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Babydriver
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32-20
Jun 3rd, 2026 at 10:36pm
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Question? What would be the maximum bullet weight for a 1885 low wall in 32-20, with a 1-20 twist, 30” barrel?
  
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RJ-35-40
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Re: 32-20
Reply #1 - Jun 8th, 2026 at 12:45pm
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Not surprised no one has posted a answer;

Interesting question as I secured a Uberti Low Wall in 32-40 (Scheutzen styled stock) (12 twist) some time ago. 
I haven't done much with it so far and had planned to start out slow after I secured 'Quick Load' software, which I still need to do.

As such I will be following this thread closely. 

Consequently I have no answer either, only a thought on how to dig deeper.

First you have to find someone with ballistic software like quickload or (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

Then, if you can find it determine the max yield and compressive strength  of a Low Wall action. 
if your Low Wall is an original, I'd be more concerned with the metallurgy then on a reproduction Low wall. 

There was a graph floating around some time back which referenced Low Wall cartridge compatibility which you have probably seen. I will try to include the image of same below.

My CPA 32-20 shoots a 207 grain bullet without any compromise of the brass itself.  



« Last Edit: Jun 8th, 2026 at 1:10pm by RJ-35-40 »  
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George Babits
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Re: 32-20
Reply #2 - Jun 8th, 2026 at 1:01pm
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I have a low wall in 32-30.  Don't know as I ever measured the twist.  I've been using a 115 grain FN gas checked bullet with 11.0g (I think) of 4227.   Shoots fine.  I use the same load in a couple of 1892 Winchesters as well as a Remington #2 rolling block.  Shoots very well in all of them.  But, then I'm not looking for bench rest accuracy, just fun shooting and tipping over prairie dogs.

George
  
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frnkeore
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Re: 32-20
Reply #3 - Jun 8th, 2026 at 8:07pm
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It's not really weight, it's basically, how long the bullet is.

You can shoot a .83 long bullet, in a 30 cal 20 twist
  

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RJ-35-40
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Re: 32-20
Reply #4 - Jun 9th, 2026 at 10:05am
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Hi Frank,

FWITW, From a ballistic standpoint your answer offers a solution and yes twist will define max bullet length (greenhill adj, for velocity) but I'm. not sure but I think the OP was also concerned with a Low Walls strength as he couched the question in terms of max bullet weight. 

I've seen a few pictures of action failures, mostly cast frame Ballards and a few of Low Walls cracking 

So 'Baby Driver' was the resulting pressure your primary concern or bullet length....?

Bob


frnkeore wrote on Jun 8th, 2026 at 8:07pm:
It's not really weight, it's basically, how long the bullet is.

You can shoot a .83 long bullet, in a 30 cal 20 twist

  
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frnkeore
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Re: 32-20
Reply #5 - Jun 9th, 2026 at 12:46pm
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I don't think a 150 gr bullet would be to much for a 32/20, in a LW.

I built a a 32/20 with a 11 twist, for my wife, on a 44 action and shot 160 & 184 gr BSed bullets at 1300. 

In my own LW, I cambered it for 357 Max (I call it a 38XL) and shot 208 gr bullets. PB at 1400 and GC (35875 & 358315) at as high as 1800+. It's still going strong.

Here is a Lyman/Ideal that could be copied at Accurate, that should work well BSed. Or, you can use the 130 gr 311410, if you can find one.
  

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oneatatime
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Re: 32-20
Reply #6 - Jun 9th, 2026 at 1:37pm
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And you want an abnormally heavy bullet, why? I shoot a 125 grain .312 bullet in my new barrel 32-20 and in my lined 32 S&W Long (both are 16 twist) just to get better ballistics (from a longer tapered nose) than the normal 115 grain for 100 meter silhouette matches. My moulds are Accurate 31-125M and 31-125MG. Note that bullet nose length can be a problem in magazine rifles and some revolvers. Also note that the 32-20 CPA is an entirely different animal from CPA and that their rifles are designed for long extra heavy bullets think a short 32-40.
« Last Edit: Jun 9th, 2026 at 1:52pm by oneatatime »  
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frnkeore
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Re: 32-20
Reply #7 - Jun 9th, 2026 at 2:10pm
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I'm not saying that anyone needs a 150 gr bullet. The question was what would stabilize in a 20 twist.

So, if you like you can have options of up to a ~150/.83 long bullet. Although, BSed,  I think it would have a accuracy advantage.

Regarding CPA 32/20's they are all actually a full 32 cal and don't apply here.
  

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