Question on .32-20 brass

[bcr]

I am about to start loading .32-20 for the first time. I have a USFA revolver that I haven't shot yet, and I'll be using the new Miha mold.

I bought 100 pieces of once-fired Remington .32-20 brass on craigslist from a guy who doesn't reload. The brass looks funny though. It has a very steep shoulder further up the case than I expect (see picture, on right), and when it comes out of my sizer it looks like I expect and seems to match the dimensions in my Lyman manual (left). Also, the case on the right doesn't fit in the chamber of my revolver, but the one on the left does. The marking on the brass matches the box though.

What's this all about? Could he have fired this in something that wasn't a .32-20?

112700

[elk hunter]

Just a guess, possibly fired in a Martini Cadet, or a Russian 7.62 revolver.

[runfiverun]

or someone ackleyed a 32-20 chamber.

[paul edward]

.32 k 20?

[rintinglen]

That looks very much like a Nagant chamber. I strongly suspect that was fired in one of those Soviet era Revolvers that were so cheap a few years back.

[Wayne S]

Since he said he doesn't reload ?? I would go with what the others have said. There was a single shot pistol Manf. that cut his 30-20 [32-20] chamber with a shoulder like the bone you show. Cases from my T/C chamber look like the one you sized.

[bcr]

Thanks guys, are they safe to reload? I won't be pushing limits of performance.

[tg32-20]

bcr

If you can form them back into the shape you show on the left and the fit your chamber, they should be fine. The 32-20 brass is very thin so check for any cracks after sizing and firing, but you should be good to go. You might need to also check for over all case length, but I doubt that will be a problem. As you say " you are not pushing the limits" you willget many reloadings out of that brass.

tg 32-20 aka Tom

[Idaho Mule]

or someone ackleyed a 32-20 chamber. I got a couple of Ackleys's books, but I never knew he had hot-rodded the 32-20. I gotta say the case "looks" kinda like that tho and I sure got a chuckle out of it. The reformed case looks fine tho, and the OP should be able to continue on with no problems. I would say he should check lengths and trim if needed. Just leads to more uniform crimps, in my opinion.
JW

[obssd1958]

Next thing you know, somebody will AI a 38-40!! :redneck:

[multigunner76]

I have new 32-20 nickel Remington cases if you need to buy more

[Tar Heel]

The 32-20 case is a popular case to use in the Nagant. Just resize them and inspect them. You should be just fine.

[John Boy]

Just resize them and inspect them. You should be just fine. Agree 100%. Be sure to use case lube when you run them through the full length resizing die. Also, when that's done - anneal the cases down to the shoulder at 620-650 degrees. They will be bluish/green color
And don't get disturbed when you shoot the reloads. The 32-20 caliber is finicky. Some reloads are accurate and others are not - so work up your reloads