32-20 ammo

[massrog39]

I'm not sure this is the correct forum for this so if not could you please point me in the right direction. I just got a marlin 1894 mfg in 1895 chambered for 32-20/32wcf and am wondering if modern loads are toohot for this old a rifle. If they are can someone please point me to loading info appropriate for this antique. Thanks very much!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z164/massrog39/IMG_2079.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z164/massrog39/IMG_2086.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z164/massrog39/IMG_2085.jpg

[Dan in NC]

massrog, Here is a copyfrom Lymans 45th edition. iused to shoot a lot of 32-20 in pistols and loaded some up to rifle pressure with/out problems. a rifle can handle a good bit more pressure than a pistol. that being said If in doubt have a competent gunsmith check it out. I guess if it were mine I would shoot about 3/4 loads in it simply because it has vaule as antique. loaded rounds are sometimes hard to find I reloaded most of mine.
Good luck.http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/Capture.JPG

[massrog39]

n/m

[HOGGHEAD]

Now that is one fine rifle. Tom.

[massrog39]

I was really happy to find it at a local auction! Picked it up for just over 300.00. I think a bonus is that it is a take down model. If anyone knows how that works please let me know. I removed the lock screw and the barrel section loosens but won't come apartr. I had to spend a couple hours with the cleaning rod and am waiting for a replacement ejector spring I ordered. After a smith inspection I'm dying to try it out! An octagon marlin lever is a boyhood dream come true. Roger

[RamSlammer]

Do get it checked out by a competent gunsmith before shooting. . . . This stuff should work just fine in that gun . . . http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=953335&t=11082005
http://www.midwayusa.com/mediasvr.dll/image?saleitemid=953335

[crowbeaner]

The Lyman 311316 over 9.0 of 2400 will work quite well in your old 32/20. Size the bullets to .312 or .313 and have fun.

[saltydog452]

I have squirreled away about 150 rds of 100 grain jacketed rifle 32.20 ammunition. Thats pretty spiffy ammo.

My '92 was made post smokeless so pressure isn't a large problem.

About the only ammo that I have been able to find these days is way downloaded stuff for the Cowboy shooters. A large plus for that is the Cowboy loads, in a rifle, are really, really quiet.

This ammunition, when fired into a stump leaves part of the bullet base exposed. Pressure isn't a problem and this stuff probabally has the trajectory of a softball.


I too am interested in 32.20 ammunition that at least approach 1950s factory performance.

salty