32-20 die review

[omgb]

I have three sets of 32-20 dies: Hornady, Lee and Bonanza. The sizing/recapping die from Hornady is the best of the bunch with one complaint; the neck expander is useless. The stock one is .308, and as you may know, the 32-20 runs .311 to .313. I have another button that is .311 but that too, is undersized. So, I use the expander die from Bonanza. It not only expands enough but it will flair the mouth for cast bullets too. Neither Hornady nor Lee do that. For bullet seating I also use the Bonanza die. The Hornady seater stem cuts cast bullet noses being designed for spitzer type jacketed bullets. The Lee works but it too is cut for jacketed bullets. Finally, I crimp with a Lee FCD. I wish I just had a Lyman 3 die set but I would still use the Lee FCD.


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[Green Frog]

I like the Lyman Multi-Expand die that not only expands and bells the case mouth, but allows me to charge the case via powder measure in the same step. Lyman offers a wide variety of interchangeable “snouts” for the various cases I encounter, including one specifically for 32 pistol rounds, which I’m sure will work with my 32-20 when I get around to loading some. 8-)

Froggie

[TGM]

Your Hornady set is most likely a set that was for the 32-20 Contender which used a .308 bullet. I use an older set of RCBS dies to load my 32-20 ammo which work just great.

TGM

[omgb]

I think you are correct.


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[cwlongshot]

I rely upon the M-Die for my 32/20 loading on RCBS dies. I have a set if older Lyman Blk box 32-20 dies but have t used them in a spell.

I shoot mostly all cast thru my guns.

[Glwenzl]

I load for three 32-20s (two .308 contenders and one browning 53) and use old old RCBS die set that I’m really not liking (belongs to my son, came with his 53).

I will be purchasing a set of Hornady someday. Not sure what they use for an expander but if it’s anything like the 22 TCM I would never use it. I use NOE on my 32-20 and most other rounds I’m losing with cast bullets including the 22 TCM which is still a jacketed bullet.

Thanks for the review, I find it useful even though I may use what you wouldn’t.

[omgb]

Why don’t we swap. I’ll send you the Hornady you send me the RCBS?


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[gmsharps]

I’ve been using a set of C-H with really good luck. I’m loading a browning 53.

Gmsharps

[sharps4590]

I have an old CH set that works perfect. That was long before they moved and became CH-4D. I also have an RCBS set that must be 40 years old that work fine as well as well as a set for my 310 tool that work fine. I remember reading about the "30-20" based off the 32-20 but have never seen one.

[Drew P]

I was lucky enough to pick up rcbs cowboy die set in 32-20, and they are made for loading lead. Wonderful set.

[pworley1]

I have found the same thing with the 32 20 and others as well. I find that usually with the older calibers the older die sets work best.