Model 92 Win in 32 WCF

[Dragoon 45]

A friend of mine just traded for a 1898 vintage Winchester model 92 in 32WCF. We estimated it is in approximately 70% condition. The barrel is marked 32 WCF and I assume this is a .32-20. A gunsmith checked it out and said it is safe to shoot. Bore is in excellent condition.

He asked me if I had any reloading tips for it, but I have never reloaded .32-20. Therefore I thought I would ask here. Any helpful tips I can pass on to him would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Marine Sgt 2111]

RCBS 100gr SWC, 5.0 grains of Unique is a nice place to start. 8.0grains of 2400 and a 120gr SAECO SWC will work also. The more you shoot the .32-20 the more you'll like it. Starline brass is the most durable brass but the shortest.

[Dragoon 45]

RCBS 100gr SWC, 5.0 grains of Unique is a nice place to start. 8.0grains of 2400 and a 120gr SAECO SWC will work also. The more you shoot the .32-20 the more you'll like it. Starline brass is the most durable brass but the shortest.

How is the strength in these guns? The barrel is not marked "black powder only."

[John Taylor]

How is the strength in these guns? The barrel is not marked "black powder only."

You will never find an old gun marked "Black Powder Only". That was the only powder available when most of them were made so there would be no need to mark it. In 1895 when Winchester stared making rifles for the new smokeless powder the barrels were marked accordingly and were made out of a nickel steel. This was the year the 30-30 and 32 special came out. All modern loads are supposed to be loaded to black powder pressures for the 32-20 but there are a few out there that load them a little hot, like Buffalo Bore.
The 92 Win. is built very strong and will handle the 32-20 just fine. It was also made in 25-20, 38-40 and 44-40. Some have been converted to 256 Win. Mag and 357 Mag over the years with no problems.

[Reg]

Try 8.5 gn. 2400. Not the hottest load out there but has proven quite accurate through the years. Slug the bore and size the bullets at bore dia. Wheel weights are a good alloy.
The little 92 action is more than strong enough for any listed 32-20 load.

:popcorn:

[jlchucker]

I envy anyone who's ever these days found a genuine 92, or even a 94 Marlin at an affordable price. I just wish that the Rossi leverguns were offered in that caliber. It sounds like you've found a really nice, working gun there.

[Dean D.]

My favorite load for my 32WCF Mod. 92 rifle is 5.5gr Unique behind the 311316 GC boolit. My rifle shoots it more accurately than my ability.

+1 on the Starline brass. 32WCF brass has a very thin neck so be very careful when sizing it or it will crumple.

My rifle is my all time favorite gun for just pure fun shooting. It's also a great cartridge to introduce new shooters to our wonderful hobby!

[Dragoon 45]

Thanks for the information, I will pass it on.

[Four Fingers of Death]

Heres mine, made in 1927. Sweet little rifle:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k228/4fingermick/Leverguns/d1a1d367-1.jpg

I'd like to fit a tang sight to improve accuracy.

I also have a Savage bolt gun in 32/20 built in the 30s, trying to get a scope fitted, I have an old Bushnell post and cross hair 4x scope which will urn it into an effective game getter. Iffffffffffffff the gunsmith will ever do it.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Sounds like a winner. You might suggest to your freind to check the throat area carefully. So far every 1892 I have owned has had a fat throat to accomidate the next round as it is chambered into a BP fouled barrel. Then there was the corrosive primers used back then that had a nasty habit of eating away at the soft steels...
Mike in Peru