Hello, I picked up 2 single shot rifles that are chambered in 32-20 and would like some help where to start with a powder charge. The first rifle I'm starting with is a Winchester Winder with a .312 bore,1-12 twist, 27 inch barrel. I'm going to use a Lyman 311410 mold that he threw in with the deal. I am going to breech seat the bullet. Some of the bullets from this mold,with lube on them, weighed 135 to 137 grains. I would like to use IMR 4227, just because I have a lot of it on hand. Any input would be helpful. The guy said he won a few matches with it but couldn't remember what he used. Thanks! Wade

Wader:  In the Reloading Category there is a 4 page Sticky with good loading data for your reference ...
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I've been working with the 32/20 (.308) for two years now. First in a Steven 44/45 and now in a small shank HW.

The HW has started to produce accuracy results but, the case life REALLY sucks! I only got 22 shots on one Winchester case before the case head started to seperate, last Thursday.

In the 44, I got about 50 shots before a case seperated in the chamber with Remington cases.

The 44 and this HW, I built for my wife to shoot. It has a Douglas 12 twist barrel. Right now, I'm using a RL 180 gr spitzer, 1.155 long  but, have other molds to try from a 160 gr, 311414 PB to 190 gr NEI (bore rider) & two other heavier RL's.

My best loads to date have been with Win 296, giving better accuracy and longer case life (lower pressure). The two other powders that I tried in the 44 were H108 and #9.

So far, the HW has only been shot 3 times, two sight in periods that I did, using 3 different bullets and last Saturdays match that my wife shot.

9.5 gr, 296 showed fair accuracy but, the rifle started to come alive at 10.0 gr. She shot a 239 2c score and a 2.65 five shot group with the narrow Win forearm. 3.5 trigger pull and the length of pull is to long for her.

I haven't chrono'ed the load yet but, I will by the end of next week and report the results.

I'm having her use 3 Rem cases, in sequince with floral foam and depending on when they start to seperate, I'll add at least 2 or more cases. The 3 cases showed no sign of seperation with about 35 shots, practice and in the match.

The reason for the foral foam, is because it's VERY hard to get that little case in a HW action.

I'll also have info for the 311414, 160 gr PB, later but, that is as light as I will try in this rifle.

If the case life can't be over come, I will rechamber this rifle to 30/40 Wesson, while I still have hair left.

Frank

First, Thank you all for ALL the info. I only have the plugged cases for the low wall that came with the gun. That's what I planned on using. I also use a plugged case for my CPA in 32-40 so I'm use to them, I guess. I did get a nice breech seater for the Ballard I also bought from him. That barrel has a 1-20 twist so I plan on using up some of my 90 grain bullets I have from a 32 H&R I had.

Wade

Sorry for the confusion, I bought 2 guns, both in 32-20. The Winchester is what I'm trying to get shooting first. That has a 1-12 twist. The Ballard is the other gun. That one has a twist of 1-20.

Wade

There are 2 distinct sets of 32-20 loading data.  One set is for actions capable of withstanding high pressures; CPAs etc.  Quite often, these use .308 barrels with quick twists (10" or so) and relatively heavy bullets.  These loads give relatively short case life, may have head separations,etc.

The other set of data is for original rifles, with shooters trying to duplicate or improve upon the original loads.  If you are loading for an original Low Wall or modified Winder or a Stevens 44 or a Ballard, stick to the low pressure data.