I have this 1906 S&W hand ejector. It is chambered In 32-20. I find a ton of load data for rifles, and old rifles but not much for old revolvers....especially those of questionable heat treating. Looking for some guidance on moderate , safe loads. Mostly looking for appropriate powder choices.
The More I Think I know, The More I Realize I Don't Know Nothin'
Hodgdon has 32-20 data in their pistol section. It looks like none of the data goes over 16,000 CUP, some much lower.
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center
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Although you doubtless already know this, make certain that your chamber throats are larger than you groove diameter, and size your boolits accordingly.
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Lyman’s 49th has handgun data that doesnt exceed SAMMI pressures. Which are the same as standard 38 special pressure. So while some pre WW1 revolvers may lack heat treating, the 32-20 chambering leaves more steel in both the cylinder and barrels forcing cone. Lots of common handgun powders used including bullseye, 231, unique and others.
Just yesterday I was shooting a police positive special, army special, bisley and Winchester 92 all chambered in 32-20. Powders used was bullseye, unique and 700X
Last edited by smkummer; 08-01-2023 at 08:15 AM.
Ah nice!
4 inch Hand Ejector Model of 1905. Round butt so it’s a first change or later. You’re “1906”, is that in reference to its year of manufacture? It’s possible. I see in the 3rd edition of S&W Standard Catalog the first change guns were serial range 22427-c. 33500.
The hardened cylinder guns came about serial 81287. Lot of people make a big deal out the hardened cylinder. But, I’ve never heard of anyone having a cylinder problem with the older guns. I suppose there could be some stories out there.
Mine is a hardened cylinder gun and I don’t push it to max velocity out of respect for the frame and forcing cone. 32-20 has enough case capacity that even moderate pressure can get you more velocity than the other 32’s except for 327 Federal and maybe 30 Super Carry. Also, 32-20 brass is thin and top end loads will loosen primer pockets pretty fast. I also have a Ruger Buckeye and have run full throttle loads in it. Really I prefer the old S&W. It can easily drive a boolit “clear through a man”. Quote from Andy Griffith.
I suggest you peruse Accurate Molds for a nice 32-20 boolit. I use 31-088W loaded base forward (because I like full meplat wadcutters and a bevel base is fine with me) over 3 grains of Bullseye for my S&W.
"Time and money don't do you a bit of good until you spend them." - My Dad
I really like the RCBS 32-98 swc in the 32-20. 4.0-4.5 grains of Unique works well, as does 3.3 grains of Bullseye. I have Three, a Police Positive Special from the 1930's, a post-heat treat S&W and my favorite, a Colt Army Special from 1926.
Last edited by rintinglen; 08-01-2023 at 11:50 PM.
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I have several revolvers chambered for 32 WCF. It's a great caliber if you reload. I use the data here - be sure to select the "PISTOL" data.
https://shootersreference.com/reload...20-winchester/
I have a 115gr mold from Arsenal.
I emailed S&W and was told it was manufactured in 1906. Thanks for the information.
The More I Think I know, The More I Realize I Don't Know Nothin'
Thanks to everybody for the information. No matter what I think I know, never hurts to know more.
The More I Think I know, The More I Realize I Don't Know Nothin'
Thanks for that, didn't know about that site.
The More I Think I know, The More I Realize I Don't Know Nothin'
Alright! You have the nicest DA 32-20 and the classic mould to make bullets to shoot through it. Any of the recommended sources can give you great results. I’d probably start with the classic loads of Unique powder (that has been around nearly as long as the 32-20 itself). Be careful loading as the case necks on some brass can be a little thin and delicate.Originally Posted by augois
I have a 115gr mold from Arsenal.
I emailed S&W and was told it was manufactured in 1906. Thanks for the information.
The great MD Smith site has gotten difficult for me to navigate, but you might try https://reloadammo.com/32-20-winchester-reloading-data/ and see what is recommended there. As I said, I like Unique (& perhaps 231) for pistol loads. Reduce the loads shown here by 10% to start.
Froggie
PS I prefer heavier single actions like my Ruger Blackhawk combo 32, but the 32-20 is really attractive for a lot of reasons!
"It aint easy being green!"
Heard again recently that none of know what all of us know.
Your S&W 32-20 will be a fine revolver to carry about for plinking and popping light weight critters.
Our 32-20 is a Dan Wesson 4" that is a heavy duty if there was ever a need with a 32-20 revolver. The DW will easily digest many rifle loads as it is on the standard 15-2 frame that is far more used with the .357 Mag.
But one day I would also like to snag an old shooter to haul about in the river bottoms.
"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Male Guanaco out in dry lakebed at 10,800 feet south of Arequipa.
I also have a Single Six in 32 H&R, and a Blackhawk in 30 carbine if I need to soup things up a bit.
The More I Think I know, The More I Realize I Don't Know Nothin'
You’re in good stead augois!
"Time and money don't do you a bit of good until you spend them." - My Dad
Thread drift warning!
Tall……ummmm we’re going to need another pic!
That’s a pretty heavy tease! Might be a flat top Colt??? USFA??? Custom???
"Time and money don't do you a bit of good until you spend them." - My Dad
Pic of what?
The More I Think I know, The More I Realize I Don't Know Nothin'
Attachment 316552
Here's mine Model of 1902 .32-20 left the factory last part of 1904 or first part of 1905
I load it with 2.7g Trail Boss with a 90g cast boolet
zero recoil accurate out to 10 yards
Last edited by Daver7; 08-01-2023 at 03:23 PM.
Nice
The More I Think I know, The More I Realize I Don't Know Nothin'
Post number 7.
What gun is in that pic?
I want to see more of it!
"Time and money don't do you a bit of good until you spend them." - My Dad
Looks like a Colt SAA...
I have a Colt Army 32-20 made in 1919. The barrel is pristine - makes me think it's probably a later replacement - but it certainly shoots well.
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