Obsolete Cartridges

[deadin]

Reloading rimfire can be done but it is difficult and dangerous. I knew an old guy that used to reload for Spencer Rifles and Carbines. He finally decided it was simpler and safer to just make a centerfire breechblock for them.
The only rimfire I ever reloaded for was the .41 Swiss Vetterli and I just did a simple conversion to CF and went from there.

 

[Radagast]

JTHunter:
Assuming you have a S&W .32-20 Hand Ejector, if the serial number is higher than 81287 then your gun has a heat treated cylinder and it should be safe to shoot with any current factory ammo - the old 32-20 hi-speed / 32 WCF High Speed is no longer produced. Obviously stay away from old packets of ammo and anything jacketed.

If you have a serial number below 81287 I would be quite cautious, in fact reloading with a black powder substitute such as Goex might be the safest option.

If you have a Colt or other brand I can't help you with advice - S&Ws are my niche interest.

 

[McCall911]

I've had a fascination with certain obsolete/obsolescent calibers. The one which still endures is the .41 Long Colt. That was the chambering in my long-gone Colt Army Special, which was the first obsolete caliber that I owned. The round fascinates me with its high sectional density (for a revolver bullet) and its expanding hollow base. Plus it was pleasant to shoot, but ammo was a bit of a problem!

 

[clem100]

I had a Colt New Service .455 Eley that was a lot of fun to shoot. Now I have a gew 98 Mauser (1917) that will fire 7.92x33. Very low recoil, and Hornady and PRVI still produce this round...

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

I got to shoot a Winchester lever action in 375 Winchester once that I fell in love with. I reload for 22 Hornet and 28 gauge. I don't consider either obsolete but you don't see tons of new firearms chambered for them.

 

[VA27]

25-20, 6.5 Jap, 7.7 Jap and 8mm Lebel.

I got lucky as I found a box of unprimed Norma 6.5 brass in a pawn shop for $2, and then Hornady loaded up some and 7.7 Jap, too.

The shop where I got the '92 SRC in 25-20 had several boxes of unprimed Remington brass.

I also found 8mm Lebel brass from Grafs. Thanks Grafs.

 

[Afy]

I shoot the 8x60S and .222 Remington Magnum.
Luckily I do handload for them, so they are affoardable.

 

[phoenix79]

I have a ton of 7.62x25 for my CZ-52's. Not that rare, just uncommon

I also have a VZ-52 rifle that shoots 7.62x45. This is almost impossible to find now and although I have dies, I have to make the brass from .220 swift. A pain to do so the rifle hasn't been shot a lot since I ran out of factory surplus ammo for it.