[Sky C.]

Howdy to the list-

Any of you out there have Browning M-53's? I'd appreciate any feedback about what you have found regarding bore diameter, throat, and what CB designs you've tried and how they worked. Also - any specific reloading tips/cautions, preferred powders, brass, etc. would be helpful.

I suspect that the load data in the books is pretty conservative due to the older BP guns still floating around and due to different strengths of actions. The Browning is all modern steel on essentially the M-92 action. This same action is good for 40,000 CUP when the same case is necked down to .22 cal in the Bee). Is it reasonable to assume that the same action strength should hold for the .32-20 in the Browning? Put another way - it seems like the .32-20 in THIS gun could be loaded to deliver higher performance than suggested in the loading manuals - safe performance on the order of say he .30 carbine which I believe should be good for something in the 1900fps - 2000fps range with 100gr - 115gr. CB's.

Another question re: .32-20 generally... re: GC designs - do these use .30 cal GC's or does someone make something specifically for .312 - .313 range? Are GC designs for this velocity range even needed? I see that Saeco has a nice looking "traditional" design for the .32-20 in a PB design that appears to have a pretty good meplat on it...

Thanks in advance for your inputs!

Sky C.
Longmont, CO

 

[CD Cash]

32/20 in MOd. 53

Hello,

You have to get Brian Pearce's recent article on the exact same cartridge/rifle in "Rifle's Handloader". He discusses the mod. 53 and other different action strength's for the 32/20. I will look for my old copy...somewhere around the house. I have been looking to load for my Australian Martini Cadet rifle originally chambered in 310 Cadet....rechambered to 32/20 when it got to US. Please email me and hopefully I can get this article to you.

 

[EEA]

Sky C
You can find a pretty good article on the 32-20 on the Sixgunner.com website. Go to the articles forum and click on the Paco Kelly articles. On the list there you will find one on the 32-20. Now, a word of caution. I have used some of these loads in my Ruger Convertible, but I haven't loaded the top loads he lists. Seems to be pushing the envelope to me. Anyway the accompanying article is good. I use the 115gr. cast bullet from Lee, sized to .313. The same design is available from RCBS but it is now a special order mold.
Ed