32 S&W long loads with Trail boss

[cplbld]

Could someone suggest a load for 32 S&W long 100 grain LRNFP bullet using Trail Boss (or Titegroup) to be fired in a modern 6" revolver? Published data is scarce and I'm looking for personal experience in this regard. Thanks in advance!

[NoZombies]

It depends a little on your definition of a modern revolver, but assuming you actually mean a revolver made in the last 50 years of quality manufacture, then a 100 grain bullet over 2.1 grains of titegroup has done well for me.

[cplbld]

Thanks so much! I bought an AlfaProj Czech, so should be OK. Any suggestions for Trail boss? Much appreciated.

[NoZombies]

Gotcha. I've only seen the Alfa Project guns online, but I'm pretty sure if I run across one in the wild for a decent price it'll follow me home.

No input on the TB front I'm afraid, I never got around to developing .32 loads with it, but I'm sure someone here has.

What bullet mold are you using? the RCBS 98 grain "SWC" pretty closely matches your description for the bullet. If that's it, Id bet you'll be happy with the outcome.

Oh, and welcome aboard!

[cplbld]

Thanks again. I had a very hard time finding any load data. I load several other handgun calibers with TB. But, I have some Titegroup and after your input, I will just go with it. I bought the bullets from our local store, was a little surprised they even stocked it! Not sure about the brand, would have to go down in the garage to look!

[NoZombies]

With Trailboss, you can take a case, draw a line on the interior where the base of your bullet would be seated, fill the case to that point with Trailboss, and then weight the charge. Your starting load would be 70% of whatever number you got, and max load would be 95% of that weight. DO NOT compress Trailboss.

[cplbld]

Thanks NZ. You've had personal experience with Titegroup and that's what I will go with first. I'll keep you posted on my results

[avengerextreme]

I have a GP 100 327 Federal Magnum with a 4.2" barrel. My best results with 32 S&W long were with 2.5 grains of Trail Boss and 78 grain lead round nose bullet. I tried Hp-38, Tite Group, and Universal. All powders except the Trail Boss had unburnt powder residue.
The Trail Boss also had the best grouping.
I like shooting these rounds. 32 S&W and 32 S&W long.
Hope this helps.

[augercreek]

I have chambered a single shot rifle for this cartridge, would the loads for pistol be okay for a rifle?

[Gus Youmans]

cplbld,

With Titegroup and 100 grain bullet, one of my more current manuals lists a starting load of 1.8 and a max load of 2.1. The manual does not list a load for Trailboss.

Gus Youmans

[JoeJames]

From my own testing of Bullseye vs. Trail Boss:

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

[avengerextreme]

This is info from Hodgdon web site.

IMR® TRAIL BOSS® REDUCED LOADS
FOR RIFLE AND PISTOL.

1) Find where the base of the bullet to be loaded is located in the case and make a mark on the outside of the case at this location.
Then fill the case to that mark with Trail Boss, pour into the scale pan and weigh. This is your maximum load. Pressures will
be below the maximum allowed for this cartridge and perfectly safe to use!
2) Take 70% of this powder charge weight (multiply the maximum load from step 1 by .7), and that is your starting load.
3) Start with this beginning load and work up to your maximum charge, all the while searching for the most accurate reduced load. Once
found, the fun begins!

Hopefully this helps.