7.62 Nagant and Winchester 32-20 case

[majormarine]

OK, i have some Winchester 32-20 cases. Unfortunately, the base of the case is thicker than the Graf 7.62 Nagant case.

I searched the internet and someone mentioned to mill the base of the Winchester 32-20 case. I didn't file the whole base of the case, because i suspect that after the filing and primer is seated, the primer would stick out, which is not a good thing; instead, i tried to shave off some brass from the upper rim of the case with a dremel. Well, it didn't work.

Then, i resized a 32-20 case with the Lee 7.62 Nagant sizer die and dropped the case into the cylinder of my Nagant revolver. As expected, the loading gate couldn't close because the base of the case is too thick.

Since the cylinder is spring loaded, i pushed the cylinder forward and closed the loading gate. I pulled the trigger a few times and the cylinder rotated fine! i then tried 6 empty cases and the cylinder also rotated fine without any extra force! So far, so good!

i cocked the hammer and the case in the cylinder could rattle a bit (backward and forward), just like the Graf Nagant case!

because of the thicker base of the case, when the rear 'thingy' of the revolver pushed the case forward, the extra thickness of the base of the case actually helped fill up the gap (which is a typical scenario of using a 32-20 case in a Nagant revolver) of the 'forcing' cone (the thing at the end of the barrel and just before the face of the cylinder). i don't know if this would achieve gas sealing, since i have not started reloading live ammo yet, but it's a good sign.

Any comment and input, guys?!

 

[gewehr76]

If it can be cocked on the round then you should be fine, however there still should be some freeplay between the rim and slide plate that guides firing pin when fully cocked. If too tight it may jam due to the recoil or in worse case may bend the plate when this round is fired.

Nice revolver.

 

[muzzle flash]

If you were able to get the 32/20 to work with out thinning rims than you have done well. I tried WIN. and PMC brass and had to thin rims on both. I did not expect a gas seal nor did I get one using 32/20 brass.

 

[Canuck223]

I believe Starline make 7.62 Nagant brass, and Double Tap Sports are an importer.

 

[Andy]

Tradex has Fiocchi 7.62 Nagant brass.

 

[majormarine]

you mean you couldn't #### the hammer with the 32/20 cases in the cylinder? I am able to #### the hammer with the cases in...so, does this mean some Nagant revolvers are different than the others?

Canuck223: i have contacted starline directly, and they told me they have stopped making the 7.62 Nagant brass. Maybe the shop you mentioned has old stock? have to check it out...thanks!

Andy: thanks for the info. i did get some 7.62 Nagant brass from Tradex...just want to try an alternative.

If you were able to get the 32/20 to work with out thinning rims than you have done well. I tried WIN. and PMC brass and had to thin rims on both. I did not expect a gas seal nor did I get one using 32/20 brass.

 

[muzzle flash]

you mean you couldn't #### the hammer with the 32/20 cases in the cylinder? I am able to #### the hammer with the cases in...so, does this mean some Nagant revolvers are different than the others? :confused

I have 2 nagants. 32/20 brass will not rotate in either one of them with out thinning the rims. I have read on the US. sites of guys having to thin the rims and some guys able to drop them right in and all works well. In my case I had to thin the rims. I have a UNIMAT lathe so this is fairly easy for me. I would think that if yours will take them then have at it. I also have a bunch of the tradex nagant brass as mentioned that I am having the problems with reloading. The brass is not the problem but getting the bullet crimped and not loosing the neck tension are my issues. Once I get this issue sorted out I will post results.

 

[majormarine]

sorry, but i only had my range test recently with my reload in 32-30 brass, and result was the powder was not completely burnt and thus not enough force to push the bullet through the barrel, and the bullet stuck in between the throat and chamber.

i showed it to my friend at the range, and he told me either it wasn't enough neck tension or the powder was moist. i'm pretty sure my powder was good; so, it's gotta be the tension.

now, my question is, how can i achieve the neck tension?

i resized the 32-20 brass with the lee 7.62 nagant die and used the 7.62 nagant bullet from tradex. however, the case does not have enough neck tension such that i can push/pull the bullet in/out with my fingers easily.

i also tried to resize the 32-30 brass with a 30-carbine ziser, but it also had the loose neck tension issue.

any idea?

thanks!