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Common uses: Hunting
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 170gr Federal Power-Shok |
| Muzzle velocity | 2250 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1911 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.24 |
| Case length | 51.8 mm |
| Overall length | 65.2 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 42000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:16" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2250 | 1911 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 1919 | 1390 | 0 |
| 200 | 1621 | 991 | -8.1 |
| 300 | 1366 | 704 | -29.5 |
| 400 | 1168 | 515 | -69.6 |
| 500 | 1038 | 406 | -135.4 |
At 1,000 yards, .32 Spec. (170gr at 2250 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 101.9 MOA / 29.6 MIL, retaining 746 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1366 | Supersonic | -29.5 | 9.4 | 2.73 |
| 400 | 1168 | Transonic | -69.6 | 16.6 | 4.84 |
| 500 | 1038 | Subsonic | -135.4 | 25.9 | 7.52 |
| 600 | 953 | Subsonic | -233.3 | 37.1 | 10.80 |
| 700 | 888 | Subsonic | -369.4 | 50.4 | 14.66 |
| 800 | 835 | Subsonic | -549.7 | 65.6 | 19.09 |
| 900 | 788 | Subsonic | -779.9 | 82.8 | 24.07 |
| 1000 | 746 | Subsonic | -1066.5 | 101.9 | 29.63 |
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.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .32 Winchester Special is a classic North American woods cartridge, valued for deer and black bear at the moderate ranges typical of timber and brush hunting. Ballistically it sits very close to the .30-30, throwing a heavier .32-caliber bullet at slightly lower velocity, and many hunters historically favored it for a bit more punch and, thanks to the slow twist, the ability to handload with black powder. Its trajectory and modest velocity make it a practical inside-200-yard round rather than an open-country or long-range choice, and flat-point bullets are standard for safe use in tubular magazines. Factory ammunition and rifles are far less common today than for the .30-30, which has limited its component and load selection, but the round retains a loyal following among owners of vintage Model 94s. It remains a capable, low-recoil brush gun cartridge for anyone who appreciates traditional lever-action hunting.
Introduced by Winchester circa 1901-1902, the .32 Winchester Special was created for the Model 1894 lever-action rifle as a companion to the .30-30. It was formed from the .38-55 Winchester case, the same parent case behind the .30-30, but given a larger .32-caliber bore and a slower 1:16 rifling twist. That gentle twist was a deliberate design choice, letting shooters reload the cases with black powder during the transitional era when smokeless powder was still new and not universally trusted.
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