I'm going to be trying 32-20 cases in my 30 Carbine Ruger Blackhawk. Has anyone used Starline brass in 32-20 ? I've read some articles and I know Paco Kelley did something on this a number of years ago.
Here's my dilemma: I picked up a 50 case pack of W-W 32-20 brass yesterday, locally, and they did not have Starline brass. While I don't have the dimensions with me as I type this, both the OAL and the diameter just ahead of the rim were considerably less that the standard specs. Specs. show the 32-20 to be only .002” less than the 30 Carbine ahead of the web, which would not bother me. The case length bothers me in that if they met spec., I could trim back to get very close to the 30 carbine headspace ring in the cylinder and still crimp the 32-20 case mouth. Why am I concerned about this ? When I have tried cast bullets in the 30 Carbine case with a taper crimp (for headspacing), I end up with a “ring of lead” on the backside of the headspace ring at the end of the chamber. That “ring of lead” build up (which happens after the first one to two cylinder fulls) causes subsequent rounds to “headspace long” and will tie up the cylinder when an affected round makes it's way around to the recoil plate prior to locking up in the firing position. A long explanation of what is happening and why I want to try the 32-20 route. The rims can be a little too thick on the 32-20, but I can handle that.
I've heard the Starline brass is a little thicker in the neck, which is also a benefit. Any and all advise/experience in this “conversion" will be appreciated, but mainly looking for input on how close the 32-20 Starline brass is to standard published case dimensions before I go and order some from Midway and find I have the same issues.
Rog