32-20 ammo question??

[ejh69]

My friend just purchased a Colt SA, 1919 mfg. in 32-20 along with two vintage boxes of Rem. and Win. ammo. After shooting a few shots of each ,in both instances the cases had vertical cracks along the neck area. Considering that both handgun and rifles were chambered for this , is the factory ammo specs loaded to handgun or rifle specs? Has anyone experenced anything like this? Are handloads necessary? Can anyone suggest a factory ammo brand? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[jwp475]

Modern Winchester and Remington 32-20 are safe in the old handguns and is what I shoot in this very old S&W


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d62/jwp475/32-20CoverGirl010.jpg

[billyb]

Your vintage ammo, depending on how old, the brass is probably brittle. This is the reason for the neck splits.

Bill

[bobthenailer]

The case necks are very thin on the 32/20 case , also may be brittle brass

[RicinYakima]

My friend just purchased a Colt SA, 1919 mfg. in 32-20 along with two vintage boxes of Rem. and Win. ammo. After shooting a few shots of each ,in both instances the cases had vertical cracks along the neck area. Considering that both handgun and rifles were chambered for this , is the factory ammo specs loaded to handgun or rifle specs?

Ammo has been loaded to handgun specifications for at least 50 years. Only boxes that say "Use in rifle only" is loaded to rifle specifications.

Has anyone experenced anything like this?

Yes this is very common with 32/20 brass made before WW II.


Are handloads necessary?

Only if you expect to hit something with the revolver!!!

Can anyone suggest a factory ammo brand?

Remington 100 grain lead bullet is as good as it gets. Avoid all jacketed bullets, as the powder charge is so light in factory ammon, they commonly stick in the barrel. Be careful with any jacketed ammo.

Any help would be appreciated.

PM me your personal email and I will send an article I wrote for "The Fouling Shot"

Thanks a lot.

RicinYakima

[gunfan]

Your vintage ammo, depending on how old, the brass is probably brittle. This is the reason for the neck splits.

Bill

I am inclined to agree. Old brass can become brittle over time. Modern loads will cure the problem.

Scott

[ejh69]

I appreciate your inputs. Thanks

[Hickory]

Cartridge cases will "age" or harden with age and become brittle.
They will also become brittle if exposed to gun cleaning solvent
that has ammonia in the solution.

[uscra112]

The .32-20 High Velocity hasn't been loaded commercially for years, but I have a partial box bought at a gun show, so it's not ALL gone. Do not use it in any old-time revolver.

[gandydancer]

I have some old 30 remington ammo that's doing the same thing. its just old and brittle. GD