32-20 32 WCF Ammo - What have I got here?

[T. MIKE SMITH]

Those are not 32-20, they are 32 WCF

OK - DOSEN'T CHANGE MY ANSWER TO WHAT 32-20 WAS MADE FOR

 

[Wheelgun]

32wcf (32-20) was introduced in 1882 by Winchester for their 1873 leverguns for small game and deer. Originally a black powder load, later went to smokeless.

They came out with a Hi Velocity round for use in (strong) leverguns like the win 1892 and Marlin 1894. This shouldn’t be fired in old blk powder era colts or small frame revolvers.

That box is probably from the ‘60s, value isn’t probably much because of condition of the box. Probably only worth what the ammo is worth.

 

[JEVapa]

They came out with a Hi Velocity round for use in (strong) leverguns like the win 1892 and Marlin 1894. This shouldn’t be fired in old blk powder era colts or small frame revolvers.

This is true. They should only be shot in model 92s, or 94s or similar with strong actions. They will jack up a revolver and probably the guy shooting it. If I remember right, just like the 38WCF rifle loads, they are moving around 1700FPS or so. That will probably pop the top off a SAA.

They stopped making these because dummies don't read and use them in pistols.

 

[docohm]

Those are not 32-20, they are 32 WCF

It clearly says .32-20 on the box....

 

[JEVapa]

It clearly says .32-20 on the box....

32 WCF and 32-20 are the same exact thing.
Same as 30WCF is 30-30
as 38 WCF is 38-40
as 44 WCF is 44-40
as 25 WCF is 25-20
and on.

 

[Glockisgood17]

Those are not 32-20, they are 32 WCF

They are one and the same. So much misinformation out there …

 

[JEVapa]

The WCF is the Winchester designation - Winchester Center Fire. The other designations started with other gun companies chambering said cartridges in their guns, (WInchester wasn't gonna let it happen without royalties) but they weren't about to advertise for their competitors. This was an everlasting Colt vs Winchester thing.
Winchesters are chambered in "##WCF", and Colts/Marlins were chambered in ##-40 or ##-20 - Caliber over grains of BP.

Kinda cool useless trivia

 

[need1more]

The WCF is the Winchester designation - Winchester Center Fire. The other designations started with other gun companies chambering said cartridges in their guns, (WInchester wasn't gonna let it happen without royalties) but they weren't about to advertise for their competitors. This was an everlasting Colt vs Winchester thing.
Winchesters are chambered in "##WCF", and Colts/Marlins were chambered in ##-40 or ##-20 - Caliber over grains of BP.

Kinda cool useless trivia

For my brain knowledge this is the post of the day. Thanks.