I've always thought a 32-20 would be a great "tight quarters" round...when hunting near homes in suburban wood lot's etc.
I acquired a very well used Savage Model 23C that had already been drilled and tapped for a side mount. It was actually a $99 special at the local Gander Mountain. I mounted an old Leupold vari-x II 2-7x33.
I shot one big 7 point whitetail at around 15 yds in the neck. I was using a handload which had a 100 gr Hornady XTP at 1400 fps. The deer was DRT but the bullet did not exit.
I also shot a nice sized doe this afternoon close to 50 yds away. Took a neck shot and the deer literally flipped when hit. Then got up and ran as I approached. This doe took another shot as it ran and one more when I caught up to it. None of the rounds exited.
So can one kill a whitetail with a 32-20? Absolutely. Is it the best round for the job? No. In my opinion it's marginal and shots should be taken only when the most ideal target is offered at close range.
Dan
