32/20 win mold suggestions.

[Drew P]

Hi, I inherited a colt 1873 that's been in the family since, well, about ? Not sure but it was my great, great, great, great, grandfathers and its reported to have been shot last time in the 50's. I've had it a few years and wasn't intending to ever shoot it but then I got thinking, and looking at it there's no reason not to shoot it!

So, does anyone have any mold suggestions for this piece? It's chambered 32/20win.

Also so any Loads? I have a selection of pistol powders and will also be adding lil gun to my powder cab soon. I have sr4759 also. Obviously nothing too hot for this old girl.

[45-70 Chevroner]

Just two threads below yours they are talking a out about this very thing. Also molds for rifle and pistols in that caliber are mostly interchangeable.

[rking22]

311008 , and this just finished up at NOE . Remember 20% off for a few more days!
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=2624&osCsid=k0mhsoulvvda2rep14imn7lul4

[JeffinNZ]

311008 , and this just finished up at NOE . Remember 20% off for a few more days!
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=2624&osCsid=k0mhsoulvvda2rep14imn7lul4

+1 but I went with the .314 version.

[Drew P]

Why do we like that one over something like this Lee at 1/3 the price?

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7754

it should also be noted that I will likely powder coat these, so if my mold spits out undersized boolits, I can make up the dia with coating if needed.

I realize round point might not suit a tube fed rifle but I'm only loading the pistol in is cal so far.

[ndnchf]

The 311008 has proven to be an excellent bullet for over 100 years. So are bullets from the original Winchester mold. These are often found on ebay at reasonable prices. Would be nice nice to use an original Winchester mold in that original Winchester rifle.

[tg32-20]

As ndnchf said above, it has been a proven bullet since the 32-20 came out. There is also the 311316 which is a GC if you are going to push it hard out of a rifle in the future. If you want to go to a Lee mold, I have had decent results from the Lee 311-100gr which is a round nose.

Tom

[Drew P]

I'd like a quality mold but I'd also like to save a few bucks. I like the look of the round nose, so I guess I'll try the lee. Thanks for your feedback.

One ne more question, do you think I should slug my bore for sizing purposes? .311-.315 seems like a broad range for diameter

[ndnchf]

Absolutely slug the bore. It's the only way to know what size your bullets should be.

[Drew P]

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/381478027923

this is would match the gun pretty neatly I suppose. There are a few of these on eBay right now, but this one appeared to be in the best condition. Serviceable you think?

[ndnchf]

That one needs a little clean up. The cavity is a little rusty, but it could be useable. Mine was in better shape and a little less $. Be patient, they come up frequently.

[JSH]

I have found cheap and good, very seldom come together when quality tools are needed.

[Drew P]

Agreed. Although my other lee molds cost a lot less and produce great result$.

[dg31872]

311008 or the 311008 and you might try the 311008. Any one of those will make you smile.

[KenT7021]

I use the 31133 HP.

[rking22]

I have the Lee 93 in a six cavity. I like it in my 32-20 Rem 25, but they are a little small for my taste. Three cavities give me a .313 .314 boolit, the other 3 are .312 at best. I treat it like a 3 cavity and use the small 3 sized at .310 in 30 cal plinkers and the buigger 3 for plinkers in my 3220 and 32SWL. Thy do not shoot as well as the 311008 and clones in any of my guns, but fine for plinkers and hey cast well. I have a NOE 103 RCBS clone in the mail and will probably sell the Lee when I get it. If it runs like the 311316 clone I may even sell my 311008!

[.22-10-45]

Before doing any loading..best to determine the age of your Colt..is it a black-powder frame? (set-screw holding cyl. base pin..or the later cross-pin style?). Granted the cyl. walls and barrel walls are the heavest of the S.A.A. Colts due to smaller cal. I have a circa 1905 Bisley 7 1/2" .32WCF. Very accurate but I keep loads on the lighter side out of respect for it's age and less wear and tear. You can't go wrong with the Lyman 311008. Best of luck!

[Drew P]

Hmm, good point. I had thought since it was down chambered to 32 that it was over built for the cartridge. Looking it up on colt site (I didn't even think to look on it for a serial, surprised to find one!) it appears to be a 1899 model. Reading wiki page indicates that in 1900 is when colt approved the SAA for smokeless powder use. So, I guess I don't have permission for smokeless? I don't know carp about black powder. Of course I'd only be interested in light loads for the ole girl. My thinking was, it's this old and didn't get to be here without being somewhat tough!

[cuzinbruce]

Yes, slug the bore. Also determine the diameter of the cylinder throats. In a revolver, as important as the bore diameter.
If the gun is that old, you might want to consider loading with black powder.

[clum553946]

I use the Noe:314-115-FN 2 cavity PB (314316)

[JeffinNZ]

I use the 31133 HP.

Awesome bullet. I was leant a single cavity mould so I cast up a HEAP of them. Using a poly wad to protect the base and loaded over a full case of H4227 they are devastating on small game.