1:48 twist for 32 caliber?

[BullRunBear]

Hi Gang,

I have a chance to get a Green Mountain drop in barrel for my T/C Renegade persussion (1" flats). It's a 28" 1:48 twist. I assume it will be fairly heavy compared to my 30" 50 cal. barrel. But I've always had a yen for a 32 caliber rifle and this would be the least expensive way to get one ($100). It would just be a fun range gunlinking and paper targets.

My question: is 1:48 considered to be a round ball twist for a .32? I only use round ball.

Thanks for any help.

Regards, Jeff

 

[mykeal]

1:48 is a compromise twist, kind of a 'medium' rate. It will shoot both prb's and conicals (both with and without sabots) acceptably, indeed, quite well, if one takes the time to develop a proper load.

It is not as good as using a fast twist in that you have more flexibility in the amount of powder you can use with the fast twist barrel. But most people report being fully satisfied once the right load has been determined.

Now, what is that load for a .32 that's 30" (I assume) long? I don't know. I don't recall having seen any data on that. You might look at Hornady's web site or the Lyman loading data for some advice as to a starting load, but I think in the end you'll be best advised to spend some time at the range testing different loads.

It's a bitch, isn't it?

 

[BullRunBear]

Mykeal,

Thanks for the reply. I just ordered the barrel. It's a drop-in replacement, 28 inch, with a 1:48 twist. Looks like Green Mountain is phasing out their line of drop-in barrels for the Renegade, now that T/C has discontinued the model. The 32 caliber is the first one to be reduced, probably others will follow. (My guess.) BTW, the barrel is selling for $95.00

I know that round ball twist in 50 caliber is usually 1:60 to 1:70. I didn't know if smaller calibers used a faster twist for the same 'round ball' effect. Probably doesn't matter much in the end, but I was curious. I'll be working up a load anyway. (I'm one of those strange people who enjoy that process.)

You're right: it is a bitch. Ain't it awful when we have to devote time to an activity we really enjoy.

Regards, Jeff

 

[jimrbto]

Best I can offer is loading data for a 26" barrel, 1:48 twist. This seems to jive with a couple of books I have of various dates and authors with some slight variation in velocities.
GOEX 3F
20gr =1671 fps
30gr = 1902
40gr = 1989
50gr = 2070 =not recommended as it is inaccurate in his rifle.

data from "Black Powder Loading Manual" Sam Fadala circa 1991
Jim

 

[Pancho]

I built a kit TC 32 with a 1 in 48 barrel years ago and it is still one of my favorite squirrel guns. Accurate as can be with 30gr. of pyrodex and a patched RB.

 

[Curator]

Bear,

A 1 in 48 twist is the minimum for .32 rifle with a round ball. You can check this for yourself using the "Greenhill formula". Generally speaking, the smaller the caliber the faster the twist necessary to stabilize a round ball. The little .32s are a lot of fun once you learn how fussy they are about quality componants and loading technique.