32-20

[Seawolf1090]

Not quite the same thing, but I have been handloading for my Russian Nagant revovler using the .32-20 cases reformed using the Lee Nagant die set. Basically it straightens the case removing that slight bottleneck from the .32-20. I am using a modified .32 H&R Magnum load, using Bullseye powder. Publiched data for this load in the H&R Nagnum is around 1000FPS - not a barn burner but pretty fair for this old handgun - puts it back up tot he same velocity as the old Russian military load. Good 'bark' compared to the wimpy Fiocchi factory loads and the current Russian target loads. Using the Hornady .32 XTP jacketed hollowpoint, it seems to have good power for a light caliber. I need to chrony it, to see what my actual velocity is. Likely still a fair bit les than .32-20 from a carbine. I'm getting this crazy notionto try building a rifle - likely a singlesho - using this cartridge, so I'd have a handgun/long gun combination. I have found .32-20 lever rifle barrels available on Numrich's site, and a small Martini Cadet could be a good basis to start with.
Where I hunt on a lease. for the last few years our distances were within 100 to 150 yards, so I had been using the old .30-30 - but they logged it out, and now our distances have increased to 200 to 250 yards - too long for any smaller .32 I think. But for a 'bunny buster' and small varmint load, the .32-20 or 7.62 Nagant could be fun!

[Rapier]

If you can find a Cadet Action, I just happen to have an original Cadet barrel and forearm. The bore is pitted but it would do for a liner project or as an experiment. The Cadet action is very simple to add and remove a barrel to once you get the extractor cuts done and these are done as it sits. Only thing is that the original 310 Cadet rifle is not .311. Most bores are on the north side of .320 since the British like the Russians at times measured the land diameter, not the grove diameter and the 310 Cadet is such a gun.

Were It me, I would simply skip all the ta da and do a .308 barrel chambered to X that would give you a big choice in bullets. Low pressure to 30 cal is done all the time with the 7.62x39 and the 32-20 for that matter as just about all single shot 32-20s, rifles and handguns, made today are in fact barreled on a .308.
Ed