This #2 Remington rolling block started life as a .32 Extra Long (XL) rimfire. The block is now converted to centerfire and I've been enjoying it for a while. Previously I did a lot of shooting with it with my reloadable rimfire cases. Here is the previous thread on my rimfire efforts.

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.32 Ballard XL is the centerfire equivalent. My cases are made from .25-20SS brass trimmed to 1.085" to accommodate the Accurate molds 31-090S heel bullet, tumbled lubed with Alox. 

I chrono'd two loads today. One with 7.0gr of 2400, the other with 7.5gr of 2400. Both ignited by CCI SP primers.

The 7.0gr load averaged 1288fps for ten shots. The 7.5gr load averaged 1471. 

Both loads were quite accurate at 50 yards with no leading. But the 7.5gr load had a couple pierced primers. This load seems a little hot at 1471 average. So I will not continue this load. As usual with 2400, there is a fair amount of unburnt powder in the bore. I suppose this contributed to the individual shot velocity variation. 

I may try RL-7. That works well in my .32-20 #2RRB.  What do you think about primers? Should I try small rifle? Thank sd.  I appreciate your thoughts.

svartkruttgris#369 wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2020 at 8:13pm:


Thanks.  I've have 4227 on hand, but have not tried it in my .32-20 #2 RRB or this one.

I bought some .327 Federal brass to use in loading for my Ballard in .32 Extra Long. It took very little trimming to use a heeled bullet in the .327 cases, and fit my chamber fine. It is a slightly larger base and rim diameter, but that didn't seem to be an issue, and they slid in easily.
I started out using .32 S&W Long data as .327 Fed. data is too hot. My first loads were 3.5 grs. of Unique, but they proved t be very mild at just over 700 fps. I eventually bumped it up to 4.5 grs. which was still under 1,000 fps, but proved to be pretty accurate. So I stayed with that load.

marlinguy wrote on Mar 23^rd, 2020 at 11:47am:


What weight bullet did you use with the Unique loads?

I realize there is little interest in this cartridge. But I'm sharing it in case someone in the future takes an interest. There is virtually no loading data available.

I went to the range with four new loads to chronograph. All loads were in cases 1.085" long, CCI SP primers and Accurate 31-090S heel bullets. Barrel length is 26".

9.5gr Reloader 7 = 1133 fps avg
3.0gr Titegroup = 1219 fps avg
4.0gr. Unique = 1334 fps avg
4.5gr. Unique = 1441 fps avg

All loads were fairly accurate, but the last - 4.5gr of Unique was a bit too hot. I had a couple pierced primers. So I discontinued firing these after 5 rounds.

ndnchf wrote on Mar 23^rd, 2020 at 2:55pm:


The same 90 gr. Accurate mold you used. Surprised to see the velocities you got from the same powder charge and bullet? I never had any pressure issues with mine.

Originally, these cartridges were loaded with several different bullet weights, up to 115gr. I've been wanting to try a 115gr bullet, so came up with the idea of taking a standard Lyman Ideal 311008 bullet (standard .32-20 bullet) and turning down the base to .299" to make a heel. Easy Peasy 115gr heel bullets. I made up a dummy round and it chambers fine. I'm looking forward to trying this out at the range. Thus shows the 115gr bullet next to the 93gr. Accurate 31-090s bullet.

Bnelson wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2020 at 7:49pm:


Great to hear from someone else playing wth the same cartridge. The bullet you are shooting is 12 gr heavier than mine. Perhaps in a small bore like this, that difference translates into a notable difference in velocity?