Question about "320 revolver" cartridge

762mm

762mm

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Hey there guys,

I'm in the process of acquiring a belgian Bulldog pistol (antique, as per description given by seller) and it's made for the "320 revolver" (aka 320 bulldog, aka 320 european) cartridge. I've been reading that the 320 revolver is very similar to 32 short colt and some in the US claim that it's the same thing (basically a copy of 32 colt). So, does 320 revolver qualify as an antique cartridge in Canada then? (seems to me that yes, because it is actually a different cartridge than 32 short Colt by name).

Question 2: what kind of brass & bullets would you use and what approximate Unique powder loads would be recommended for a 320 belgian bulldog? I don't plan of shooting it a lot, just pretty much test fire. I've been reading that 32 short colt is also the answer here, but cannot confirm this nor can I get any usable load data for it on the net. Thanks!

:cool:
 
I have 2 320 revolvers i got both from the U.S. they were both inspected by
customs and allowed.
the rims of 32 colt are thicker and need to be trimmed to fit in a 320 but some 32 colt cartridges will fit.
 
Donnelly's book on cartridge conversions states-
Made from .32 Colt long,Trim Rim to .350" and back chamfer.Trim to .62" and chamfer.F/L size.Use 80 gr.bullet lead and 2.1 gr B'Eye.
 
Thanks for all your replies guys, it is much appreciated. I thought it was antique right away too, but then started reading up posts on all kinds of firearm forums (including some european ones) and some people have been swearing that both cartridges are actually the same, but come under a different name in the States (namely "32 short Colt"). Anywho, I am glad I was able to verify this information with you, your help is greatly appreciated.

:)

The gun should get here shortly, so I'll be able to tell more then. For now, all I have is some pics and the seller's description of it (not that I don't believe the guy, lol).

Thanks again, if anyone has an approximate Unique load, please chime in! (because Unique and HP-38 is the only stuff I have on hand right now).

;)
 
iirc 32ShortColt is derived from the .320
I've shot 32 SC in a Belgian .320 spur trigger revolver and they chambered fine.
those little buggers jump on you cuzz the piddly grip is hard to hold...for my mitts anyway.
 
Hogdon's manual lists 1.4grains of hp38 for .32 s&w (short) with a 85 grain bullet at 680fps (max load) but doesn't say the length or bullet shape. For unique you can probably put a little more.
 
Thanks for your replies once again guys... I got it today and had a chance to take it apart + retouch some things already. It needs a new trigger return spring, but it is in a great & fully functional state (double and single action). The main spring is so strong that the hammer hits with a very loud "clank"... even louder than my big guns, lol :D

Overall, it is a truly astounding conversation piece... built to look like a mini version of a full sized Webley. Here are some pics (sorry about the crappy quality, but I there's no daylight right now to take pretty pics):

Bulldog1.jpg


Bulldog2.jpg


And here... it looks like My Mk I Webley just gave birth, haha :D

Bulldog3.jpg
 
shame whoever reblued it didn't do the whole job...

classic styling,is the ejector rod retained or will it pull out of the housing?

I love the simplicity of those Belgian/Spanish type irons.

wish I'd taken a pic...between a buddy and I we had a 44 a .450 and a .320 that looked like a set with the next one smaller than the last.
 
BrotherRockeye said:
shame whoever reblued it didn't do the whole job...

classic styling,is the ejector rod retained or will it pull out of the housing?

I love the simplicity of those Belgian/Spanish type irons.

wish I'd taken a pic...between a buddy and I we had a 44 a .450 and a .320 that looked like a set with the next one smaller than the last.
Click to expand...

The ejector rod is securely held in place, really tight... and does come out & swing to the side for reloading purposes. As for the blueing, I am the one to blame for it... the finish was "in the white" and I was wondering if it'd be worth reblueing it at some point. I actually found a belgian gun restoration site where the guy had a few of these (and similar) bulldogs that he restored for authenticity... apparently, that's what they're supposed to look like (but his bulldogs were totally beat to begin with, all rusted and all... the guy did a good job on them).

If I get a chance, I might go downtown to a gun store that does pro ultra-shine reblueing jobs and ask for a quote. This here chemical blue can be washed off asap with some evapo-rust, so that's no big deal... it was just a test, completely reversible and with no ill effects. I like the results though... black is the only way to go for a sixgun, unless it's stainless!

;)
 
The Reason the hammer and trigger Ejector are not blued is that its Correct to alot of guns includeing RICs
They do not have blued triggers or hammers ect.

EDIT..... i see you did that on purpose... Good for you. thats correct and looks good to me!

I think it looks great as it is.
It looks just like a tiny RIC
 
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