Original 32 acp Question

[Boaz]

Would anyone know what the standard/average grains of powder would be in the 32 acp rounds of 100 years ago would have been ? I have a few Colt 1903's and wanted to try and recreate the same round they were designed for, just a project when I get my press going .

[Outpost75]

According to Hatcher's Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers (1935), the standard charge with FMJ bullet at 0.98" OAL was 2.5 grains of Bullseye for 905 fps. This is a bit warmer than current Alliant data recommends, but I have loaded many such rounds using new Winchester brass and primers with the Magtech 71 grain FMJ bullet and have shot several thousand of them in my Colt 1903 pocket model, steel frame ca. 1963 Walther PP, CZ27 and CZ50 pistols, which smokestack and short cycle with modern US ammo. This load chronographs almost exactly the same as European CIP hardball from RWS, Fiocchi and Sellier & Bellot, as well as WW2- era steel cased Geco I got from the estate of a WW2 vet, and has been 100% reliable. I use an RCBS Little Dandy pistol powder measure with the No.1 drum/rotor for these.

For a cast bullet load, use the RCBS 32-90CM bullet cast of wheelweights, sized. 311" and the No.00 drum/rotor for 1.7 grains, seating bullets to 0.97" OAL. for 800 fps.

[dondiego]

Outpost75 - I have 2 of the Little Dandy powder throwers and I love them. I use a #2 rotor with Bullseye for the .380 ACP. I need a #1 rotor now.

[Boaz]

Thanks for the info Outpost75 !

[paul edward]

The standard load of 100 years ago would be like the standard load today. Suggested starting load would be 2.2 grains of Bullseye with a 71 grain FMJ bullet.

For the last 40 years, and in several diferent pistols, I have had good luck with cast boolits from a Lyman 311252 mold. This is a 75 grain round nose measuring .312". My usual load is 2.5 grains of Win 231 (or HP-38). Start with a load a few grains lighter and increase by .1 gr until you get acceptable feeding and cycling of the pistol. Neither of these loads are recommended for dangerous game and all of the usual disclaimers apply.

[Outpost75]

2.2 grains of current production Bullseye results in smokestack jams in all of my WW2 era pistols with 71-grain FMJ bullet, and only 850 fps, like current US ammo, which also fails to function


Pistols are Colt Type II M1903 pocket hammerless, Walther PP, FN M1922, CZ27, CZ50, BerettaM1935, Mauser M1910.

RWS and Fiocchi 73-grain FMJ ammo all chronograph about 950 fps from standard pistols with 10cm barrels and 900 from my Beretta 3032 INOX with 2.4" barrel. WW2 era steel cased Geco from the estate of a WW2 vet does also.

I have to load 2.4-2.5 grains of current Bullseye and Magtech 71 FMJ in new Winchester cases with WSP primers at 0.975" OAL for the guns to even function!

[Boaz]

These replys are going to help me out a lot I own quite a few old 32's and shoot them often . 32 cal has become a step child when it comes to being able to find ammo in my neck of the woods . Brand of powder was a concern as was grains .

[Boaz]

I really thank you guys for the info . Going to hold out for the Lyman mold .

[Outpost75]

Don't pass up the RCBS if you can find one. It feeds well, is effective on small game and accurate.

[Pimp_Bot_5000]

After hearing good things about the Lyman 311252 for this caliber here, I cast some last weekend and am planning on loading them for both my Walther PP in 32 acp and C96 Mauser in 30 Mauser. Slugged both the barrels today and they both came out at .310 at the widest from what I measured. Going to size at .311 and lube with Lyman OrangeMagic or Carnauba Red. I'll post back here after I hit the range in a couple weeks.

[Outpost75]

I shot alot of #311252 in the Mauser M96 when I had one.

Check the locking surfaces carefully for peening and the rear of the receiver where the charging handle comes to a stop. If this area is battered, strip the whole gun down and inspect with dye penetrant for cracks. Lightest load which will cycle will probably be in the range of 4.2-4.5 grs. of Bullseye. Don't exceed 5 grains in the Broomhandle Mauser, which agrees with old data from Hatcher and Lyman handbook.