.32-20 Advice Needed

davidkachel · 04-12-2007, 10:33 PM

I just came into a Colt Army Special in .32-20. Though reblued, it seems to be rock solid.
Question is: what ammunition can safely be fired in this.
I know there is "rifle ammo", but the previous owner was apparently using rifle ammo in this gun.
I don't want to risk it unless I am dead certain.

Ron Smith · 04-12-2007, 10:40 PM

Dave,

I've owned three of them in 32-20. The so called "Rifle" ammo isn't too hot. It was labeled so that it wouldn't be used in the smaller weeker Police Positive.

I wouldn't shoot it on a regular basis, as it will tend to stress the gun over a peruod of time and cause it to loosen up. But it's safe to shoot.

Ron

Hugh · 04-14-2007, 03:13 AM

Both WW and REM made a "high velocity" 32 WCF round with a hollow point 60 gr bullet loaded to higher pressure than the "standard" 86 gr round. These were marked on the boxes "for use in rifles only". They considered them unsafe in pistols, mainly because of the Police Positive chambered in 32WCF. I have fired them and handloads that are hotter in Colt Official Police and SAA with no ill effects. Use in the S&W K frame 32-20's may be "iffy".

Schutzenbob · 11-10-2024, 09:38 PM

I love 32-20 AKA 32 WCF, it's a fine pistol cartridge. I have a Colt single-action 32 WCF that shoots like a rifle. The best load I've found for it is 3.5 grains of W231 with a 115 grain Ideal 3118 bullet. I use small rifle primers 'cause the hammer is very heavy and the firing pin is large. If you're worried about pressure you can use 3 grains of W231.

Edward Tinker · 11-10-2024, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schutzenbob

I love 32-20 AKA 32 WCF, it's a fine pistol cartridge. I have a Colt single-action 32 WCF that shoots like a rifle. The best load I've found for it is 3.5 grains of W231 with a 115 grain Ideal 3118 bullet. I use small rifle primers 'cause the hammer is very heavy and the firing pin is large. If you're worried about pressure you can use 3 grains of W231.

Hey bob, just an FYI, but this post is from 2007

Ed

04-12-2007, 10:33 PM	#1
davidkachel User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 784 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	.32-20 Advice Needed I just came into a Colt Army Special in .32-20. Though reblued, it seems to be rock solid. Question is: what ammunition can safely be fired in this. I know there is "rifle ammo", but the previous owner was apparently using rifle ammo in this gun. I don't want to risk it unless I am dead certain. __________________ A heroin habit would be cheaper.

04-12-2007, 10:40 PM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Dave, I've owned three of them in 32-20. The so called "Rifle" ammo isn't too hot. It was labeled so that it wouldn't be used in the smaller weeker Police Positive. I wouldn't shoot it on a regular basis, as it will tend to stress the gun over a peruod of time and cause it to loosen up. But it's safe to shoot. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-14-2007, 03:13 AM	#3
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Both WW and REM made a "high velocity" 32 WCF round with a hollow point 60 gr bullet loaded to higher pressure than the "standard" 86 gr round. These were marked on the boxes "for use in rifles only". They considered them unsafe in pistols, mainly because of the Police Positive chambered in 32WCF. I have fired them and handloads that are hotter in Colt Official Police and SAA with no ill effects. Use in the S&W K frame 32-20's may be "iffy". __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

11-10-2024, 09:38 PM	#4
Schutzenbob User Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 53 Thanks: 108 Thanked 61 Times in 19 Posts	I love 32-20 AKA 32 WCF, it's a fine pistol cartridge. I have a Colt single-action 32 WCF that shoots like a rifle. The best load I've found for it is 3.5 grains of W231 with a 115 grain Ideal 3118 bullet. I use small rifle primers 'cause the hammer is very heavy and the firing pin is large. If you're worried about pressure you can use 3 grains of W231.