Sizing for the 32ACP

[Dmon1911]

I have recently decided to cast for the 32 ACP. Unfortunately, I am having issues with loading the cast rounds. I am looking for sizing info from forum members who cast and size these rounds. Diameter that works best for you and weight and bullet design. [smilie=b:
Thanks in advance.

[Leslie Sapp]

What kind of pistol are you running it through? My Walther PP slugs at .310. Some of the American guns tend to run a bit larger. I'd slug the bore and be sure, regardless of what gun you have. I'm using a 311252 right now with good results, sized to .311

But, I've been looking for a 311419, as I want to try out a little heavier boolet with a flat nose.

[Dmon1911]

My problem is with the actual loading of the sized bullet onto the casings. I ordered
some .311 cast. The .311 seemed to be a bit oversize for the casing. Sized some to .309 (as specified in some manuals), these seem a bit small (difficult to get crimped in place). So was looking for input before purchasing another sizing die. I believe .310 would the best bet, just curious about what others have done.
Thanks.

[Leslie Sapp]

Did you actually mike a couple of those ".311" boolets? I'm asking this because one of the reasons I cast for the Walther is that I had difficulty finding a source for a .311 sized, .32 acp suitable bullet. Many of the major suppliers boolets were .312 or 313.

[Dmon1911]

I checked a sampling from the lot with a digital caliper before attempting to load. They checked to be .311 and weight was dead on as advertised. Difficulty in finding suitable components seems to be a issue with this round. Loading for a CZ-70 BTW.

[Leslie Sapp]

Have you slugged the CZ?
Also, It's possible the problem is in your brass or the dies. (thick walled brass or undersized expander ball)
I've not found mine to be that finicky, it just seems to run on whatever I feed it.

[Dmon1911]

The problem is in the actual seating and crimping, not in the feeding or firing. .311 gets a bit shaved, .309 a tad loose. I think thick walled brass could be part of the issue. Will have to do a bit of comparison in casings. Of course a .310 sizer would most likely fix all.

[HARRYMPOPE]

the SAECO #325 is a great heavy one in the 1903 Colt and CZ27.

George

[FergusonTO35]

What kind of brass are you using? Try Remington, as their factory J-word slugs are .311. Also, what kind of expander/flare die are you using? I load .313 Ranch Dog slugs in mine and the Lee flare die does a really good job of opening it up enough for them. Of course you wouldn't have to flare as much for yours.

[leadman]

I have checked several 32acp pistols and found sizes from .309" to .311". It would be good to slug the bore and then use the correct case expander for the size boolit you need.

The 32 S&W (short) is another gun with dimensions over a wide range. Winchester factory ammo is .310" but SAAMI spec is .314" for the bore, which is the same as my old H&R Premier.

Fit the ammo to the gun.

[Dmon1911]

Have tried R-P and PMC brass. Cant really say if one is thicker or thinner. Have been using a set of LEE dies, they seem to work well. Just cant get the crimp right, boolit seems loose with the .309. Slugging the barrel leads me to the .311 boolit. Thanks for the responses.

[RobsTV]

My CZ 27 would not chamber the .32 Mastercast bullets shipped at .313.
Bore measured .308.
Tried sizing to .311 and still no go.
Finally .309 sized and they work fine, but have very little lube groove left.

Since it had the Nazi markings on it during occupied WWII, and seemed a little fragile, ended up mainly keeping it in the safe and shooting berry plated out of it when it does rarely get shot. The Berry's Plated chambered fine.