What's Your Favorite "Forgotten" Cartridge?

32 S&W black powder

With the proliferation of countless "belly guns" that were chambered in 32 S&W, one could amass quite the collection in just that caliber. Many of the well known names of the time made guns for that market; Merwin-Hulbert, Iver-Johnson, Smith&Wesson, Forehand-Wadsworth. Many less well known makers included Maltby-Henley, Thames, American Arms. Loading the black powder cartridges requires more steps and a wad behind the bullet but the nostalgic feeling when firing them cannot be described, you just have to do it.
 
I have about 2 dozen 32 S&W pocket guns in my collection, & while black powder is cool... it's by no means the only way to go... I load 3 different loading in that caliber, all using Trailboss powder, & that simplifys loading alot... have almost 1000 rounds of 32 S&W in those 3 loadings
 
I have an old Winchester Model 94 chambered in 32 Winchester Special. It's done a good job for years. I haven't forgotten it, but quite a few shooters have.
 
7.62x45

It's like a beefed up ak round with twice the accuracy. I love shooting my vz 52. Just wish I could get some new ammo that doesn't try to rust the rifle away after every time I shoot it. I wouldn't say 7x57 Mauser is forgotten everyone has it at the gun shows and my two local gun shops always have it.
 
"I have an old Winchester Model 94 chambered in 32 Winchester Special. It's done a good job for years. I haven't forgotten it, but quite a few shooters have."


I have one of these too, bought it from the father of a friend a few years ago. Not a rifle I shoot a lot, but a good cartridge for deer hunting here in VT, a bit higher energy and flatter trajectory than the 30-30 which stole the spotlight instead.
 
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My Dad (1922 - 2004) hunted extensively with his 300 Savage lever action rifle. He took down mulies, antelope, elk, moose, bears, and of course whitetails too. Out to about 175 yards, the 300 Savage has identical trajectory as 30-06 or .308 cartridges but far less recoil.

Jack
 
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7x61 S&H ,7x61 Super

I just picked upa Schultz and Larsen Model 60,chambered in the 7x61 Sharpes and Hart ...I love the history of the cartridge and rifle ,it's a tack driver ....and a great conversation piece ! And I paid way to much for the factory loaded ammo ,but you only go around once !

BB34
 
I like these older chamberings, especially out of the older military rifles I have.

6.5X55 Sweedish Mauser (Mine was made in 1905 and still shoots just fine)
7X57 Mauser (Chilean)
.303 British (SMLE III and No.4 Mk.2)
.30-40 Krag
.30-06 (M-17 Enfield, M1 Garand)
7.62X39 (SKS with star and CCCP markings)

I know that the .30-06 is still in wide use, but it is over 100 years old...

I really like the 6.5X55, mild recoil and fun to shoot. One time I went to the range and shot 200 rounds in an afternoon. I let my son shoot it and he thought it kicked too hard. The funny thing was that a month or so later he had no issues with the M-17 Enfield!
 
22Hornet is another good one getting forgotten.

It's a great g-hound gun. Quiet, flat to 150 on g-hogs, easily loaded to great velocities with the right powder and bullets.
 
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