This cartridge was sometimes used for deer hunting in the past, and William Lyman, the designer of rifle sights, said of it: "For large game, of course, a .32-20 W.C.F. cartridge is rather small, but it comes nearer to being an all-around cartridge in my opinion than any other." Many now consider it too light and low-powered for deer and better suited to small game and
metallic silhouette. It has a good reputation for accuracy in rifles as well as the few handguns that have been chambered for it. Energy and pressure levels for handloading are determined based on the strength and condition of the
firearm action to be used. Because most firearms chambered for this cartridge are older (e.g. early model
Winchester Model 73 and 92 rifles as well as older
Colt and
Smith & Wesson revolvers) factory ammunition usually has reduced pressures from what can be achieved through handloading. Most factory ammunition exhibits ballistics of about and of energy at the muzzle with a bullet from an 18 to 20 inch rifle barrel. The performance characteristics of the cartridge listed in the sidebar should be considered
maximum performance parameters obtainable, and even then only with a modern weapon designed for higher pressure loads. Factory-type loads - and reloads mimicking factory type loads - are the safe maximum loads for use in older firearms. Few, if any, companies still manufacture firearms in this caliber. ==Daughter cartridges==