Old 32-20 Brass

[Iowahunter]

I was at a local gunshow a few weeks back and one old boy had a couple plastic bags with 32-20 brass in them that looked pretty clean with the majority being once fired WW brass for just a few bucks. Out of a little over a hundred cases I found these headstamps .. Peters 32-20 , Rem-Umc 32-20Win,  Super X 32-30 , Western 32-20 Win ,  WRA 32-20 Win , Rem-Umc 32 WCF, UMC 32-20 HV, Dominion 32-20, WRA Co 32WCF, And 1 Peters 32SL that I think was an Opps......  Looked like it had been fired in a 32-20 chamber  
I put all the odd brass in a bag and I'll reload the newer WW stuff for plinking.  I don't collect brass caseings so if you know anyone who does let me know.  Thanks

[w30wcf]

Iowahunter,

Nice find and at a good price too! The UMC 32-20 HV cases were fired with mercuric priming, which will weaken the brass, making it brittle. If it is reloaded, there is the strong possibility that the cases might fracture, allowing gas to escape out of the action. Been there, done that.

The WRA Co 32WCF, Peters 32-20, Rem-Umc 32-20Win, Rem-Umc 32 WCF, Western 32-20 Win and Dominion 32-20 would all be suspect as well.
Depending on when they were manufactured, they may or may not have been fired with mercuric primers. Best not to take a chance.

The Super X 32-20 and WRA 32-20 would be ok.

Stay safe,
w30wcf