Introduced by Winchester in 1882 for their Model 73 lever action rifle, the 32-20 quickly attained considerable popularity as a medium power cartridge in both rifle and revolver. Although semi obsolete, the .32-20 still enjoys modest popularity with farmers, ranchers, trappers, and pot hunters. It can be reloaded easily and at a moderate cost. In addition, it delivers good killing power on small and medium game at ranges out to 100 yards without destroying all the edible meat. In a strong single action revolver, the .32-20 can be loaded to 1050 to 1100 fps from a 6 inch barrel, which makes a very effective field gun. Trouble is the cartridge is too long for most modern revolver cylinders. The .32 H&RMagnum; is shorter and will serve to fill the requirement for a high performance 32 caliber handgun round. The .357 Magnumrevolver cartridge chambering in a rifle will outperform the 32-20 by a substantial margin. In any event, the author has always liked the .32-20 for certain purposes, although by todays standards it is a bit on the obsolete side. The .32-20 is the basis for the 25-20and the 218 Bee. 

This text is based on information from “Cartridges of the World”, Hodgdon reloading manual, the cartridge designer and/or own resources.