32-20 in 30 Carbine

Ken, I don't take it at all as you “casting stones", but rather as sage advise and a reminder to all that may read any thread of the potential for “unintended consequences” of our actions, whatever they may be. So, I applaud and thank you for that. Hopefully, I can ease your mind, at least a little, as relates to my specific “experiment” here with the 30 Carbine Blackhawk. While I have not yet had the opportunity (hopefully pleasure?) of pulling a trigger on one of these 32-20 cased loads, from what I've read in several places this is not that uncommon a practice, there having been good success by “Paco” Kelley, John Goins, and others. These loads are not intended to replace or duplicate loads using 30 Carbine brass at 30 Carbine pressure levels, but rather to have some sane and enjoyable cast bullet plinking loads with 32-20 pressures (the ears will be appreciative).

As to some of your specific comments and concerns: As far removing material from the back of the case, two things come into play. 1) It was easier, and faster, to reference the front side of the rim against the face of the lathe chuck and run the cutter to the primer pocket and back. I've read of other methods, but this worked best for me with the 50 cases. 2) Most of the headstamp (all, in some cases) was removed, which makes it less likely that someone would “identify” and use these cases in a firearm chambered for a 32-20, should they ever “get out of my hands". I have clearly marked my ammo cases as “30 Carbine Rimmed - Cast Bullets” so I don't forget in the future. In 40 years of reloading I've learned the lesson (the hard way) that you mention, of looking back at some loads from long ago and wondering what they are. Maintaining focus and diligence in labeling and record keeping are paramount when you are engaging in something having the potential for a disaster, such as the case with any hand loading, especially so when loading for multiple firearms of the same caliber. As for changing the headspace to a dangerous level for other firearms: From what I have gleaned, from several sources, the Starline 32-20 brass has thinner rims and will allow the Blackhawk (most.....tolerances?) cylinder to rotate through the cycle without the need to modify the case rims. If this is true (a big IF?), then my modified W-W cases would show no more potential for headspace problems than would virgin Starline cases. I will know for sure, once I procure some Starline brass. As related to the case length benefiting from trimming the front side of the rim, the 32-20 should be , by standard specifications (my W-W were not!), longer than the 30 Carbine, which would allow for “tailoring” the length to the chamber headspace ring by trimming the cases from the front end, Again, I will know when I get the Starline stuff.

Sorry for getting “long winded", but I thought it necessary to expound a little on what I'm doing since this thread has grown with some very good input from my original question.

Thanks again Ken for the very wise and timely cautionary notes that all should abide by.