colt lightning pump in .32 cal

arizstar · January 14, 2013, 07:19 PM

Hi Folks. Just a quick question, I have a Colt lightning rifle in .32-20.
The serial numbers point to a manufacturing date of 1901.
Would this been made to use smokeless powder?

Thanks,
JD

hodaka · January 14, 2013, 07:38 PM

Welcome aboard. It is an old rifle and a Lightning is not a strong action in the first place. That said, I think you can probably find some loads using Unique or Trailboss that would work fine. I'm shooting an 1889 Swiss and a Colt Lightning pistol that was made about the same time with smokeless. I think I would err on the low side of the recommended loads or else use Pyrodex. You may wish to post this in the section on reloading to get more viewers.

January 14, 2013, 07:19 PM	#1
arizstar Junior Member Join Date: January 14, 2013 Posts: 1	colt lightning pump in .32 cal Hi Folks. Just a quick question, I have a Colt lightning rifle in .32-20. The serial numbers point to a manufacturing date of 1901. Would this been made to use smokeless powder? Thanks, JD

January 14, 2013, 07:38 PM	#2
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,507	Welcome aboard. It is an old rifle and a Lightning is not a strong action in the first place. That said, I think you can probably find some loads using Unique or Trailboss that would work fine. I'm shooting an 1889 Swiss and a Colt Lightning pistol that was made about the same time with smokeless. I think I would err on the low side of the recommended loads or else use Pyrodex. You may wish to post this in the section on reloading to get more viewers.