Can modern loads of the .32-20 match or beat the .30 carbine standard load? Winchester lists the .30 at 1990 fps, and the .32 at 1400 fps, so i'm guessing it's for all the old guns still out there.
While i'm on the topic, how does the .32HR mag stackup out of a rifle length barrel?

If you're looking for the best velocity I think the largest case capacity is going to win this contest and I'd guess that's the .30 Carbine.

I can get a 115 lead gas checked bullet going 2000 fps in a .32 H&R out of a 22" bbl.

I think the .30 carbine would top out better than the 32-20, because the 32-20 brass is rather on the weak side. As for the .32 H&R Mag., your guess is as good as mine. It would be interesting to find out though.
Paul B.

Guessing that you are looking for something to plink and play with the ability to have a little "zip" when you want to add it so I am going to say go for the 32-20 (especially if the barrel is tight enough to go .309 or so on the bullets.

As I remember it John Taffin got the 115 grain bullets over 2000 fps and that is in a 14" contender barrel.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah you will hear about the thin necks with the 32-20, I have damaged more 45-70s than anything else because of the thin nck on that case and yet one NEVER reads about it being an issue.

To do properly both cases need to be lubed to be sized. My 30 carbine dies are carbide and yet there is a warning with them to lube at least some of the cases being resized if one is loading GI brass. Hek lube em all and go forth and make holes in things!

30 M1 carbine will significantly limit what gun you are going to shoot also!!