’s the max velocity for the bullet at your rifle’s twist rate?

If I recall, the browning has a 1/18 twist. I’m sorry I don’t know the maximum velocity for the 125 grainer.

 

[AJC1]

If it were me I would definitely start with 2400 and make a ladder from 9 to 10.6 in .2 grain increments. 2400 plays really well downloaded and doesn't get crazy on top. If you try unique go in .1 grain steps.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

If I recall, the browning has a 1/18 twist. I’m sorry I don’t know the maximum velocity for the 125 grainer.

It’s worth an email to find out. Most commercial casters are very willing to help.

 

[Soonerpesek]

If it were me I would definitely start with 2400

Man, I bet you sprinkle 2400 on your morning Cherrios..........

 

[AJC1]

Man, I bet you sprinkle 2400 on your morning Cherrios..........

I do love it, but I would have said the same about #9. Fast powders just have such a small amount of wiggle room and I would always try slower first in an unknown area. With the energy per grain 2400 is literally twice as tolerant of a mistake as unique or faster powder. Coincidentally I find people loading 25 acp with 1.x grains of powder very brave or crazy because the wiggle room in nonexistent

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Man, I bet you sprinkle 2400 on your morning Cherrios..........

I put it in my coffee when I need a little extra pop! in the morning.

(not really - please don't consume single- or double-base nitro powders)

 

[blue32]

Too bad you don't have some H110. I've never tried heavier than 115 in the 32-20 but you should be able to work up to a load. My magnum load for an SAA clone is 10 gr 2400 under 100 gr in a 5.5" barrel providing 1,200 fps. No pressure signs, easy extraction.

What article are you referencing?

 

[N555]

My old speer manual has sone hot 32-20 loads.
Like how hot you looking for?
They have "Thompson Contender only" loads.

 

[MEHavey]

Take a look at https://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6385377&postcount=1
Don't get too wrapped around primer pockets...

But you need of good ballistics program, and a chronograph.



,

 

[BigBlue 94]

(not really - please don't consume single- or double-base nitro powders)

No kidding! Ive seen the toxicology reports for the land surrounding the old plant in DeSoto, KS. It sure is nice and green around there though

 

[GooseGestapo]

A friend of mine had a Marlin 1894CL .32-20.
We worked up to 10.0gr of #2400 and 4.8gr of Unique.
Both ran about 1,500fps. Notably they were where accuracy held up. With a Williams Sourdough receiver sight, we bounced coke cans at 100yds.
Likewise, my Lyman mold throws the bullets to 122gr with my alloy.

Sized .314”, my Ruger Single 7 in .327mag adores them over 10.0gr of #2400. With either the Lyman or Lee .311-113 RFNGC (aluminum taped to throw.315”) it shoots very well.
Pics are before I extensively fire lapped the bore to reduce “thread choke”.