.32 h&r magnum

[375RUGER]

What are you best loads? I'll be shooting 100g HP, but lets' see 'em all.
Something is wrong with me today. I get zero results searching for this in the search function.

[MT Gianni]

What is your platform? My Single Six Mag likes Unique and the RCBS 98 SWC. The CA Professional likes 3008 sized and PC'd to 0.315" over 3.6 gr AA2.

[Larry Gibson]

Yes, what are you shooting them in?

[lawdog941]

My SSM likes 100gr lead over 3.5/231 or 3.5 green dot

[dougader]

3.2 - 3.5 grains W231 works for me in a Single Six.

Handloader/Brian Pearce load, also: 100 gr XTP hp over 11.8 grains W296. Stout, but the SS handles it fine.

[375RUGER]

Single-six and sp-101

[Wheelguns 1961]

I have a 32H&R single six. My favorite loads are 1) 96 grain DEWC over 2.5 grains of bullseye. This is a quiet, accurate target load. I call it my reloadable 22lr. 2) NOE 314-119 RNFP over 4.0 grains of unique. This is also a very accurate load with a little more zip. These work great in my gun. YMMV

[Larry Gibson]

Single-six and sp-101

I have pressure tested all my listed 32 H&R loads in a Contender 10" barrel via the Oehler M43.

Lots of low end loads already mentioned. My most used load in my Ruger SS (original run) is the Lee TL 314-90-SWC tumbled lubed then sized to .312 and loaded in Starline 32 H&R cases with a CCI 500 or WSR primer over 3.2 gr Bullseye seated to and lightly roll crimped in the 1st lube groove. It matches the velocity (1000+ fps) and pressure (17,000 psi) of Federals 95 gr lead SWC factory load. This load is safe in H&R revolvers chambered for the 32 H&R.

Since SAAMI hadn't established a MAP for the 32 H&R I've done considerable pressure testing and concur with Brian pierce and Ed Harris (both have published such data) that the Ruger Single Six is capable of loads upwards of 28,000 psi (not CUP). Also while many prefer PB'd cast bullets of 95 gr +/- for magnum level loads of the Ruger Single Six or S&W K-frame 32 H&Rs I prefer a GC'd cast bullet; eithe the 313631 (105 gr SWC GC designed by Lyman for the 32 H&R) and the 311316 (GC'd version of the 311008 115 - 118 gr 32-20 bullet).

With H110 and 2400 velocity with the 311316 run 1250+ fps and around 1300 fps with the 313361. Recently I am testing Lil'Gun under the 311316 and Hornady's 85 and 100 gr XTPs. The psi and velocity looks very favorable. If you're interested in any of these loads let me know.

[Mk42gunner]

Larry, I for one would be interested in the 311316/ Lil'gun loads.

In the past I worked up to a load that Jeff Quinn had published on gunblast but it disappeared when they started getting sponsored, which lead me to believe that it was pretty high pressure. I was using the Wilbird group buy 314-120 (122 grains in my version of WW) which is fairly close to the 311008. I also have the 311316 to use.

My problem with the heavier projectiles is the front sight isn't tall enough to allow a POA/POI zero.

My plan is to keep all loads in .32 S&W Long brass safe for my little I frames, and use .32 mag brass for anything that is too warm for them.

Robert

[Wheelguns 1961]

Sounds like you need a 2dogs front sight. I think I may have a few extras. They are taller, and have a much better sight picture, to me anyway, than the factory ramp sight.

[dougader]

I have pressure tested all my listed 32 H&R loads in a Contender 10" barrel via the Oehler M43.

Lots of low end loads already mentioned. My most used load in my Ruger SS (original run) is the Lee TL 314-90-SWC tumbled lubed then sized to .312 and loaded in Starline 32 H&R cases with a CCI 500 or WSR primer over 3.2 gr Bullseye seated to and lightly roll crimped in the 1st lube groove. It matches the velocity (1000+ fps) and pressure (17,000 psi) of Federals 95 gr lead SWC factory load. This load is safe in H&R revolvers chambered for the 32 H&R.

Since SAAMI hadn't established a MAP for the 32 H&R I've done considerable pressure testing and concur with Brian pierce and Ed Harris (both have published such data) that the Ruger Single Six is capable of loads upwards of 28,000 psi (not CUP). Also while many prefer PB'd cast bullets of 95 gr +/- for magnum level loads of the Ruger Single Six or S&W K-frame 32 H&Rs I prefer a GC'd cast bullet; eithe the 313631 (105 gr SWC GC designed by Lyman for the 32 H&R) and the 311316 (GC'd version of the 311008 115 - 118 gr 32-20 bullet).

With H110 and 2400 velocity with the 311316 run 1250+ fps and around 1300 fps with the 313361. Recently I am testing Lil'Gun under the 311316 and Hornady's 85 and 100 gr XTPs. The psi and velocity looks very favorable. If you're interested in any of these loads let me know.

I would love to see your loads with H110, 2400... and Accurate 9 if you ever test that powder.

[6thtexas]

I generally use the RCBS 98 gr. SWC (16/1) with 7.7 grains of 2400 and standard small pistol primers in my Single Six. I used to do 8.7 grains with good accuracy and case life, but 7.7 will do what I want and is a little less noisy. I also have run the 311316 with 10.5 grains of H110 and a small magnum primer. I also use a 95 gr. WC in a 32 S&W Long case with a light charge of Red Dot for a reasonably quiet practice load that will still anchor a cottontail @ 25 yds.

[rking22]

I would also love to see the 296 loads with 313361, shoot I’d like to see all Larry’s tested loads for that matter! Feeding 2 first run SSS Rugers.

[onelight]

My problem with the heavier projectiles is the front sight isn't tall enough to allow a POA/POI zero.

Robert

I don't know what height blade is in the rear on your gun but there are at least two available , if yours has the tall blade the short one may get you closer.
https://www.brownells.com/aspx/search/default.aspx?k=ruger+rear+sight+blade+parts&ksubmit=y&r_o=7&avs%7CStyle_1=Blade%7CFactory+Replacement

[Larry Gibson]

Pressure testing done in a Contender 32 H&R barrel, 10” long with a .308 groove diameter with strain gauge attached and connected to the Oehler M43 PBL.. Ruger Single Six (original run) with 6 ½” barrel and .312 throats (pinned). Bullets cast of COWW + 2% tin, AC’d, initially sized/lubed with BAC or NRA 50/50 in .314 H%I die (313631 & 311316 GC’d with Hornady GCs) then sized .312 in Lee push through for use in Ruger. Cases all were Starline 32 H&R and primers are WSPs.

Velocity of Contender is muzzle velocity. Velocity of Ruger is center of screens at 12’.

These are what I consider to be the maximum magnum level 32 H&R loads for use in my Ruger Single Six or K-frame S&W M16 K-32s. They also are all very accurate as capable of better accuracy than I can hold. Not recommending any use them, just stating what I use and the test results thereof.

Reference ammunition tested in the Contender test barrel.
Federal 95 gr LSWC, 1217 fps, 18,200 psi
Velocity in Ruger; 1024 fps

313361 [105 gr SWC GC’d design by Lyman for the 32 H&R cartridge]

5 gr Unique;
Contender; 1390 fps, 27,200 psi
Ruger; 1220 fps

8.5 gr Alliant 2400
Contender; 1540 fps, 27900 psi
Ruger; 1252 fps

10.5 gr Hodgdon H110
Contender; 1590 fps, 27,300 psi
Ruger; 1280 fps

6.5 gr Alliant Blue Dot;
Contender; 1445 fps, 27,900 psi
[Be careful with Blue Dot, 6.8 gr jumped to 30,000 + psi]

311316 [very old Ideal single cavity mould which gives 118 gr bullets]

10.5 gr H110
Contender; 1540 fps, 25,700 psi
Ruger; 1190 fps.

311316 with Hodgdon’s Lil’Gun; so far just tested in Contender in 32 H&R cartridge (in 32 S&WL and 30 Carbine also) [new to me 4 cavity Lyman mould, 115 gr Fully dressed cast of COWWs + 2% tin]

These loads are at 100% load density under the bullet.

311316; 10 gr, 1518 fps, 23,900 psi

Hornady 85 gr XTP; 11.9 gr, 1597 fps, 20,400 psi

Hornady 100 gr XTP; 10 gr, 1444 fps, 21,900 psi.

Testing will continue in both the Contender and Ruger SS with the 311316 (got to cast more bullets) with 2400, 4227, Blue dot and H110 powders.

[Outpost75]

Thanks Larry! Great info!!!!

Anxious to see your data with 4227, especially with Hornady 100 XTP in .32 S&W Long.

[bigdog454]

Just finished lining a win mod 37 410, with a 30 carbine barrel and reamed it to 32 H&R mag. I know that the barrel will take pressure but not sure of what kind of pressure the 410 action will take. any advise on the 37 win action would be appreciated.
BD

[Larry Gibson]

Thanks Larry! Great info!!!!

Anxious to see your data with 4227, especially with Hornady 100 XTP in .32 S&W Long.

Ed

Loading the last loads you requested today'. Hopefully next Monday to test. Will give a full report when done.

[375RUGER]

Interested in all loads. thank you everyone. I' can and will certainly work up my own, but I like to see what powders others are using successfully.

[Larry Gibson]

I would love to see your loads with H110, 2400... and Accurate 9 if you ever test that powder.

Have been meaning to test AA #9 in several cartridges but every time i think about it we are in another "shortage"...... Perhaps if i ever see any again.......

[Mk42gunner]

Larry,

Thanks for your meticulous testing and willingness to share the results.

I am eagerly following this thread.

Robert

[ddixie884]

Good report as usual............

[bowfin]

2) NOE 314-119 RNFP over 4.0 grains of unique. This is also a very accurate load with a little more zip.

My favorite load is a 115 grain boolit over 4.0 grains of Unique in a Ruger SP-101. My brother's wife and younger grandkids will shoot this load all day.

[Outpost75]

Just finished lining a win mod 37 410, with a 30 carbine barrel and reamed it to 32 H&R mag. I know that the barrel will take pressure but not sure of what kind of pressure the 410 action will take. any advise on the 37 win action would be appreciated.
BD

Based on my experience with a .32 S&W Long "Bunny Gun", if your loads exceed H&R Magnum factory levels, the soft and thin primer cups of pistol primers will flow into the firing pin channel around the larger shotgun firing pin, causing hard opening. If the firing pin is bushed, it eliminates that problem, but I wouldn't exceed about 25,000 psi in a soft iron shotgun receiver. I have found that .38 Special +P, .45 ACP, .44-40 and .45 Colt work fine, but not full-charge .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum or .30-30, if you want the gun to stay tight.

[rintinglen]

My favorite boolit in this cartridge is the RCBS 32-98 SWC. It shoots well with just about any fast to medium burning rate powder. My favorites are 3.7 grains of WW-231 or 3.2 grains of either Bullseye or Red Dot. 7.5 grains of 2400 is also quite accurate. I had a 5 1/2" Ruger SSM, which I regrettably let go of, and now use the 32 H&R in my 327's.

[rking22]

Mr. Gibson, Thanks for the report and all you ongoing efforts. Love all one info on the 32s, all of them!

[Rodfac]

I've had good success with Unique, despite its miserable measuring characteristics through my Dillon & Uniflow measures. In my Birdshead 4.5" & 5.5" Single-Sixes as well as my 4" S&W M-16, 4.0 gr of Unique does very well. Groups run 2" or less at 25 yds from rest with any of the following bullets: Hornady's 85 gr XTP (which does even better with 4.5 gr), RCBS' 98 gr PBSWC, Accurate Mold's 31-100R, & Bull-X' 98 gr BB LSWC. The same load does not do well with Hornady's Swaged 90 gr LSWC (~3-4" @ 25 yds).

I will add that I size all of my .32 H&R bullets (ACWW+1% Tin) to 0.312"...works in the Rugers as well as the Smith M-16. And I've found that minimal crimp is necessary with these bullets due to the low recoil of the loads/guns.

Win 231 is good as well when using a half grain less with each of these bullets.

In the 5.5" Single-Six, chrono data with 4.0 of Unique for the RCBS 98 and Accurate 31-100R is virtually identical at 1157 fps with an extreme spread of ~24 fps. For the 85 gr. Hornady again with 4.0 gr of Unique it's 1147 fps and ext. spd. of 56.

These are my loads, in my guns, work up if interested and note Larry Gibson's pressure testing results.

Regards, Rod

[gunman5646]

My current find is the 98 gr. rcbs SWC over 3.5 grains of Promo or Red Dot. Average of 1107 fps with 16 fps SD. CCI 500 primer with either FC or S/L cases. Very safe, but still effective load. Works well in 4" SP101, 6 1/2" SSM, and 6 1/2" Bisely. I will be trying it in a couple of my sevens next week. pics to follow

[OutdoorDave]

Mr. Gibson, I would be interested in your data for the 311316 and the 313361. I'm shooting a Ruger Single Six and using Starline .32 H&R cases.

[David Lee Valdina]

From six years ago.

Just a quick report. I have a 6" Ruger Single Six and a 2" S&W in .32 H&R Mag. The factory loads offer an 85 gr. Jacketed H.P. or a 90 gr. lead solid. I found I could get 115 gr. lead flat point .32-20 bullets from Oregon Bullet Company (Laser Cast) and they had a loading book too. Most of the commercial loading books give data for the 85 or 90 gr. bullets only. I loaded up these 115 gr. bullets with 4.3 gr. Unique and used some very old Remington 1 & 1/2 Primers and Federal brass. Chronographed the 6" at an average of 1,117 fps and the 2" at an average of 953 fps. This was set up about 18 feet from the muzzle and it was 24º f out. Went to the indoor range with the Ruger and got some very tight groups. FYI, the book gave the maximum load at 4.5 gr. Unique. The bullet looks like it has very good sectional density and I am as happy as can be with this load.

[OutdoorDave]

Thanks for the info David. Unique is one powder that I am out of, Ha! I'll be on the lookout for some though. Do you think your load will be fine with Starline brass?
I found an old Lyman manual with load data for the .32 long using the Lyman 3118 which is a 115 gr. boolit. It was published long before the .32 H&R mag came out.

[Markwell]

Glad we found this site.Thanks to you all for sharing your info.