Has anybody developed a good handgun load for 32-20 using the 60gr bullet? I have been working off and on to develop a 60 gr load using Unique for my Colt Army Special with a 5 inch barrel for some time and just can't get consistant results. If any body has been successful I'd really like to hear from you.
Thanks

You will always have problems with consistency with the .32-20 because of the case shape. Even Bullseye, one of the most easily ignited powders, shows inconsistency. Ignition is a problem with it. Add the factor of a light, jacketed, bullet and one of these days you are going to stick a bullet in it. Squibs are already a problem with .32-20 revolvers, that is why you find so many with bulged barrels.

I have never owned a 32-20 revolver but have certainly never found any consistancy problems with the cartridge in a rifle. Have you tried heavy cast bullets in your Colt? Beartooth sells a very good 115 grain bullet.

This is a twenty shot group at 50 yards.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/KGKILBY/20straight001.jpg

Here's a website on reloading the .32-20 WCF: http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=67 Personally, I think you would gain the best accuracy using cast lead bullets.

I have never owned a 32-20 revolver but have certainly never found any consistancy problems with the cartridge in a rifle. Have you tried heavy cast bullets in your Colt? Beartooth sells a very good 115 grain bullet.

This is a twenty shot group at 50 yards.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/KGKILBY/20straight001.jpg

Well, Ken, the question was specific to a revolver, and the cartridge does have consistency problems in this application. I have been shooting .32-20s for nearly 50 years, and have quite a lot of chronograph data on it in both revolvers and rifles. Bulged barrels in revolvers of this caliber are quite a common problem due to inconsistant ignition leaving stuck bullets that are frequently shot out causing a ring. I have seen more bulged .32-20 revolvers than .22 rimfires that are ringed, which aren't that uncommon in older guns.

Az, reread Alk8944, he's right on about the .32-20. In your pistol you will likely have much better luck, and it will shoot to the sights, with a 115-120gr cast bullet. Over the last 20 years, I (and Ken Waters) have had better luck in medium frame handguns with 4756 powder (not 4759). Around 4.8 to 5.3gr is usually best. 60gr bullets in either rifle or pistol are tricky and never hit anywhere near 100-120gr sight settings. For me, going for accuracy and hitting near the fixed sights of my Army Special produces more satisfaction than any supposed "higher" velocity.

I am capable of and willing to be educated. If anyone would care to expand upon why the 32-20 is prone to "inconsistant ignition" I would love to read it.

I can think of several reasons why this might be so in a poorly made or worn out revolver. I can find no other references to this in any literature I have been able to find.

I am able to light off a case full of H-322 with a standard pistol primer in my Marlin. I can't wrap my brain around why a revolver would have any problems with a suitable powder.

Interesting, ALK8944. Like KenK, I wasn't aware of any inherent problems with ignition in the 32-20. I have learned thru experience that the necks are thin, and care is required in seating bullets and getting a good crimp on bullets is absolutely necessary for good accuracy.

My Colt does ok with cast bullets. But as you probably know, they are usually hard and tend to punch clean holes thru critters at 32-20 revolver velocities. Hornady HP/XTP bullets are better. I can get more velocity and they will upset more. Std deviation runs around 1 % of average velocity for 6 shot groups. The reason I am trying to develop a 60 gr bullet load is more velocity. More velocity means more energy, better expansion, and flatter trajectory - resulting in surer kills on vermin. You're right Blackhawk44, of course these advantages are not worth a hill of beans if you can't hit anything. Perhaps the 60 gr. is too light for the 32-20.

Thanks for the link Davers. Looks like there is a lot of good stuff there.

So your rifle is a Marlin '94, KenK? Always wanted one of those in 32-20.

Looks like I really started something. Thanks for the inputs. Got lots of differening inputs from guys with lots of experience. I welcome inputs from anybody else who has had experience with the 32-20. I hope we can all learn something from each other.

Seems like the 85 grain XTP might be a good happy medium.
What kind of brass are you using? If it is not Starline, try some.