Loads for old S & W 32-20

[PappyDC]

I have a family "heirloom" that I want to shoot. It's an old 1905 model SW 32-20. The barrel says "32-20 WCF". As a youngster, we used to shoot it with dad just a few times a year. I still have a box of old Win 32-20 100grn bullets.

Missouri Bullets has a .313 diameter 100 grain LRN that might work. I would load very light.

Any 32-20 shooters out there with some suggestions?

 

[Walkalong]

I am in the same boat. I'll be watching this one.

 

[PappyDC]

almost sisters!

Nice revolver! Mine has been a safe queen for years...Might as well shoot it, but with easy loads. Don't want to push the old gal.

 

[Steve C]

The 32-20 Win is a realatively common caliber for Cowboy action shooting and there's plenty of data around for the modest loads with cast bullets used in that sport. Velocities are better than a typical .32 S&W Long running around 1,000 fps +/- depending upon powder. Any of these Cowboy loads should work fine in your pistol just make sure not to use data for rifle or Thompson Center single shot modern pistols that can handle a lot hotter load.

You can find data on the Alliant website, just download the latest information, and its also available at Hodgdon's website. Speer #13 has data for a cast 98gr bullet witch would be usable with a 100 grain too. Speer #14 should have data also.

 

[Shoney]

I have my grandfaters circa 1886 old colt, which he got as a young man from an older lady, who kept it in a bed stand drawer for 40 years. After my father inherited it, my mother also kept it in the bedroom night stand.

In the 1960's I started loading my 115 gr cast bullets for it, and was given advice to keep the loads light. I have fired less than a box through it, and it sits in my gun safe.

The advice to use Cowboy Action data is sound and is what you should do.

Good Shooting!

 

[Ed Harris]

In my 1905 S&W Hand Ejector I shoot 115-gr. soft cast lead, either Ideal #3118 or NEI #82 with the GC heel removed. I load bullets as-cast and unsized at .314", tumbled in Lee Liquid Alox, with either 3 grs. of Bullseye or 4 grs. of Unique. This is a close approximation of factory lead loads and shoots to the fixed sights.

 

[MMCSRET]

I cast my bullets and load for all 3 of my Colt 32-20 revolvers, the newest is a 1922 Army Special. Look on the IMR Powder site for load data using Trail Boss powder with your 100 Grain lead bullet. Great cartridge and lots of fun to load and shoot.

 

[rcmodel]

I use the Lyman #311008 115 grain bullet over 4.5 grains Unique.
It is a safe load and very accurate.

This exceeds current Lyman #49 data by .5 grain, so is above max.

However, Lyman #45 listed the same bullet with 5.5 grains and that's a good load too, and more in keeping with the old factory loads.

rc

 

[Slamfire]

Last night I handled an original Bisley Colt. On the side of barrel was stamped 32 WCF.

Is that the 32-20 round?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes.

rc

 

[MMCSRET]

i have that Bisley, built in 1912 and shipped to Shapleigh Hardware Co. in St. Louis, Mo. reshipped to a general mercantile store in Soda Springs Idaho and bought by my grandfather complete with a cross draw flap(military) style holster and cartridge belt with 44 cartridge loops.
NAH!!!, its really not the one you held but I did have to reference the similarity.
The flap on the holster is embossed with a diamond shaped logo with the hardware co. logo and name in the diamond.
Great shooter, and as all 32-20s, lots of muzzle blast with strong loads.

 

[PappyDC]

Great info!

OP here...

Thanks for all the great info. Now I have to find some dies. Probably get the .32 cal 100grn LRN from Missouri Bullet. Good excuse to place another order with them.

 

[LightningMan]

Lots of good data here for different firearms, different ages for the 32-20 or 32 WCF.
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/3220wcf.htm