32 Win Special lead loads...

[Shanghai McCoy]

It's a cold day up here in Kansas so thought I'd start some load work up for the old 94 in 32 Special. My powder supply choices are not too vast but I am trying the H335 first with the Missouri Bullet 170gr .321 bullet.
Got 10 rounds with 27gr and 10 with 28gr all crimped in at the bevel at 2.420" OAL. Will have to wait till it warms up and after deer season to try them out though .

Anyone else care to share their recipes for 32 Winchester Special while I'm waiting... ?

 

[FROGO207]

i use the Lyman #42 Manual. For the 165 /170 grain RNFP lead bullet

H 4198-MAX 27.0 grains
3031---MAX 34.0 grains--------Reduce the max loads by 10% for start
4320---MAX 37.0 grains

My go to load is 31.0 grains of 3031 170 LRNFP W/GC. it is the same POI as jacketed 170 Core Lokt with 2 less notches on the sight. YMMV

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I do have some 4198 so I might try that next. I'm not using gas checked bullets just the 32-40 LFN style .

 

[FROGO207]

Gas checks not needed with #2 alloy or harder. I used them to keep the bore cleaner.

BTW most 30-30 starting loads should work as well because they are the same internal capacity, just a bigger bullet that will give slightly higher pressure. But stop with an accurate load and do not push to the upper pressure limit.

 

[Kosh75287]

What sorta velocities are you hoping for? If you just want enough to move the projectile out of the bore with good stability, y'might be better served to use a medium-burning pistol (shotgun) powder and save your H335 for the faster loads. Just saying.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Kosh,
I'm looking for something with more "oomph" than a Trailboss plinker load that is accurate with the cast bullets on hand and what powder I have. Maybe even good enough to hunt with.

BTW- Were you a B 5 fan..?

 

[Doc.Holliday]

My 1957 Win 94 carbine with 170 gr gc cast bullets sized at .323 gives its best grouping with 29 gr of IMR 3031 at 1975 fps averages.
This is the RCBS bullet that weighs 177 gr for my use.
I have shot them faster but accuracy trumps speed IMHO.
26 grains is real accurate and not much slower.

Doc,

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Thanks Doc, I'll keep an eye out for some 3031. I'm shooting a 1949 Win 94 carbine. Nice little rifles. A 32 Special was the rifle that I carried on my first deer hunt.