Looking for some help - .32/20 load data

[Herk30]

I've been handed down my grandfathers Marlin lever action in .32/20, along with a few hundred pieces of brass, some 80 gr & 100 gr bullets. It seems like any load data I can find is for pistols, which I've also read is too light of a load for rifles. Does anyone have any starting point for reloading some light plinking rounds? I have no intentions of hunting with it. I have a good supply of various modern powders as well as some FFF black powder, which I read can be used in the right situation.

 

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49 has 32-20 WCF rifle data for 100 gr jacketed & 115 lead.

2400 powder - Jacketed
6.8 Start = 1,029 FPS.
8.5 MAX = 1,280 FPS.

The thing is though, any published load data you find in a manual for handguns will also be fine in a rifle.

Just never reduce the starting load any further then it already is.

rc

 

[witchhunter]

I shoot 5.3 of unique behind a 90 lead swc in mine. Rifle and pistol. Nice quiet, low recoil load for plinking, not hunting. You can use pistol primers as it is a very mild round with this load. Fun.

 

[blue32]

Herk, what powders do you have?

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Best source for loading data is Pet Loads by Ken Waters.

On-line sources:
www.sixguns.com/tests/tt3220.htm
www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/3220wcf.htm

 

[Herk30]

Right now I have the following powders on the shelf
H335, H322, H110, H4831SC
Reloader 7
A2230
IMR3031, IMR4831, IMR4350

I also have a few pounds of Goex FFg & Triple Seven FFg.

I have read that Unique is a great and widely used powder for this caliber, so maybe my best bet is to find some of that.

 

[Jim Watson]

Those are all bottleneck rifle case powders, none really suitable for .32-20 unless you want to go traditional and load black. Which I only do for single shots.

Unique is fine for the job.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

You need handgun powder for the 32-20. I have used W231, IMR 4227, IMR 7625, IMR 700-X, Bullseye, Green Dot, Titegroup, Trail Boss and Unique. All have produced good results.