Worked up a load for my 32 caliber.

[Kurt]

I have made three trips to the range trying to see if the 32 caliber rifle I have had for 50 years and never really shot would hold a group. On the first trip, I used a 380 case as a measure and got a 2-inch group but this showed me the sights were close. On the second trip, I used a 30-carbine case and the group tightened. Today I noticed the .310 ball and .018 patches were causing the ball to flatten when starting it into the bore. I had no trouble getting the ball down and seated but I guess you can get a load that is too tight. I shifted to a .012 patch and got the following groups, the top one after adjusting for elevation. I'll have to weigh the powder charge again because I thought it was 20 grains, but I made a 25 grain measure and a 30 but the carbine case seems to be the ticket for as well as I can shoot. Can a patch and ball combination be too tight and still be loadable in the collective experience? What would be the best for accuracy? Thanks, Kurt.

[Fyrstyk]

I had a similar issue with my .32.  A .320 ball with a .010 patch would go down the bore with force on the ram rod but accuracy was not as good as a .310 ball in a .015 patch with light to medium pressure on the ram rod.  My groups with .22 grains of 3f off the bench will stay in a dime at 25 yards.

[taterbug]

I know it is a hassle for some folks to get real black powder, but you may see better results if you can get your hands on some. 

Last time I tried to use p-dex with a percussion drum/nipple set-up, I started getting noticeable vertical stringing after about 6 shots.  I attributed it to pyrodex fouling building up and slowing down the ignition time. 

I may be completely full of sh-tuff about that, but I know that pyro was harder to clean than real BP. 

[Pukka Bundook]

What Tarerbug says.

[Kurt]

I use what I have and what I can get. I appreciate all knowledge based advice. I am certain you know that the regulations on who can store and sell pyro are more lenient than those for black powder which makes it more available. It is political of course so I will say no more about it. Thank you.

[Jeff Murray]

Since you re shooting a small caliber, you might try Pyrodex P if that is what is available in your area.  The finer grade will likely foul less.  Your groups look good.

[Daryl]

My .32 shot a .40 calibre hole for 5 shots at 25 yards with a mere 20gr. 3F GOEX black powder, a .019" patch and .311" ball.
At 50yards, that same load shot 2 1/2". I had to increase my charge to 35gr. to get it to shoot from 1" to 1 1/2" at 50yards.
It also liked the same patch and up to .0225" denim and ticking with a .320"ball I cast from my .319"  Lee mould. Pure lead, of course.
Easy loading "all day without any accuracy change" with this muzzle crown, even though the lands were MUCH wider than the grooves.

[danny]

Powder Valley has Goex

https://www.powdervalley.com/product-category/muzzleloading/filters/product_cat/639/

[Bassdog1]

I shoot a lot of 32 cal and love it. I prefer lighter loads of 3F but have used up to 35 grains in some to get them really dialed in. One thing I like to do is use the largest diameter ball for caliber that I can. In most of my 32s I use a .315 Ball and either a .010 or .015 patch lubed with Hoppes #9 Patch lube and solvent or Tracks Mink Oil. Make sure to seat the ball with the same pressure each time. Your groups look really promising and I am you will get it shooting clover leafs with a little tweaking.

[Kurt]

I have noticed that Pyro requires swabbing after a few shots whereas black doesn't, in my 50 caliber guns. I did notice some slight hang fires too. I suspect the chamber area fouls up and the ball may not seat fully onto the charge.

The tight path and ball combinations had the ball flattening when I taped it flush with the bore before using the short starter, I thought that had to affect accuracy.

The use of a ball closer to the bore diameter makes sense and may even make it easier to find patch material.

Interesting a 32 caliber has such a liberal powder charge range to shoot near caliber groups using 20 to 35 grains. I assume the rifle has a slow twist?

Always informative here. Thanks very much.

[Daryl]

ALL of my starters, including the one for my .69 have cupped ends like the ram rod. Thus, no damage, ie: flattening is done to the ball,
even with VERY tight loads.
Each starter also has a short 'supped' peg made from a ctg. case, for getting the ball started into the bore with a smack of the hand on the
starter's knob. This puts the ball and patch into the bore 1/4" or so, for trimming off the patch material, or simply for getting the ball started.
The short starter on the far right hand side of them, is the .32 and .36 starter.
Kurt, like I noted, the light 20gr. charge did not shoot well at longer ranges, ie: 50yards. I had to increase the charge to 35gr. to shoot well at the longer range.
That is normal. 25 yards is not a good 'test' range for developing accuracy loads. That close in, virtually ANY charge will shoot well. To shoot well at longer ranges,
more powder is required.