Home › Browse Calibers › .32-20 Win.
Common uses: Small Game, Varmint
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 100gr Winchester Super-X X32201 |
| Muzzle velocity | 1210 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 325 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.166 |
| Case length | 33.5 mm |
| Overall length | 40.6 mm |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1210 | 325 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 1018 | 230 | 0 |
| 200 | 909 | 183 | -32 |
| 300 | 829 | 153 | -106 |
| 400 | 764 | 130 | -230.6 |
| 500 | 706 | 111 | -414.9 |
At 1,000 yards, .32-20 Win. (100gr at 1210 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 253.2 MOA / 73.7 MIL, retaining 489 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 829 | Subsonic | -106.0 | 33.7 | 9.81 |
| 400 | 764 | Subsonic | -230.6 | 55.1 | 16.02 |
| 500 | 706 | Subsonic | -414.9 | 79.3 | 23.05 |
| 600 | 655 | Subsonic | -669.4 | 106.6 | 30.99 |
| 700 | 608 | Subsonic | -1005.8 | 137.2 | 39.91 |
| 800 | 565 | Subsonic | -1437.1 | 171.6 | 49.90 |
| 900 | 525 | Subsonic | -1979.6 | 210.1 | 61.10 |
| 1000 | 489 | Subsonic | -2651.5 | 253.2 | 73.65 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
Small-game/varmint context — the deer- and elk-sized energy references aren't applicable to the cartridge's listed uses. When a downrange table is available, its retained-energy column can provide context; verify the exact load and follow local game regulations for legal methods.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .32-20 is a light, low-recoil cartridge historically valued for small game, varmints, and pest control, as well as informal target and plinking use. Its ability to be chambered in both rifles and handguns of the era made it a versatile choice for anyone wanting a single cartridge for a carbine and a companion revolver. It is mild to shoot and economical to reload, but its modest velocity and energy limit its practical range and rule it out for larger game. Once extremely common, it has faded to niche status today, kept alive mainly by cowboy-action shooters, collectors, and owners of surviving vintage arms. Reloaders favor it for small-bore practice, though its thin case necks demand careful handling.
Introduced by Winchester in 1882 for the Model 1873 lever-action rifle, the .32-20 Winchester was among the first of the company's small-caliber centerfire cartridges. Its designation reflects the original black-powder loading of a .32-caliber bullet over 20 grains of powder. It was widely chambered in both rifles and revolvers, including the Winchester Model 1892, the Marlin Model 1894, and Colt's single-action revolvers, making it a popular dual-purpose cartridge for a rifle and companion revolver in one caliber.
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