i'd like some info on the 32 Special

[kevin.303]

i'm looking at swapping my AG42 for a decent condition model 94 in .32 Special. it's got some light rust on the reciever, but none inside and my smith can reblue it cheap and easy. i love the AG42, but i need a deer rifle plain and simple, and i can't get 6.5x55 at Canadian Tire. is ther only the one loading for the .32? what kind of velocity and accuracy should i expect?

[leverfan]

The 32 is a slightly necked up 30-30.  Ammo is getting harder to find, but not impossible.  Field performance of the 32 is identical to the 30-30.

[Camper]

Kevin,

My dad deer hunts with a Model 94 32 Win Spl. I see that you are from Winnipeg so go to Canadian Tire or Wal mart and you can pick up Federal or Winchester  ammo no problem. (in Ontario you can anyways).  Like Lever fan stated the Ballistics are practically identical.
Like any Mod 94s, it's a nice light bush gun to carry, and the calibre is more than adequate for deer hunting at appropriate ranges.  My personal beliefs is 150 yards max and that may be pushing it a little bit!!!

Camper

[victorcharlie]

I bought 2 boxes of Remington 170 grain FP in .32 Winchester Special at walmart yesterday......$16 US and change if I remember correctly.......

[Rustyinfla]

My old Lyman reloading manual states that the .32 Special and the .30-30 are "like two peas in a pod."

              Rusty <><

[victorcharlie]

Looks like to me, at distances other than the muzzle, the .32 winchester beats the .30.30 and the .35 remington......if all your looking at is muzzle velocity and retained kinetic energy down range.......have a look yourself......

http://www.remington.com/ammo/ballistics/ballistics.htm

[leverfan]

Looks like to me, at distances other than the muzzle, the .32 winchester beats the .30.30 and the .35 remington......if all your looking at is muzzle velocity and retained kinetic energy down range.......have a look yourself......

Well, you're splitting some mighty fine hairs with that info, it seemed to me.  A very slight theoretical velocity and initial energy advantage for the 32, versus a very slightly better ballistic coefficient and sectional density for the 30 WCF with the same weight bullets.  The charts say that the 30 WCF actually surpasses the 32 at longer ranges, due to the higher B.C., but that's out there way past sane ranges for either cartridge.  The slightly greater diameter of the 32 could also be seen as an advantage, I guess.

I think I'll stand by my original post on the matter, "Field performance of the 32 is identical to the 30-30."  I've seen both in action, which reinforces my opinion.  The .35 Remington isn't one I"ve seen in action, so I'll just shut my yap on that one.

[victorcharlie]

You are correct Leverfan......there is no practical difference between the 2......and the difference doesn't amount to anything important.......I was kind of suprised the .32 had a bit more paper ballistics than the 30.30 or the .35 Remington.......I would have thought the .35 would have more energy downrange than the others...........IMHO, the real advantage would go to the 30.30, not for ballistic reasons, but because a fellow can find a box of shells anywhere.......

[Camper]

Yes,  I have to agree with lever fan.  You are splitting hairs when comparing the 32 win sp and the 30 30.  I don't think any deer would notice the difference, and you are certainly not going to get more range from a 32 than you are with a 30 30.

Camper

[victorcharlie]

Yes, you both are right!  For all practical purpose, there is no difference!
 
I wasn't meaning to split hairs, or argue,  but was trying to point out that if a .32 winchester special could be had at the right price it is still a very good round!  Some time in the future I'd like to add a .32 to my collection.......I already have a .45.70, 35 Remington, and a 30.30, all in Marlin levers......Sometime in the future I plan on adding the .32 winchester special.........
 
I bought the 2 boxes of .32 winchester for a long time friend who has his dads Marlin and has been having a problem finding ammo for it in the small town he lives in........32 special ammo seems to be easier to find around here than  .45.70 or .35 Remington ammo...( I have to order the 45.70, usually from Benton, Walmart carries the .35)..I plan to reload for both calibers..........of course, 30.30 is the most common and very easy to find......heck....I think ace hardware carries it!

[victorcharlie]

Here is an article from leverguns.com.......this article explains many of the reasons the .32 special is "different" than the 30/30.......

Now, before everyone jumps on me.....I agree, they are balistically the same.......

http://www.levergun.com/articles/special.htm

[shootrj2003]

If you hold right for elevation, the .44 mag has more retained energy at 500 yds! :shock:  :lol:  Handy chart,I added it to my favorites.Shootrj2003

[DPRinks]

If you are reloading with cast bullets, the .32sp is considered as a better cast bullet shooter, some of the members at Cast Bullet Assn. believe it is the best about .30-8mm caliber for reloading with cast.
The cases can be made from .30-30 cases in a second and they are cheap, so even if the ammo co.'s s drop it, there will still be plenty of brass available.

[Range Finder]

Riflemen:

Don't pay any attention to those paper ballistics when it comes to the .35 Remington.  It kills much better than its paper ballistics would suggest, and that's with factory ammo.  Handloads safely take it to another level.  And it does kill better than the 30-30 or the .32SPL.  With that said I like all three rifles and they are great for deer and bear at woods ranges.  Even elk and moose when using the right load, with a good marksman within its and his limitations.

GOOD SHOOTING!

Range Finder