Loads for 32 rf converted to 32-20?

[fourarmed]

I just acquired a 44 Stevens that was originally in 32 long rf, rechambered to 32-20. The twist is 28" and it slugs .306+/-.001. I would like to shoot the Lyman 3118 in it. This rifle was made after 1901 (ejector/extractor at 6:00) and before 1917 (J. Stevens A&T barrel marking.)

It has been restored to good, tight mechanical condition, so should be able to handle any pressure proper to a model 44.

Is it possible to stabilize the 3118 bullet in this twist at acceptable pressure? What velocity would be needed, and what powders would do it?

[john.k]

Is this a hollow point?......there should be no problem stabilizing around 1000-1200f/sec.

[Tall]

Is this a hollow point?......there should be no problem stabilizing around 1000-1200f/sec.

Link to the bullet:

http://westernbullet.com/ly3gr5.html

[marlinman93]

That's a pretty big bullet diameter for a .306" groove. I would try to find or have a mold cut to something closer to a .307".308" diameter if it was mine. The .005" larger bullet will leave some fins off the base s it's swaged down the .306" barrel, and those wont usually give good accuracy.

[kr54]

Bullet diameter of 32 Rimfire is closer to .316.

[marlinman93]

Bullet diameter of 32 Rimfire is closer to .316.

Yes, but he posted his is .306", which seems very small. Unless someone relined the barrel when they did the conversion, and rechambering, and used a .30 caliber liner instead of the correct .312" liner.

[dtknowles]

Remington rifles in .32 rimfire listed a bore diameter of .304 in according to Sharpe, Phillip B. The Rifle in America.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.32_rimfire

My Stevens pocket rifle slugs 0.307-0.308"

Smaller diameter lighter bullet would be better.

https://www.vcalc.com/wiki/AndrewBudd/Greenhill+Formula+for+Optimal+Rifling+Twist+Rate

[2152hq]

I think that .316 groove dia spec on the Web is a bit generous. Or maybe from one mfg'r and mfg'rs varied a lot back then.

Marlin listed their 32Rf & CF spec at something like .307 Bore dia.
It gives rifling depth at .0025 and 6 groove
So Groove dia would be .312

That would go along with the premise that the Model 92 Marlin in 32cal was interchangeable betw 32Rf and 32CF by switching firing pins.
The 32CF round that was interchangeable with the 32RF was the 32 Colt.
The bullet dia of the orig heeled bullet 32 Colt round was .312

[dtknowles]

I just measured some antique ammo in my collection. .32 rf short and long and .32 colt short. The smallest bullet diameters are .312 and sometimes they were as much as .316. I guess soft lead and healed bullets, not too worried about tight bores and fins or such.

Tim

[1Hawkeye]

I've got a 44 in .32-20 from the factory and if I remember right it has a. 311" bore.I have 3 different loads for it all using the arsenal molds 312-124 a copy of lyman's 311008 . All loads use starline brass and small rifle primers.
Load 1 trail boss 2.8 grs from a 32 1/2 " barrel is 830 fps.
Load 2 unique 4.3 grs runs about 1250 fps.
Load 3 reloaded 7 13.5 grs which I haven't chronoed yet but estimated at 1325 fps.
If you're rifle is measuring. 306" I would size the bullets to .307" or .308" and you should be fine using rcbs dies as they have expanders for both .308" and .312" bullets.

[fourarmed]

Thanks hawkeye! I load Ken Waters' pet 6/4756/3118 load for my Contenders, and I tried it. Three-shot groups around an inch at 25 yards. I cast some 311252 (77 grain RN), sized them .309, which is my smallest die. I shot them today with Unique at 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 grains. 5-shot groups all ran around an inch at 25, with none looking any better than the others. I have some loaded at 4.2. If it looks the same, I will try 4756 and possibly some slower powders.
Then back to the 3118. I had some old loads for a revolver I once had that were 100 grain Speer Plinkers with a light load of Unique. Three of them went in one hole. I'm hoping I can get that with cast.

[fourarmed]

DTKnowles, thanks for that Greenhill link. According to it, 1300 fps should do it. Sounds like I need to try some slower powders.

[Tall]

Alliant 2400 would likely be the best option.

[fourarmed]

Thanks Tall. It's not a powder I use a lot of, but I think there's a pound around somewhere. I'll give it a try, along with 4227 and maybe 4759.

[Tall]

4227 works a lot like 2400. Both are great, you only need one. Of those two 4227 is a little cleaner burning. 2400 gives slightly better velocity.

[WRideout]

I have recently discovered that SR4759 (which, alas is no longer made) was the accuracy powder in my 32-20 revolver. Better than Unique or Promo.

Wayne

[Kraschenbirn]

6.1 gr AA#5 under a Lyman 311008 pretty much duplicates the BP loading in my 32-20 Low Wall. Minute of ground squirrel @ 50 yds. using iron sights.

Bill

[marlinman93]

I haven't found .316" groove diameters on my Ballard rifles in .32 CF/RF. All of them, except one, are the typical Ballard reversible firing pin, so they shoot either RF or CF cartridges. The bore's groove diameters run .312"-.313" on all of mine.

[fourarmed]

I have finally given up on the 3118. I tried lots of loads up to and past what this action is comfortable with. It's just too long. Groups were mediocre and some holes always showed tipping.

I have had much better luck with two bullets that are around 98 grains. The RCBS swc is one, and the other is from the Lee 113-309F mold which I modified by milling .090" off the top to get rid of the gas check shank. I discovered in doing this that Lee does NOT intend the sprue plate screw to come loose EVER. I twisted it off with vise grips, and had to relocate the pivot to the opposite corner of the mold. It works nicely now and drops a good plainbase. I loaded a bunch of those with 4.5/Unique and shot it on field pistol targets at a local match. I managed to get 30 out of 40 with 9x10 rams.

I have since borrowed the RCBS mold, and it looks like it may even shoot a little better.