The original dual-purpose cartridge — chambered in both revolvers and rifles so cowboys needed only one type of ammunition.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1882, United States
Parent case: None
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.312" (7.92 mm)
Case length: 1.315" (33.4 mm)
Overall length: 1.592" (40.44 mm)
Max pressure: 16,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:20
Muzzle velocity: 1200–1460 fps
Muzzle energy: 320–545 ft-lbs
Effective range: 150 yd
Common bullet weights: 100, 115 gr
Primary use: Small Game, Cowboy Action
Production status: Active
Also known as: .32 WCF · 32-20
History: Winchester introduced it in 1882 for the Model 1873 rifle. The same cartridge worked in Colt Single Action Army revolvers, creating the first true rifle-revolver cartridge combination. Extremely popular through the frontier era.
Notable firearms: Winchester Model 1873, Colt SAA, S&W Hand Ejector
Similar cartridges: .30 Carbine, .32 H&R Magnum