The 32WIN is a rifle cartridge that was first made in 1898. It was designed for the Winchester Model 94 lever-action rifle. It came from the older .38-55 Winchester cartridge but was made smaller to fit a .32-caliber bullet. The goal was to give hunters a cartridge that was more powerful than the .30-30 Winchester but still easy to shoot.
How 32WIN Was Designed
The 32WIN uses a bullet that is .321 inches wide. That makes it a little bigger than the .30-30 bullet, which is .308 inches wide. Winchester gave the 32WIN a slower twist in the rifle barrel (1 turn in 16 inches) so that it would work better with cast bullets. Back in those days, many people loaded their own bullets, sometimes using black powder, and the slower twist kept the barrel cleaner.
32WIN Performance and Power
The 32WIN is very close in power to the .30-30 Winchester. In fact, at short distances, it can be about 5% to 10% stronger. At longer ranges, the .30-30 can keep more speed and energy because its bullet is slimmer and has better aerodynamics.
Some common factory loads for 32WIN are:
- 170-grain bullet at about 2,283 feet per second, with around 1,968 foot-pounds of energy.
- 165-grain Hornady FTX bullet at about 2,410 feet per second, with about 2,128 foot-pounds of energy.
Hornady’s LEVERevolution bullets can give up to 40% more energy at longer ranges compared to normal flat-point bullets.
32WIN in the Past
The 32WIN had good sales in the first half of the 1900s. The .30-30 was more popular, but the 32WIN still became the second most common choice for the Winchester Model 94. From 1894 to 1931, about 16% of Model 94 rifles were made for 32WIN. From 1932 to 1963, that number went up to 28%.
Collectors today sometimes look for 32WIN rifles because they are less common than the .30-30. Some people like owning something that is a little different.
32WIN Today
In modern times, the 32WIN is not easy to find in stores. Some gun owners call it “rare” or “endangered,” but it is not gone completely. A few companies like Winchester, Remington, Federal, and Hornady still make it, but only in small batches.
Prices can be high. Sometimes a box of 20 bullets can cost $60 to $100. This is why many people who own 32WIN rifles reload their own ammo. Reloading means making your own bullets from brass cases, powder, primers, and bullets.
Hunters who reload can still use 32WIN for deer hunting or target shooting without worrying about running out of ammo.
Why People Still Like 32WIN
People who use 32WIN often say they like it because:
- It has low recoil and is easy to shoot.
- It is good for deer-sized animals at short and medium ranges.
- It has a connection to history and old-style lever-action rifles.
While it may not be the most modern cartridge, it has a loyal following.
Conclusion
The 32WIN is a cartridge with over 120 years of history. It offers good power for hunting, soft recoil, and a unique place in rifle history. While ammo is harder to find today, reloading and special ammo runs keep it alive. For hunters and collectors, the 32WIN is more than just a bullet—it is a piece of the Winchester legacy.
FAQs
1. Is the 32WIN still made?
Yes. It is not very common, but companies like Winchester, Remington, Federal, and Hornady still make it sometimes.
2. How is 32WIN different from .30-30?
It is slightly bigger in bullet size and can have a little more power at short range. At long range, the .30-30 can perform better because of its slimmer bullet shape.
3. Does 32WIN have a lot of recoil?
No. It has mild recoil, similar to or less than the .30-30, so it is comfortable for most shooters.
