IMR 3031 in 32-20?

[superbee]

I have a Marlin 1894Cl in 32-20. I shoot the RCBS 32-115 bullet.

I noticed that the latest Lyman manual lists 32-20 loads for Reloader 7. IMR 3031 appears to have a very similar burn rate.

I just wonder if anyone has tried 3031 in their 32-20. Any suggestions for a starting load with the above mentioned bullet, provided this is a suitable powder? Or am I wasting my time?

For that matter, have any of you experimented with Reloader 7 in the 32-20? I combed through the search threads but did not find any mention.

[KirkD]

The bottle neck shape of the case permits the use of a slower powder than a straight walled case. I'm not sure why such a slow powder as IMR 3031 would be used, when less powder of a faster burning rate makes more sense. Having said that, RL-7 has almost the same burn rate as IMR 4198 and I used IMR 4198 for several years in my 32-20 as my pet load. I use mid-speed powders now.

[quilbilly]

My favorite powder for my 32-20 in my Contender has been 2400 shooting 115-120 grain CB's. I gives good accuracy and a lot of flexibility to get a desired velocity.

[cuzinbruce]

I would think that IMR 3031 would like to operate at higher pressure levels than would be appropriate in the 32/20. I use Herco, Unique or Blue Dot in my 32/20's. If you want to do hot loads, 2400 might be best. I have never tried 4198, will have to check that out.

[KirkD]

My rule of thumb for cartridges that were originally black powder cartridges (like the 32 WCF, otherwise known as the 32-20) is to use smokeless powders that have similar pressure curves to black powder, all other things being equal. By 'all other things being equal', I mean bullet weight and type (cast) and muzzle velocity. This means powders with a relative quickness (RQ) in the range of Blue Dot to 2400. 5744 and SR4759 are slightly slower, but still good powders for this type of application. If a fellow wants to hot rod his black powder cartridges, then powders with a lower RQ will be required, such as RL-7, IMR 4198 or even IMR 3031, depending upon the cartridge.

[Newtire]

I have a Marlin 1894Cl in 32-20. I shoot the RCBS 32-115 bullet.

I noticed that the latest Lyman manual lists 32-20 loads for Reloader 7. IMR 3031 appears to have a very similar burn rate.

I just wonder if anyone has tried 3031 in their 32-20. Any suggestions for a starting load with the above mentioned bullet, provided this is a suitable powder? Or am I wasting my time?

For that matter, have any of you experimented with Reloader 7 in the 32-20? I combed through the search threads but did not find any mention.

I got some loads from Wolfe Publishing's info and tried them out. Seems the powder is in the slower range for this little case. Nothing spectacular but here is what I got. These were shot in my modern Marlin 1894.
311316 GC 13.0 gr. RX-7 CCI 450 1454-1480 fps
311316 GC 15.0 gr. RX-7 CCI 450 1617-1623 fps

The very best loads I got out of that thing were with AA 1680, Win 296 and Alliant 2400 as follows:

AA 1680
311316 GC 14.0 gr. AA 1680 CCI 450 ½” @ 50 yds. 1653-1663 fps

Win 296
311316 GC 11.5 gr. Win. 296 CCI 450 ½” @ 50 yds. 1749-1770 fps

Alliant 2400
311316 GC 10.0 gr. Alliant 2400 CCI 450 1749-1787 fps
311316 GC 11.0 gr. Alliant 2400 CCI 450 1795-1827 fps

I have used others that were good but just not quite as fast. 4.0 grains of Unique is a nice plinker load at just over 1200 fps in that rifle.

[Old Goat Keeper]

Good load info. THANKS!

Tom

[Newtire]

Good load info. THANKS!

Tom

Happy to be of assistance! Yer welcome.

[Newtire]

A friend of mine just picked up a Marlin 27 in .32-20. Was wondering what kinds of loads that thing will be happy with.

It's early 1900's Vintage and I guess they only made these for 3-years.

He picked up a couple boxes of shells for cheap! They were handloaded with a plain-based lead 118 gr. bewlit (bewlit=similar to boolit only store bought). Cost was $35 per box of 50.

I think what we have here is a man right on the "cusp". Although he has seen me shooting my cast loads for a couple of years now, he's always been a factory load kind of guy.

So, at around 9 cents a load with gas checks included,not counting the cost of the lead(which so far has cost me nothing), we will be looking at about a savings of $30 per 50. I think we may have another caster about to be born again.

So anyhow, (always getting sidetracked) does anyone have a hint as to how strong one of those Marlins might be?