have a 32-20 smith from the turn of the century..like 1908..and am starting to load up loads for targets and small game. I already have a 32 mag ruger and this ought to be a fun game of who can do what. I load the Ruger with cast at like 950 fps and it is deadly on rabbits and other small critters. The smith with the same 90gr cast bullets over some 850fps loads or so to keep pressure low ought to be fun. (no need to stess a 100 year old gun). I really would love to get a 32-20 rifle or barrel for my contender in same...say 21"....or a handirifle barrel. Anyone else fool with the 32's?

I do not have a 32-20, but I have a FA M97 with both 32 H&R Mag and 327 Mag cylinders. It is a blast to shoot and the 327 shoots very flat out to 100 yds. I am shooting factory loads in both & the 327 loads are listed at 1400 fps. I have not checked that.

kirk,

Welcome to HHM. I have several 32-20s in handguns, S&Ws, Dan Wessons, Rugers, T/c Contenders and several long guns, Savage 23s, and Marlin 94s. Have been shooting and loading, casting for them for some years. With the cost and availability of 22 LR ammo, I find I can shoot the 32-20s for about the same $s. It is a great round in handguns and rifles both, no not a 1,000 yd. shooter, but how many of us really are ( excluding Ernie and a few on this site )! I've developed accurate loads for both jacketed and cast bullets; however, use more cast.

Doc

I have a 10" 32-20 Contender barrel....very cool to shoot! They are a .308" bore. Mine is stoked with 110gr Hornady SP and 2400.....runs them at 1700+fps and ragged hole groups at 50yds. Still under 1.5" at 100yds. Loaded it with a 115gr cast FN from Penn Bullets for a friend going on a mountain lion hunt. FPs was about 900. Got two complete pass throughs and only .30 cal holes in the hide.