Load sugestions for a Model 25 Husqvarna 32-20 Win.

[Dakoma]

I don't seem to find load data for the 32-20 rifle just for pistol and mostly weak load data , my rifle has a 26.5" barrel and this model ( Model 25 Husqvarna ) was chambered for 25-20 , 32-20 , 30-30 and 45-70 so I would think I can shoot top loads . Speer # 13 Manual gives top loads but for the TC pistol and .308 diameter bullets not .312 jacketed or .313- .314 diameter cast bullets , everywhere I look it is maybe 1 or 2 loads but none listing the powders I use which are Unique , 2400 , bullseye , Red Dot , H-110 and LilGuns , Lee's manual lists powders I never heard of or seen on the shelf at any of the local gun shops only one load 85gr Hornaday XTP HP , their never exceed load 3.6grs Bullseye at 25yds makes one ragged hole on target and no excessive pressure signs , I have 90gr Sierra HP Sports Masters and 100gr. Hornaday XTP HP bullets and plenty of Starline 32-20 brass just need the data to load for my rifle ! Please help if you shoot a 32-20 Win. rifle I need data for rifles shooting .312 jacketed bullets , looking at purchasing a Noe 118gr GC mould got 2 sets of pins for FN semi-wadcutters and a swap of the pins gets me a HP of the same profile bullet !

[Mk42gunner]

The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 4th ed. has rifle loads with cast bullets utilizing several of your listed powders for the .32-20.

Robert

[Kraschenbirn]

Go to 'advanced search' at the top of the page and run a search for 'Paco Kelly 32-20' and you'll find about a day's worth of reading on rifle-level loads for the .32-20. From the powders you've listed, I'd go with 2400 or H-110. Using Lyman 311008s, my '85 Win Low Wall (repro) groups about the same with either...2"-2 1/2" @ 100 yds (iron sights).

Bill

[rintinglen]

5.0 grains of Unique under an RCBS 32=98 SWC are very accurate in my Browning 53 32-20. But I am sure you will like the NOE boolit. Lyman lists 8.5 grains of 2400 for a 90 grain jacketed bullet, and 8.3 grains for a 100 grain JHP, both with very low pressure. 4.8 grains of Unique is also listed for the 90 grain bullet. I think I'd stick with the milder loads in your 100 odd year old gun and swap to a cast boolit as soon as you can. They don't make 'em like that any more.

[Freischütz]

What's the Husqvarna's locking system like? Number of lugs and where are they on the bolt?

[Dan Cash]

I prefer a 105 grain cast bullet over 9 grain of 2400 for rifle and 8 grain of 2400 for revolver. I have a 1914 Colt Army Special that thrives on that load and shows no sign of loosening after 2000+ rounds.

For rifle, some sources will suggest a 100 grain bullet over 10 to 12 grain of 2400 but such loads are very destructive of brass and in my opinion, way too hot.

[sthwestvictoria]

What's the Husqvarna's locking system like? Number of lugs and where are they on the bolt?
They have a single lug on the bolt, maybe the bolt handle is a secondary point?
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?172364-Husqvarna-single-shot-is-here!!

However they also were done in 30-30.

[Freischütz]

They have a single lug on the bolt, maybe the bolt handle is a secondary point?
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?172364-Husqvarna-single-shot-is-here!!

However they also were done in 30-30.

Thanks for the reference to another Cast Boolits thread. It looks like there's just one lug.


I'd be careful about pushing this gun for all it's worth. Headspace problems might develop. 25/20 brass is thin, and if pressures get high partial head separations develop quickly.


For me 4198 produces the best groups.

[Outpost75]

For rifle use in the .32-20 you will find that 4198 or RL7 are the most accurate powders of choice for 115-125 grain cast bullets, or 100-grain jacketed ones. It is impossible to cram enough of either of those powders into a .32-20 case at standard overall cartridge length, to get into any trouble. A neighbor loads the .312" diameter 100-grain Hornady XTP bullet for the .32 H&R Magnum with a compressed caseful of either 4198 or RL7 and shoots it in his original 1873 Winchester to shoot deer with every year. FAR out performs the factory softpoint load and the bullet performs wonderfully at .32-20 rifle velocities around 1300 fps.

[ndnchf]

I've been looking for published data for RL7 in the 32-20, but found little. Am I missing it somewhere? I'd like to try mild loads in my Marlin m1889 and #2 Remington rolling block.

[Outpost75]

No published .32-20 data, but when I worked up the load (1980s) I had access to pressure test equipment at work, using a Kistler transducer fitted to a 14" T/C Contender barrel and that load was easily within SAAMI limits. Years later assembled a bunch for my neighbor with the '73 WInchester and he has fired hundreds of them with no problem.

Hercules did provide published, pressure tested data using RL7 in the .44-40 and 25 grains with a 200-grain jacketed bullet is a good approximation of the standard pressure .44-40 softpoint factory load and also safe in the '73.

[lobogunleather]

The .32-20 (and .25-20) has relatively thin case walls and neck walls. Not the best for handling higher pressures. I have a Winchester 1892 in this caliber, for which I use cast bullets exclusively and modest charges (IMR-4198 is my preferred powder in the rifle loads). I strongly recommend using the Lyman M die for case mouth expanding, both for uniformity and much increased case life.

Pushing the upper limits is likely to result in short case life at best. With the more modest charges (say about 90% of published maximums) you'll never have to worry, and the types of critters for which the .32-20 is appropriate won't ever know the difference.