Who is using a 32 caliber

[Rock Home Isle]

I had a conversation with another club member last night . She questioned why anyone uses such a small caliber and squirrel hunting is all i could think of. I use shot for small game and the 32 doesn’t always knock steel down at matches.
Who is using the 32 and for what?

I have a Pedersoli Blue Rudge Rifle, .32 calibre percussion.

I’ve shot this gun for the last 30 years. Very accurate, very fun to shoot. I’ve used it to take rabbits, squirrels and a couple turkeys. It’s biggest positive right now…it sips powder with a pinch of lead. Within a year or so, I’ll convert the gun to flintlock, to make it even more economical.

 

[Professor flintlock]

I have a Pedersoli long rifle that was originally a .32 cal but de-activated prior to sale. I bought it very cheaply in an auction and have obtained an original Factory barrel for it. I am just waiting for the variation (UK legislation sadly) and I can have a fully functioning .32 cal rifle again! Can't wait!

Why would you ever let your government tell you to deactivate your muzzleloader?

 

[appalichian hunter]

Dixie .32 can be shot either flint or percussion, deadly on tree rats.

 

[Des52]

borrowed my buddys .32 cal would use for most small game up to racoon size. I have a cva .32 cal barrel 3/4 inch across flats and cannot find a stock. any ideas would be welcome, sorry didnt mean to hijack your thread

Check out Pecatonica, they could inlet a stock for you if they have the right dementions.

 

[Robin Henderson]

Do you find the accuracy using the buckshot as good as with cast balls? This sounds interesting!
Gary

This is a five shot group. The one out is my bad. The 40 grains of powder is more than I usually like to use in my 32s but this rifle likes it.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

WOW….40 grains of powder in a .32 calibre….mighty big squirrels in your neck of the woods.

 

[sportster73hp]

WOW….40 grains of powder in a .32 calibre….mighty big squirrels in your neck of the woods.

40 does sound like a lot but i use 45 in a 36 caliber and settled on 50 for my Kibler 40 caliber. At least they still use less lead.

 

[Robin Henderson]

40 does sound like a lot but i use 45 in a 36 caliber and settled on 50 for my Kibler 40 caliber. At least they still use less lead.

This is what I determined to be the accuracy load for this particular rifle....with any less powder the best I could get was around 3/4".

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Year back when I "first" got into BP, picked up a CVA that someone fired, put aside without cleaning. Pulled the barrel and did the electrolysis thing. I was learning. Barrel ended up being a smooth bore, kinda.
Picked up a barrel assembly in 32 from CVA. Not even listed for sale anymore. Fired it 3 or 4 times, cleaned it and put it away. Seems like I had to tweak the hammer for the proper fit. Works like a dream.
Picked up a Derlin nylon ram rod from TOTW. Picked up a soft case and customized it for the CVA. Posted it FOR SALE but most folks seem to be looking for something for nothing. Just not into taking a loss OR giving it away. And with the bump in USPS shipping because of length,
nothing is cheap anymore.
This 32 and a few others need to go "down the road" to someone that will shoot them.

 

[Sidney Smith]

I built a .32 caliber rifle. Have only had it out hunting twice so far. Mostly it's been shot on the range. Perfect little plinking caliber, not much powder or lead expended.

I may take mine turkey hunting in the fall. Still legal here in Pa, contrary to popular belief. A. 32 IMO, is more than capable to drop a turkey. I don't want to hear the BS about turkeys having thick feathers, etc. A .22 will penetrate their feathers. I've done so. I know a guy who routinely kills turkeys with his .36. A .32 isn't much smaller.

 

[Newtire]

Absolutely. Squirrel is good!

Not “good” but deelish! Not to be confused with ground squirrels.