32-20 ballard

[jerrym103]

Hi, could someone tell me what to load for a #2 sporting Ballard with the cast receiver? I need to know for smokeless powder. I am having it relined and chambered for 32-20 and will be using it for target shooting.Thank you for any help. Jerry

[canyon-ghost]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx228/3rdshooter/32-20WCF005.jpg:coffeecom I shoot a TC Contender in 32-20 (you said the magic words)!

[canyon-ghost]

And, naturally, before I get in trouble, disregard the sizing for a TC. They're a bit different with chambers made more for bullet selection.

I can tell you that brass is available at Starline: http://www.starlinebrass.com/

They're brass is newly manufactured and very good stuff! 32-20 is one of the thin case rounds, a bit like 22 Hornet in that respect. A good set of dies with 32-20 and some case lube is a good idea. You can full length size but, I like to leave the web at the case head untouched ( I set my dies a little higher).

[L Ross]

Jerry, I shoot a Stevens Model 44 Ideal in 32-20. These are not strong actions so I take it pretty easy with 4.0 gr of Unique and a 100 gr cast bullet. If I remember correctly these clock about 950 fps from the 24" bbl. Squirrels drop like a rock with a neat hole in the head. Shot a raccoon running away across the oats field at 132 paces. Smashed the pelvis and exited the lower chest. 16 gr of 3fg black gives 1130 fps.

Duke

[jerrym103]

Thank you Duke for your knowledgeable reply on the Ballard.

[uscra112]

Any current issue handbook load will be OK if the Ballard is breeched up (and headspaced) right, and the firing pin is bushed. If it ain't, make it right.

What twist is your new barrel? What weight of boolits are you planning?

The ASSRA guys are having stellar results breech-seating 200 grainers, and loading Alliant 300MP or 4100 for about 1450 fps, but it takes a 16:1 twist or faster. Even so, their loads are within the range of a properly set up Ballard. Check the ASSRA site for loads they are using.

[Cherokee]

Nice little plinking load is 3.5 gr 231 with 115 gr cast RNFP, about 950 fps from 7.5" SA revolver and very accurate in my 1889 Marlin LA rifles. I also use 8.3 gr of AA9 with the sme bullet for 1250 fps from the Marlins. Fun cartridge, let us know how it turnes out. Starline brass is great.

[lbaize3]

Another nice load is 3.5 grains of Red Dot, pushing a 115 grain cast boolit. Clean shooting and accurate.

[L Ross]

uscrars112, I also shoot schuetzen and know shooters who are running 32-20 loads such as you describe, usually in modern made Stevens 44 1/2 clones made by CPA. To push a 200 gr bullet to 1450 takes pressures similar to the 32 Miller short. I would respectfully urge Jerry not to run loads that heavy in a "cast" Ballard action. That is a fine old antique that should be treated rather gently.

Duke

[JeffinNZ]

4.5-5.0gr Unique will give you safe pressures in the mid to high teens and rimfire velocity.