Ruger Single Six 32 bullet recomendations

[stephen]

I recently came across a 9 1/2" Ruger single six in 32 mag. For being such a long barrelled gun, it just feels right in the hand. Funny thing is it sat in my local gun shop for about 4 months or better before I noticed it wasn't a 22.
I'm looking for a good bullet for it. I have the Lee TL SWC but I don't care for the TL style or the size, as mine drops at .318. If Midway had the RCBS Keith style mould in stock that'd be where I'd lean. I want better performance on game than the round nose S&W Longs I had. SWC or WC preferred but I'm open to other's experiences.
Haven't had the chance to group it yet, but I was hitting rocks the size of melons at 75 yds w/ regularity.
Thanks, now for the eye candy...http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/steve1981107/Photo454.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/steve1981107/media/Photo454.jpg.html)

[Mohillbilly]

I have had good luck with that swc , and at 75 gr it is a lead saver . I have a 6 cav , that was dropped, wish I could get another . I've sized it down to shoot in 30 carb rounds and worked well there too. I get grins shooting 32 acp in my 9" in the yard , as they are quiet .

[Hickory]

Lyman mould #311008 shoots very well in my single six.

As for WC boolits, they rarely perform well beyond 25-30 yds.

[dbosman]

Nice. I can see why you thought it was a .22.
Great score.

[Outpost75]

Saeco #325 is a 98-grain Keith style with large meplat, which is accurate and performs well on small game. I load 3 grains of Bullseye or 7 grs. of #2400 in H&R Mag. brass and either 2.5 grains of Bullseye orc6 grs. of #2400 in .32 S&W Long brass.

[Dale53]

I have several .32's (mostly .32 H&R's but at least one .32 S&W Long). I have used a LOT of S&W Long cases in my .32 H&R Magnums with relatively light loads for target and edible small game. If the shots are fifty yards and under, the wadcutters work very well on both target and game. However, for all around use I like my Group Buy (six cavity Lee) 100 gr Keith in either case. If and when you can get one, the RCBS 98 gr SWC is a dandy, also. It has a lot to commend it except it is only available in a two cavity mould. I believe that Accurate Molds has a nice SWC. That's where I would look. In fact, I just checked and he has a 105 gr Keith that ought to be just what you want for your new revolver:

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=31-105K-D.png

He reportedly gives quick service, excellent quality, and multiple cavity moulds in a couple of different metals. Sounds good to me:smile:

Dale53

[NoZombies]

I agree with the suggestions of the RCBS 98 GR SWC and the Saeco 325. I've got one of the 5.5" versions of the ruger, and it seems to like both of those bullets fairly well. It's all time favorite is probably the old ideal 31133, but those are hard to find. The 3118 or 311008 are the same bullet with a solid nose instead of the hollow point, and the ruger likes them pretty well too.

Another good one is the NOE Keith type in 115 grains, looks like he has a few in stock at the website.

[Zim]

I'll repeat for the Seaco 325. Mine is the 4 cavity & works in my Ruger & S&Ws.

[Lloyd Smale]

my favorites have been the rcbs swc, the ballistic cast 105swc, ballistic cast 120 swcgc and the lbt 115 lfngc.

[Thin Man]

My first choice for 32 H&R Mag is the RCBS 32-98SWC which holds tight groups at all appropriate higher speeds. I also have an Ideal mold #31133, which is the #3118 (311008) but in hollow-point format. In spite of wanting and needing to test this boolit in the 32 Magnum, I simply haven't gotten around to getting it done. I can mention that when cast with straight WW alloy and loaded in the 30 Carbine caliber this boolit results in rather explosive performance.

[sixshot]

The RCBS 98 gr-100 gr slug works great, I load it over 3 grs of WST & shoot lots of ground squirrels, rock chucks & grouse with it, very accurate.
PM me if you need some.

Dick

[Larry Gibson]

All the above PB'd cast do well in the .32 H&R. However, if you want max performance at top end velocity from your SS then a GC'd cast is what you'll want. I use the Lyman 311316 at 1200 fps and the 313631 (SWC designed for the H&R) at 1350 fps out of my 6 1/2" SS Ruger. They run 1400 & 1600+ fps out of my 10" Contender. I'd guess you could run in between with your SS.

I use the Lee 90 gr SWC over 3.2 Bullseye for plinking and small edible game. Mine drops at .315 out of soft scrap alloy and I TL and size at .312 for my Ruger &Contender. Accuracy is excellent at 1000-1050 fps.

Larry Gibson

[stephen]

I guess I should have mentioned that I'd be loading for both S&W L and Mags. Probably mostly S&W L as I have more brass for that.
Those of you who load the 115 gr bullets, do you do so in the S&W L as well as the H&R mag?
Also, looking through a half dozen reloading books, it seems the heaviest bullet listed is 100 gr. for both cartridges. I think I'd prefer to stay within that 100 gr. range as I don't consider myself qualified enough to experiment with load development for heavier bullets.
Dale, the accurate mould looks pretty good but I think I've read EK's Sixguns too many times to overlook the skinny middle band on it. Thx

[EMC45]

RCBS 32-098. Done. Melt, pour, load, shoot, repeat......

[Green Frog]

If I could own only 1 mould for the 32 revolver (I currently have a half dozen or so with another on order) it would be either a 3118/311008 or 311316 in a double cavity Ideal or the oldest Lyman example I could find. JMHO, YMMV. My attitude may be influenced by the fact that I load for 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R semi-Magnum, and 327 Federal Magnum, but my bullets range from about 90 grains or so up to 125, and I'd have to split the difference if I only had one! :lovebooli

Froggie

[wdr2]

I have a 4-cav NOE 314316 GC mold that casts well and shoots great in my Ruger SS & Marlin 1894. I mostly use W296 and HS6 with Starline 32H&R brass. I am waiting on a similar mold from MiHec, the 314640 HP GC 115gr. I have found a GC helps with higher velocity loads in this caliber.

[EOD3]

I use the 115 grain Laser-Cast bullet for the 32/20. Makes a great varmint bullet.

[stephen]

A few of theses suggestions seem very promising. I'm quite interested in some of the older Lyman moulds. I'll keep my eyes open.
Right now I'm on the lookout for the RCBS 32 SWC. Seems everybody is on backorder right now...
If anybody is wanting to get rid of theirs let me know. (Fingers X'd)
Or a WC mould...
Thx.

[9.3X62AL]

I'm another fan of the RCBS 32-98-SWC. I would have to rank it the single-best boolit I've found to service the 32 SWL and the 32 Magnum. It shoots well from 700-1200 FPS, and has done so in several 32 SWL and 32 Magnum revolvers. I bought it originally to service my first 32 Magnum, a Ruger SSM like yours but having the 5.5" barrel. Ruger really should bring these back, but with the Blackhawk and GP-100 now chambered in 327 Federal......I'm not going to hold my breath. My RCBS mould casts these large enough to "clean up" in my .314" H&I die, which corresponds to the throat diameters of my Model 16-4 and my pre-war M&P in 32-20.

Regarding Lyman #313631, the SWC/GC intended for the 32 Magnum.....in both the 16-4 and the 30 Carbine Blackhawk, it really doesn't come into its own accuracy-wise until ran at 1100 FPS+. At 1350 FPS from the 16-4 and 1500+ from the BH, it is VERY impressive on paper and on varmints. Both loads/revolvers are louder than Hell's Drumline, too. Plugs and muffs for the ears are a good idea.

In general, I've found that 32 S&W Long and 32 Magnum revolver do better work with 90-100 grain boolits, and that 32-20s seem to prefer 110-120 grainers. My three 32-20s have preferred the heavier bullets, anyway.

[Harry O]

Another vote for the RCBS 98gr SWC in the .32 Magnum. I have a Ruger Super Single-Six like yours, but with the 6-1/2" barrel. It loves the RCBS for moderate loads (up to factory pressures).

For heavier loads (above .32 Magnum factory pressures) I use the Hornady 85gr XTP. I took the Ruger up to 8.0gr of 2400, but had a little problem with ejecting them through the narrow ejection cutout. Too much drag. I polished the insides of the chambers with 1000 and 1500 sandpaper and reduced the load to 7.5gr and have no problems with ejection any more. I would not use this load in anything other than a Ruger, but have had no problems since polishing.

Like 9.3x62AL, my .32 Magnums prefer the lighter bullets (85 to 100gr) and my 32-20s prefer heavier bullets (100 to 120gr).

[MGD]

One more vote for the 98 gr RCBS, for all the reasons mentioned. Also it makes a very pretty round.

[9.3X62AL]

One more vote for the 98 gr RCBS, for all the reasons mentioned. Also it makes a very pretty round.

It does, at that! Aesthetics count, too. :)

[MT Gianni]

The RCBS swc for game and target, Lee 90 swc and 2.5 gr red Dot for low velocity target.

[stephen]

Anyone use the RCBS wadcutter? I'm thinking of ordering one since I can't find the SWC in stock anywhere and the Lee SWC should be ok for a little while longer. Also, if anyone knows, how does the size of the meplat compare on the Lee SWC to the RCBS'? Thanks

[NoZombies]

The RCBS WC design is a very good bullet. In my revolvers it has delivered good groups to 25 yards with consistency. In my .32 match gun (with a tight bore and fast twist) it gives excellent accuracy out to 50 meters.

The RCBS SWC has a larger meplat than the Lee SWC by a fair margin. Below is a sampling of .32 bullets, including both the Lee SWC and the RCBS SWC. I need to get an updated photo sometime to show some of the rest of the collection...

http://nozombies.com/cast/32boolits.jpg
L-R: .313" RB, custom 80 gn .315 DEWC, lee 85 gn TL DEWC, Lyman 313492 type 3 WC, Lyman 313445 SWC, Lee .314-90 TL SWC, Lyman 313631 GC SWC, Custom 110 gn .315 SWC, RCBS 32-098 SWC, Ideal 31133 HP, Lyman 311008 RNFP, Lee 100 gn .311 RN, Lyman 311410.

Oh, and here's an example of a group shot through my single six 5.5" with the Ideal 31133 (311008 HP) at 25 yards:
http://nozombies.com/cast/32/results/5.jpg

[stephen]

Thanks for the visual No Z. I've got my WC ordered, now I think I need to keep my eyes open for a 31133 after seeing the bullet and your results. Thanks.

[19112TAP]

Like others have said all of my 32 h&r mags like the following RCBS 32-098 SWC, Ideal 31133 HP, Lyman 311008 RNFP with several different powders.

[Bucking the Tiger]

NOE makes a great 115 grain Keith SWC mold that is a .32 version of the Lyman #358429. It is a great long range bullet in the .32 S&W Long and the 32-20.I have a 5 cavity plain base that is a joy to use.

[NoZombies]

Thanks for the visual No Z. I've got my WC ordered, now I think I need to keep my eyes open for a 31133 after seeing the bullet and your results. Thanks.

Don't get too hung up on it being the 31133, the 311008 is very nearly as good in my gun, and would probably be better in someone else's. (I find that my guns think it's funny to like best the bullet design that I have a single cavity mold for, instead of the one that I have a 4 cavity mold for...)

[Green Frog]

Oh my! I thought the 6 or 7 different bullets I have was a good selection... you've got me completely beat. I'm trying to settle down to about 4 or 5 that I will actually use, the Ideal 323445 and 313492 at about 95 gr each (which I have now in double cavity) the MP 100 grain hollow point 314640 (which I ordered on a Group Buy over a year ago) ) the 115 grain 3118 (which I have single cavity but still am trying to find in DC) and the NOE 314008 which came out bigger than expected at 125 grains.) I think that will pretty well meet my needs without too much overlap. I have to feed S&W 32 Hand Ejectors (32 S&W Long) and a couple of 327 Fed Mags from Ruger and S&W (this latter a custom stainless K-frame.)

Froggie

[NoZombies]

Oh my! I thought the 6 or 7 different bullets I have was a good selection... you've got me completely beat.
That's an old picture now. It represents maybe 1/3 of the .32 molds I currently have. :oops:

One of these days I'll line up examples and take some more photos. Just not enough time here lately!

I'm trying to settle down to about 4 or 5 that I will actually use
I've got a half dozen or so that I use more than the rest, but for me collecting the molds is part of the hobby!

[Crash_Corrigan]

I bought a Ruger Bisley model 327 Federal Magnum with an 8 round cylinder a year ago. I only use cast from my RCBS 32-98 mold. I had trouble finding brass so I bought a bunch of 32 H&R Magnum brass and it works just fine for mid range and target use.

This is a really nice shooting target gun but with a 5 1/2" barrel a bit much for concealed carry. However I live in Nevada, an open carry state, so I pack it in a belt holster and I have yet to be harassed by the police anywhere. However I do not waltz around with it in casinos or on the strip.

[Green Frog]

Crash, have you checked with Starline Brass for 327 Fed Mag? They made a run of them last year, and I stocked up with a batch of 1000. I don't know what is in stock at this point, but it would be worth checking.

Froggie

PS Just checked; they are currently listed as on backorder. :cry: They say they will make another run when backorders are sufficient to justify. I sure am glad I went on and ordered when I did to feed my Blackhawk and Model 616! :guntootsmiley:

[crash87]

You can also try Freedom Arms for 327 brass, Bought my supply there, starline.
Crash87

[Steppapajon]

That's an old picture now. It represents maybe 1/3 of the .32 molds I currently have. :oops:

One of these days I'll line up examples and take some more photos. Just not enough time here lately!


Would love to see that picture. Any hope that it might still happen?

[rking22]

Id like to see it too! Bet there are even a "Few" more on hand for the family portrait now:)

[KCSO]

Real good luch with the Lee soupcan bullet. Plenty of punch and very good accuracy.

[9.3X62AL]

Real good luch with the Lee soupcan bullet. Plenty of punch and very good accuracy.

The Soupcan is a GREAT bullet if your mould casts them fat enough for the involved 32 revolvers. Most of my 32s want a .313"-.314", though. My Lee C309-113 castings won't cast larger than .311" plus a couple tenths. THIS IS NOT A "KNOCK" ON THE LEE MOULD--it is spec'ed for nominal 30 caliber applications. It shoots great in my 30 Carbine Blackhawk, my 30/30 rifles, and in my 30-06.

My RCBS 32-98-SWC drops at .315"+ in 92/6/2 and .3145" in pure lead. VERY useful at those dimensions--the flawed castings become donor slugs for the 9.3 x 62 cast as softpoints, and the good ones get loaded into 32 S&W Long ammo. There IS a place for very soft lead bullets In The Big Picture--they shoot WONDERFULLY at 700-800 FPS in a revolver, with the caveat that they are well-sized for the gun. Size them right and give them a bit of Alox/BW, and you have a small game-taking machine in your holster.

[NoZombies]

Would love to see that picture. Any hope that it might still happen?


Id like to see it too! Bet there are even a "Few" more on hand for the family portrait now:)

I need to do that. I have added a few to the collection at this point, but some of them have never been cast with...

I'll try to make that a project before too long...

[bob208]

I have a old lyman 313445. works good with heavy loads in my s & w model 31. same load and case in my ruger s.s. .32 mag. drops groundhogs nice.

[Steppapajon]

I need to do that. I have added a few to the collection at this point, but some of them have never been cast with...
Send them to me I will cast some for you!:kidding:

[NoZombies]

Send them to me I will cast some for you!:kidding:

Come for a visit and cast here.....

[arlon]

Just curious if anyone has used the old LEE 90303 mould. It is a 120 gr round nose advertised for the 32 S&W long. I have this mold but don't have anything in 32. I've been looking at a 32 single six for awhile. Love to know how it works.

[30calflash]

Just curious if anyone has used the old LEE 90303 mould. It is a 120 gr round nose advertised for the 32 S&W long. I have this mold but don't have anything in 32. I've been looking at a 32 single six for awhile. Love to know how it works.

I've never seen that or the 90302 next to it, must be from a while ago.

I was planning to get either the 93 grain or 100 grain version that's currently available, any thoughts on these by chance? I've the Lee 90 swc, the soup can and a Lyman w/c mold as of now.

[MT Gianni]

My single six mag will shoot a 118 bullet well if you spank it hard. Even then, it gets better accuracy with the 98 gr weight

[9.3X62AL]

My two-cavity Lee #90301 (100 grain RN) won't cast over .312", so it is of limited usefulness for most of my 32 revolvers. In the 30 Carbine Blackhawk/sized .309", it is a tackdriver to 1100 FPS. It has gotten some use in 7.62 x 25 Tokarev and 7.62 x 38R Nagant, also.

Overall, IME the 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R Mag, and 327 Federal prefer 90-100 grain cast bullets; the 32/20s like 110-120 grainers; 30 Carbine loves them all at .309".

[Thin Man]

I will repeat what others have said. To stay in the 95-500 grain weight, the Saeco 325 is the ONLY boolit I will load. Superb accuracy out of every firearm I have used it in, and the molds are still in production. Down side is that they aren't cheap. Quality rarely is.

[rintinglen]

Yes definitely stay under 500 grains:kidding:

[Texas by God]

Back in my .32 days my Ruger SSMs only saw two bullets- the Hornady pre XTP 85gr hp and the Lee 90 gr tlswc. Over a few years I had one 4-5/8", two 6-1/2" and one 9-1/2". I miss the short one the most but the 6-1/2" with the scope was great on Prarie Dogs and once I shot six of the 85s into a 3-1/2" group-@100 yds. The 90 gr Lee was quite accurate enough for target & small game so I was set.

[Steppapajon]

Come for a visit and cast here.....
My company meeting is in Ponte Vedra in December.
See ya then!