New Beretta 32 acp

[Jniedbalski]

Loaded up around 500 32 acp today. I did around 200 with 73 gr fmj and the rest with my lee mold. The lee mold I think started out as a .311 93 1R. Got it from a member here and it was milled down and dropes now at 80.4 gr. This mold makes nice looking little bullets. To bad it’s only a two cavity but I can live with that. I recently bought a Beretta police trade in Italian 32 acp. This gun came in very nice shape. I started the load at 1.7 gr of bullseye. Now both the 73 gr fmj’s and the cut down lee mold at 80.4 gr are loaded at 1.9 gr of bullseye with a loaded oal length of .970. This seems like a very mild load. Very easy to shoot and not much kick. Don’t know the velocity but it worked good out to 20 yards. I used ww alloy with a little tin added and lubed with white label tumble lube. I think it’s called 45/45/10 lube. I used way to much lube on them a little Smokey but shot great. The lead out shot the .312 fmj for accuracy. Glad I got the NOE expander and the lee factory crimp die for this cartarage using lead. everything I have looked up for loading this from Outpost 75 on this site has been spot on. I have noticed the lee fcd didint even touch most of the brass only certain brands where sized down. I also sized my lead bullets .311 before loading in a lee push through sizer. The fmj’s with certain brass gave the most resistance at times. This little Bretta is now the most fun shooting pistole I have. I shot the 92Fs 9mm and the 32 today and my star 9 mm. It was a good day at the range. Thanks to outpost 75 with loading this cartarage. There is not much info out there for it. Especially using lead.

[Outpost75]

Here is an older article of mine which is a nice primer on the various .32s:

The .32 "Popguns"

The ".32 Popguns" are great small game foraging guns which are much more effective on game larger than bunnies than any rimfire.

While the .32 ACP and .32 S&W Long should not be your first choice as defense guns, when loaded with flat-nosed cast lead bullets they are more effective than LRN and FMJ bullets in those calibers which served in European police and military roles into the early 1980s.

I find it interesting that the Colt 1851 Navy, with .375", 80-grain lead round ball and 20 grains of 3Fg black powder, killed multitudes of bad guys in its day, and approximates the energy of a .32 S&W Long revolver, about 850 fps... With handloaded ammunition, in a strong gun, the ballistic performance of the .32 ACP, .32 S&W Long, .32-20 Winchester and .32 H&R Magnum and .380 ACP are all very similar in terms of payload and velocity, about 90 grains at 900 fps.

In a sturdy, steel-frame .32 ACP autopistol, you can safely drive a 90-grain .309" Hornady XTP bullet at 900+ fps from a 3.5" barrel using 3 grains of AutoComp. Using a lubricated lead flat-nosed cast bullet of similar weight you approach 1000 fps with that same 3 grains of AutoComp and penetrate 30+ inches of water jugs.

A charge of 3 grains of Bullseye or 3.5 grains of 231 or HP38 does the same thing in a sturdy post-WW2 .32 S&W Long revolver like the S&W Model 30 or 31. This exceeds actual chronograph results for 100-grain .32-20 Winchester factory loads fired from a 5-inch revolver.

In post-1918 S&W .32-20 Hand Ejectors having heat treated cylinders you can safely load 3.5 grains of Bullseye, 5 grains of AutoComp, 7.5 grains of Alliant #2400 or 10 grains of 4227 with a 100-grain lead flat-nosed bullet for about 1000 fps from a 5" revolver having a tight cylinder gap of 0.004-0.006".

That level of performance defines the "envelope" for the .32 H&R Magnum, for which the design intent was to efficiently attain full .32-20 black powder velocity levels in a case having correct capacity to efficiently use smokeless powder at pressures approximating the .38 Special +P, which could be chambered in small, compact pocket and "kit" guns. It does precisely that.

The .327 Federal is to the .32s what the .357 Magnum is to the .38s. It approximates the ballistics of Winchester 1892 High Speed .32-20 rifle ballistics, but from a handgun. Think of it as a rimmed, revolver equivalent of the 7.62x25 Tokarev round. Its high velocity appeals to varmint shooters and enhances its potential as a defense round, but is unnecessary for a small game foraging gun, as full charge loads are overly destructive of table game.

The advantage of the .327 is that revolvers chambered for it can also use .32 S&W Long or .32 H&R Magnum ammo, but that you have a sturdy gun for steady use with heavy loads which you are unlikely to shoot loose with what the late Frank Marshall, Jr. referred to as "adventurous experimentation." And if you really want to singe the hair off the backs of your hands, bring spots before your eyes with muzzle flash, and go deaf the first time you shoot full-charge .327s without ear plugs, then it's your huckleberry!

I use my .32 handguns for the same things that "normal people" would use a .22 LR for, recreational shooting, small game and farm utility carry. It does a much better job at humanely putting down slaughtered animals than a .22 and can be loaded more cheaply than buying .22s at current prices, if you cast your own bullets from cheap scrap lead. One pound of Bullseye powder will load about 2500 rounds.

In the rural south .32 guns and ammo are common. This must be a regional thing. Factory ammo is readily available from Internet sellers. Starline makes brass. A variety of suitable molds are available. I frequently find partial boxes of various .32 cartridges at estate and garage sales in my rural West Virginia county, and eagerly snap up all that I find.

You need only ONE set of dies, a bullet mold, and two shell holders to reload for all of the common .32 rounds:

.32 ACP
.32 Smith & Wesson
.32 Smith & Wesson Long
.32 H&R Magnum
.327 Federal

If just starting to gear up to feed your new .32 Bunny Gun Fetish, buy RCBS .32 ACP dies having a carbide sizer, expander die and seater.

Get shell holders for the .32 ACP (or a .30 carbine will work if you already have one) and .32 S&W Long (or a .223 Remington will also work if you already have one). Buy the Lee Bullet Sizing Kit in .311" diameter if you will load for the .32 ACP, or a .314" if you intend to load for the .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum or .327 Federal.

Most versatile production "one fits all" mold is the RCBS 32-90CM mold which casts a 90-grain, flattened roundnose "Cowboy" slug.

The Saeco #325 semi-wadcutter is a great choice for the revolvers and will also feed in the .32 ACP Colt 1903, Beretta 1935 and CZ27 pistols. In others maybe,maybe not.

If your .32 Automatic feeds flat nosed bullets and JHPs, Accurate has several which mimiick the Buffalo Bore shape, but with sufficient .26" nose length to prevent rimlock. These are 31-077B, 31-084H and 31-090B, all good choices in .32 ACP.

If your pistol tends not to feed anything reliably but roundnose hardball, better bullet choices are Accurate 31-087T, 31-087B, 31-093T and 31-094H.

Any of the 87 grain and heavier bullets which drop no smaller than .313" are suitable for the .32 revolvers and will shoot close to their fixed sights and can toleate sizing to .311 for the .32 ACP if you want a dual-use bullet.

Accurate 31-105T is a specialized double-crimp-groove design of traditional shape similar to factory bullets once used in the .32-20 and .32 Colt New Police. It is optimized for revolver use in the .32 S&W Long, .32 S&W Magnum and .32-20, but is a bit heavy and "fat" for successful use in .32 ACP auto pistols.

Cast your .32 bullets from SOFT range backstop scrap or wheelweights, 10-12 BHN is good. Drop them onto a folded towel and let them slowly air cool. Harder quenched alloy is completely unnecessary. Lube your bullets by tumbling in Lee Liquid Alox only until they are a light brassy color all over. There is no need to "fill" the lube grooves for subsonic rounds fired from short barrels. You don't need to buy a lubricator-sizer. If bullets from your mold drop as-cast at .313-.314 you can load them in revolver ammo without sizing. If bullets drop over .314" they should be sized .311" for .32 ACP and .314 for the revolvers.

Best bang for the buck is to buy Alliant Bullseye powder, and anybody's small pistol primers.

The RCBS Little Dandy Measure is perfect for loading the small .32 cases.

Use the Rotor #00 to load 1.7 grains of Bullseye in the .32 ACP with the 90-grain RCBS lead bullet, or 2 grains of TiteGroup for 75-78 grain bullets.

Use the Rotor #0 to measure 2.2 grains of Bullseye loading lighter 75-80 grain bullets in the .32 ACP, or to approximate factory loads with your Cowboy lead bullets in the .32 S&W Long for use in older pre-WW2 revolvers.

Use the Rotor #1 to assemble "full-charge" loads in the .32 S&W Long, 2.5 grains of Bullseye for about 850 fps with the 90-grain lead bullet in .32 S&W Long brass for general use.

Rotor #1 and the same 2.5 grains of Bullseye with 71-grain FMJs at 0.97” minimum cartridge OAL in the .32 ACP, which approximates CIP-Euro loads at 905 fps from a 3.5 inch barrel and should not be exceeded.

In strong, modern revolvers chambered for the .32 S&W Long, such as the S&W Model 30 or 31, or any chambered for .32 H&R Magnum ammunition, you may use the Little Dandy measure Rotor #3 for 3 grains of Bullseye in .32 S&W Long brass with the 90 grain RCBS bullet for about 900 fps from a 4-inch barrel. Consider this a "+P" load for occasional use only.

You can match factory velocities 1000+ fps with 90-grain lead bullet or 85-grain .312" Hornady XTP in the .32 H&R Magnum using the RCBS Little Dandy Rotor #5 to meter 3.5 grs. of Bullseye in Starline .32 H&R Magnum brass with the Federal 200 primer.

The same 3.5 grain charge of Bullseye is a standard-pressure, full charge 900+ fps load which is safe in any post 1905 .32-20 revolver proofed for smokeless powder.

Some manuals suggest higher velocities in .32 H&R Mag. and .32-20 loads than this, but supersonic velocities defeat the purpose of a non-destructive small game load which permits you to “eat right up to the bullet hole.” The RCBS Cowboy bullet has a flat nose which provides good crush and deep penetration. It does not need to be driven supersonic to be effective.

Do not shoot thousands of .32 ACP cast bullet loads with bullets heavier than 80 grains in the tiny Keltec and Beretta “mouse guns” having light alloy frames, because they are "frame crackers."

If you have GrandDad's Colt M1903 Pocket Hammerless, Beretta M1935, CZ27, or Walther PP bringback from WW2 the 90-grain lead loads run like a pony trotting.

In steel frame guns you have no worries with up to 2.2 grains of Bullseye with the 90-grain RCBS bullet at .311" diameter and a minimum cartridge OAL of 0.95"

Consider 3 grains of AutoComp in the .32 ACP with the 90-grain Hornady .309" XTP at 0.95" OAL as +P for occasional and emergency use, not as steady diet unless you "heavy-up" the recoil spring with one intended for the .380 ACP version of your Colt, CZ, Beretta or Walther steel-framed pistol.

[rking22]

Outpost75, having worked with the Beretta 81 a bit, do you place it in the WWII era steel frame realm as far as endurance with higher end loads. Aluminum frame but same spring and slide as the 380 would seem to even things out??

[Outpost75]

Outpost75, having worked with the Beretta 81 a bit, do you place it in the WWII era steel frame realm as far as endurance with higher end loads. Aluminum frame but same spring and slide as the 380 would seem to even things out??

I would not rank ANY light alloy frame pistol in the same class as to durability as the M1934/35 Berettas, Colt M1903 or the CZ27. The heavier springs and slide will provide some mitigation for occasional use, but not continuously if you want the gun to last. I would inspect the slide stop surfaces in the frame for signs of peening and let that be your guide.

[Jniedbalski]

Thanks for the info. I have searched and looked for any info you have ever written on the 32 and posted on the internet. My saved notes are full of your posts. One reason I got the lee fcd is because of one of your posts . I know a lot of people on this forum don’t like it but it has always worked great for me. I have also save a link to all your other post’s on the net. I have found out if you wright about something and post it it just works. I also have links to stuff that Larry Gibson has posted. The 1.9 gr or bullseye with the 80.4 gr cut down lee mold seems light to me. No way to tell pressure or velocity. Wondering if a 2.2 gr max load of bullseye would be ok in this aluminum frame pistole? This load does shoot very good like you would say like a pony trotting. No leading very easy shooting and accurate. Compared to my Bretta 92fs 9mm and my stars steel frame and slide 9mm and my Hungarian aluminum frame 9x18 very snappy, this pistole is just very easy to shoot all day long and just plane fun. You are the reason I got the 32acp from one of your post. Thanks for helping me spend my money haha. What ever you post about it is always spot on. Now I need to save up to buy another one. Thanks for all your post it helped me a lot.

[Outpost75]

I wouldn't be afraid to use 2.2 grs. of Bullseye as a steady diet in the Beretta 81 with an 80-84 grain bullet, but with a 90-95 grain bullet I would use it more sparingly.

2.5 grains of Unique or AutoComp would also run well.

[Jniedbalski]

Think I will try auto comp next . I have a pound of it to use. Like I said there is hardly any load info out there.

[Jniedbalski]

I have been using the lee perfect powder measure. I get good results with the light loads I have been using in the 32 with bullseye.I have been throwing charges with it then putting them on my lee scale to check. 1.7 to 1.9 gr.

[Outpost75]

I have been using the lee perfect powder measure. I get good results with the light loads I have been using in the 32 with bullseye.I have been throwing charges with it then putting them on my lee scale to check. 1.7 to 1.9 gr.

That same volume should be very close to 2.5 grains of AutoComp. I would dump ten and weigh then move the decimal. If not over 2.6ish I would try some. The 3 grain AutoComp load is fine with a 71-78 grain bullet but is +P with a bullet over about 80 grains.

[Jniedbalski]

Thanks for the info. I have read your article about auto comp. my lee perfect powder measure is so easy to adjust to any amount. I guess I don’t have to use set size bushings. Some people don’t like adjusting dies every time you use them also. I never under stood that. It’s so easy to do. I like doing it. The next powder I will try is auto comp and will post how it turns out

[paul edward]

Been loading 32 ACP since mid sixties for a Bernadelli Model 60 and Unique Rr51. Have Lyman 311252 mold which drops at 78 grains at .311. Loads used 2.5 gr W231 and 2.2 Bullseye. At first these were loaded unsized and pan lubed with cookie cutter, later at .312 with Lyman sizer/lubricator. Same load and dies work with 32 S&W Long.

Goal is load strong enough to reliably cycle a blow back action. Revolvers will digest almost anything. Usage is tin cans, cardboard boxes and casual targets.