Lee PrecisionLoad DataRepackboxInline Fabrication
Titan ReloadingReloading EverythingWidenersRotoMetals2
MidSouth Shooters Supply
Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 21 to 34 of 34

Thread: Can a .32 RF be converted to a centerfire?

  1. #21
    Boolit Master

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    NC Arkansas
    Posts
    1,394
    Quote Originally Posted by Castaway View Post
    Larry Potterfiled has a video where he converts a 32 rimfire to 32-20. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ7sQya7tyk
    That is a link to relining a 22 barrel. Here is the link to converting a Remington to 32-20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFxjX4jMkU
    Spell check doesn't work in Chrome, so if something is spelled wrong, it's just a typo that I missed.

  2. #22
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Switzerland of Ohio
    Posts
    6,314
    He's doing it to a #1 rolling block there. Not a boys' rifle.
    Cognitive Dissident

  3. #23
    Boolit Master marlinman93's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    2,732
    I would not consider any small single shot a good candidate to convert to .32-20 cartridge; especially a rifle that doesn't have the barrel threaded to the receiver! But even some that do have threaded barrels still are not strong enough for the pressures a .32-20 cartridge operates at. Even a .32 S&W Long is too much for many of these old single shots.

  4. #24
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Switzerland of Ohio
    Posts
    6,314
    The Hopkins & Allen "medium frame" would be OK, despite being a slip-in barrel. I can't think of any others. The "medium frame" has other defects, though; notably that misbegotten extractor.
    Cognitive Dissident

  5. #25
    Boolit Bub
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    59
    Hello:
    I read out on the internet that there might be a 32rf brass adaptor that a 22cal nail gun power load was put in adaptor with a 32 cal muzzy ball .
    Anybody know where or what on it ?
    I just bought a stevens favorite in 32 rim fire and boy it looks pretty decent for its age so looking at options to shoot it as a rimfire with some type of adaptor of sorts.
    Anyone here offering a adaptor to work in the 32 rimfire ?
    Thank you
    Head Shot

  6. #26
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Switzerland of Ohio
    Posts
    6,314
    My friend Jack Harrison has adapters and the required heeled bullets.
    https://www.gunbroker.com/item/976898390
    https://www.gunbroker.com/item/976899429
    Read the little tutorial he has in his listings
    Jack has some health issues and is slowing down, so don't wait too long.

    Jack still advocates for using .22 nailgun loads (the two mildest ones) but I like to use 6mm acorn blanks with a pinch of Bullseye (1.0 to 1.3 grains). The nailgun loads swell and thus are hard to punch out of the adaptors, shortening their life. The acorn blanks are so short and mild that they practically fall out. Several places sell the acorn blanks. I buy from Gun Dog Supply
    https://www.gundogsupply.com/rws-cri...100-count.html
    They are more expensive than generic nailgun loads, but you save in the end by not wearing out your adapters.
    If you have a lathe or access to one, Ii have a drawing for a clever seater/crimper die. This is the only tool you really need until it becomes necessary to full-length size your brass, but what with the low pressure that doesn't happen often.
    Cognitive Dissident

  7. #27
    Boolit Grand Master
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Central VA
    Posts
    5,513
    It looks like I’ve missed this thread for over a month. Must be my Cataract Surgery healing strangely.

    Anywhoooo, I’d first have to examine the specific rifle being considered for conversion, but I will relate that I have had two of the smooth frame low walls converted from rf 32 to cf 32. One just got a cf breech block and was shot with 32 Colt ammo. The other was further modified by reaming the chamber to 32 H&R when that caliber first came out… the bore was pretty marginal, but it seemed to like the 110 grain half Jacketed bullets designed for the M1 Carbine.

    As mentioned by friend Marlin93, the folks at Marlin offered both a Ballard single shot and a Model 1892 lever action that right out of the box would accept both 32 rf and 32 (Colt) cf with a simple change of the firing pin. That was the best idea!

    I’ve only had tangential experience with converting any 32 rf boy’s rifle to 32-20, but except for all but the strongest of the breed would steer clear of those conversions. I’ve had the same 10 fingers and the same 2 (slightly modified) eyeballs for nearly 74 years and have become quite fond of them.

    Froggie
    "It aint easy being green!"

  8. #28
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Switzerland of Ohio
    Posts
    6,314
    Again - NO boys' rifle should EVER be converted to .32-20.

    DATA:

    The bolt thrust of the .32 RF that these guns were designed for, loaded with an 86 grain bullet to 1160 FPS, calculates out to about 760 pounds-force.

    The .32-20, loaded conservatively to 1200 fps with the canonical 115 grain bullet, calculates to about 1000 pounds-force.

    BTW .32 H&R Mag full loads are something like 1800 lbf, which puts it well above the .22 Hornet.
    Last edited by uscra112; 03-20-2023 at 11:12 AM.
    Cognitive Dissident

  9. #29
    Boolit Bub
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    59
    Hello:
    Can a 32 long rimfire stevens favorite be changed to 32 colt long or 32 sw long and be safe assuming rifles in good shape ?
    Wasn't to keen on going to 32-20.
    But was thinking center fire conversion then load lightly with a 310or 315 lead ball or the 90gr heeled bullet in the stevens favorite 32 cal long rifle if wasnt strong enough for the above mentioned cals.
    What's your thoughts on that angle ?
    Thank you
    Head Shot

  10. #30
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Switzerland of Ohio
    Posts
    6,314
    Yes, of course. But I much prefer the 1915 Favorite over the '94 pattern, due to the wider link. Not keen on .32 S&W since some factory loads run too hot for the action. Stick to the .32 Long Colt.
    Cognitive Dissident

  11. #31
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    San Diego/Borrego Springs
    Posts
    105
    [QUOTE=Snakeoil;5530951]To measure is to know. Measure your bore and your chamber and then look up the SAAMI specs for .32 centerfire cartridges. You might have to shoot a heeled bullet depending on the chamber/bore relationship.

    I bought 90gr .32 heeled bullets from Old West Bullet Moulds, https://oldwestbulletmoulds.com/ , nice folks to deal with and several items for loading rf ammo.

    EdZ
    .32rf #2 Rolling Block

  12. #32
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    San Diego/Borrego Springs
    Posts
    105
    Quote Originally Posted by uscra112 View Post
    My friend Jack Harrison has adapters and the required heeled bullets.
    https://www.gunbroker.com/item/976898390
    https://www.gunbroker.com/item/976899429
    Read the little tutorial he has in his listings
    Jack has some health issues and is slowing down, so don't wait too long.
    I buy from Gun Dog Supply
    https://www.gundogsupply.com/rws-cri...100-count.html
    ......
    Thanks for that info, I just placed an order as a gift to my .32rf ~8^)

    EdZ

  13. #33
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Switzerland of Ohio
    Posts
    6,314
    Quote Originally Posted by EdZ KG6UTS View Post

    I bought 90gr .32 heeled bullets from Old West Bullet Moulds, https://oldwestbulletmoulds.com/ , nice folks to deal with and several items for loading rf ammo.

    EdZ
    .32rf #2 Rolling Block
    That picture looks like the .299" diameter hollow-base bullet that was used in the so-called .32 Colt Long Rifle. The brass was longer and the bullet seated inside, so the lube grooves were protected. Not heeled.
    Cognitive Dissident

  14. #34
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    San Diego/Borrego Springs
    Posts
    105
    Quote Originally Posted by uscra112 View Post
    That picture looks like the .299" diameter hollow-base bullet that was used in the so-called .32 Colt Long Rifle. The brass was longer and the bullet seated inside, so the lube grooves were protected. Not heeled.
    The ones I have are heeled lead with external lube. I pan lubed with SPG.

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check