.32 S&W Long Loads for 2" S&W Model 31-1

[barefooter175]

I want to use a 115 gr. RNFP for this load. Does anyone have actual experience with a good load in a 2" barrel using a bullet close to this weight? If so, please recommend what you have used. Thanks.

[olafhardt]

I am answering this mainly to be subscribed to your post so I can see the answers you get. I have found 32 caliber pistol loads in older hand books to often be pretty stiff. The model 31 Smith is stronger than a lot of the older 32's. I suggest reading the Sticky " The 32 SW Long as a manstopper". This sticky is very,very long.

[Outpost75]

2.5 grains of Bullseye with #311008 or similar is a safe, full-charge load.

[Larry Gibson]

I have pressure tested numerous loads for the 32 S&WL. For my own M30 S&W with 3" barrel {same as M31 but with fixed sights] I use 2 loads with 115 gr cast bullets; one with 2.8 gr Bullseye and one with 3.3 gr of Unique. Both loads run right at 18,000 psi which are safe for the solid steel framed S&W M30 and M31s.

[Outpost75]

Thanks Larry!

[barefooter175]

Thanks, Larry.

[barefooter175]

I just loaded 15 rounds for testing. The #05 Lil' Dandy rotor is only throwing 3.0 gr. Unique (listed for 3.3gr.). I will see how it works and report back here.

[JoeJames]

I have found that with a 98 grain swc, my most accurate and shoot to point of aim loads for fixed sight S&W's - 32 HE's, an improved I frame pre-Model 30, and my 631 (all 4") are 2- 2.1 grains of Bullseye. I have tried 115 grain swc's but due to dwell time, I figured I needed to heat 'em up too much to be pleasant.
32 S&W Long
my own testing
Bullet: 98 grain lead semi-wadcutter

S&W 32 Hand Ejector 5th Change
98 grain lead swc:
fps
2.0 grains - Bullseye = 659, 642, 665
2.1 grains - Bullseye = 694, 681, 689
2.2 grains - Bullseye = 625, 757, 760
.........
Fiocchi Wad-cutters = 560, 587, 597, 608
...............
S&W Model 631 4"

fps
1.5 grains - Trail Boss = 527, 530, 555, 511, 493,
2.0 grains - Trail Boss = 694, 687, 645, 705, 673
* 2.0 grains of Trail Boss comes to bullet base
fps
2.0 grains - Bullseye = 559, 641, 672
2.1 grains - Bullseye = 636, 681, 684
2.2 grains - Bullseye = 702, 741, 721

[Larry Gibson]

"I have found that with a 978 grain swc….."

I am duly impressed......

[rockrat]

Me too.

978 grains!!!

Wonder what twist he uses to stabilize that thing!!

[JoeJames]

"I have found that with a 978 grain swc….."

I am duly impressed......

Me too. Just glanced at it. Duh 98 grain! And honestly that was not one of them spell correction things either.

[Hickory]

Joe James.
Don't you just love that S&W 631?
I have had mine since they first came out and have dispatched rabbits, ground hogs, blue grouse, squirrels, coyote, skunks, prairie dogs, it is a nice companion for woods walking.

[JoeJames]

Joe James.
Don't you just love that S&W 631?
I have had mine since they first came out and have dispatched rabbits, ground hogs, blue grouse, squirrels, coyote, skunks, prairie dogs, it is a nice companion for woods walking.

I do indeed. Even though chambered for the 32 H&R Magnum, it is very accurate with 32 S&W Longs with a 98 grain SWC. Still keeping an eye out for a decent Model 31. I have an improved I frame pre Model 30 4” which is handy as a pocket on a shirt, and shoots right on to point of aim.