.32-20 on big game?

Account Deleted

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
May 20, 2015
Posts
4,641
Likes
50
Points
246
I am acquiring an old Marlin lever action chambered in .32-20 mostly because I think it is cool and would add to my collection. Ballistics on it are...not great. Has anyone ever used this round on big game (deer)? I have a treestand in mind where the max range I would be shooting at is about 50 yards and an open sight rifle may have some advantages over the scoped cannon.
 


svnmag

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2015
Posts
16,880
Likes
2,397
Points
773
Location
Here
GTG IMHO. Also would be cool for a nice still hunt. Sounds fun!
 

Account Deleted

Founding Member
Founding Member
Thread starter
Joined
May 20, 2015
Posts
4,641
Likes
50
Points
246
I suspect the lack of interest in this thread/caliber is telling me something.
 

svnmag

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2015
Posts
16,880
Likes
2,397
Points
773
Location
Here
OR....no one cared to add upon my expert knowledge;)!
 

SDMF

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2015
Posts
10,908
Likes
620
Points
438
I suspect the lack of interest in this thread/caliber is telling me something.

Mostly it should tell you that the folks in the know on this issue are still using rotary phones.
 


svnmag

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2015
Posts
16,880
Likes
2,397
Points
773
Location
Here
Is it blackpowder old? Anyways:
The .32-20 Winchester
By Chuck Hawks

The fine old .32-20 (or .32 WCF as it is also called) was originally a black powder cartridge adapted to both rifles and handguns. Winchester advertised it as a combination small game, varmint and deer cartridge.
Modern .32-20 factory loads are rather anemic, launching a 100 grain lead bullet (SD .142, BC .166) at a muzzle velocity (MV) of 1210 fps from a rifle, and about 25% less from a revolver. At a MV of 1210 fps the muzzle energy (ME) is 325 ft. lbs. Remaining energy at 100 yards is 231 ft. lbs.
According to the Speer Reloading Manual Number 13 the rifle reloader can essentially duplicate the factory load by using a 98 grain cast lead bullet in front of 3.8 grains of Hodgdon's Universal, or 3.9 grains of Power Pistol powder. The MV of both loads is approximately 1200 fps in a 22 inch rifle barrel. The Speer technicians used Starline cases and CCI primers for these loads.
The Speer Reloading Manual also lists High Velocity handloads for modern .32-20 rifles such as the Marlin 1894CL and the Browning reproduction of the Model 92. These loads generate pressures as high as 28,000 cup and are safe only in these modern rifles. The Speer 100 grain, .312 inch JHP bullet (BC .167) can be driven to a MV of 1635 fps by 11.0 grains of Hodgdon H110 powder, or a MV of 1858 by 13.0 grains of H110. The ME of the 100 grain bullet at 1800 fps is 719 ft. lbs.; at 150 yards it is about 351 ft. lbs.
Note: A complete article about the .32-20 Winchester can be found on the Rifle Cartridge Page.

I also found some new Cowboy Action BP ammo--svn
 
Last edited:

Lycanthrope

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
May 6, 2015
Posts
6,197
Likes
1,186
Points
503
Location
Bismarck
Not something Id use for a trophy buck, but Id sure give it a try on a doe/meat hunt....
 

guywhofishes

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2015
Posts
28,637
Likes
3,846
Points
948
Location
Faaargo, ND
Good point. What say you, Guy?

WHAT???!
f0d1f458608e7a027e3cf349d104b728-1.jpg
 


svnmag

Founding Member
Founding Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2015
Posts
16,880
Likes
2,397
Points
773
Location
Here
I'd take this gal on a relaxing walk anytime. Sure would be more appropriate for a kill at 25yds than an '06.
 
Last edited:

Recent Posts

Friends of NDA

Top Posters of the Month

  • This month: 165
  • This month: 136
  • This month: 121
  • This month: 110
  • This month: 105
  • This month: 87
  • This month: 84
  • This month: 79
  • This month: 76
  • This month: 76
Top Bottom