Got a new used 1894 in .32 H&R Magnum last weekend at a local gun show. I have been looking for a while.
Today I went to this sight and looked at Mr Ed Harris's .32 Bunny Gun loads. (The 94 is not an OFFICIAL BUNNY gun, but very close)
Although I do have .32 S&W as well as .32 S&W Long Brass, I decided to use the HRM brass because it puts the bullet closest to the bore.
I am using the Hornady 90 gr swaged lead SWC with all these loads because it is VERY soft lead, has a .314” diameter, and I have most of a box of 500 on my bench.
I used Starline .32 HRM brass and Win SP Primers. Gun is Marlin 1894CB with 20” barrel.
1.5 Bullseye - Loud as a high power pellet gun
1.0 gr Bullseye - Loud as a regular pellet gun
0.9 gr Red Dot - Quieter yet, but, still could be heard as a shot if someone was outside in the next yard. RED DOT is Dirtier than the Bulls Eye (case smudging).
0.5 gr Bulls Eye - PERFECT. Clears the muzzle with authority and I don't believe a neighbor in the next yard would identify the sound as a shot (air gun or otherwise). You hear more than the Hammer Drop but much less than the noise when the round strikes the board target. I used 2x4 and 1x4 yellow pine boards as targets.
Penetrates to 3/4 of the bullet length in seasoned yellow pine 2X4. Completely penetrates 1X4. I need to get some of Ed Harris's Ivory Soap for a full test.
I am fully seating the Hornady bullet to the edge of the driving band and then roll crimping lightly. These cycle well in the rifle from the tube magazine. I will have to check the 20 yard accuracy of these, but, at 10 feet to my target they went to point of aim with 2 “clicks” up on the marble rear sight.
Now I need to take a rimfire case and start cutting it down to make a 0.5 grain scoop. (anybody got a better idea?)
Note, the risk on these of a double charge will just take you up to a louder outcome. 3.0 grains of Red Dot is still within working limits for this round. I can't see anyone overcharging 6 times without noticing.
If this will hold minute of Ivory Snow at 25 yards, I will be thrilled.
thanks rc