32 Long Load Request

[Oregon_Dan]

I recently purchased a S&W K frame 32 Long (it's in transit) and I am seeking information from anyone who has experience loading this cartridge. It will be used for varmints, small game and plinking, not necessarily in that order. What cast bullets worked best for you? Any load data you would like to share? I realize that most published data is written with an eye toward non-solid frame guns. While I am not interested in making this into a 32 H&R, or a 327 Federal, flattening the trajectory a bit would be a good thing!

Any help, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Dan

[rintinglen]

RCBS 32-98 SWC, crimped in the crimp groove over 2.2-2.5 Bullseye, or 2.7 WW-231. The second load is my favorite.

315664315665

[Outpost75]

These data from Larry Gibson. Pressures measured in his 10 inch Contender pistol chambered in .32 H&R Mag. with Oehler 43 PBL. R-P .32 S&W Long cases with Winchester small pistol primers except where noted. Lyman 116-grain #311008 sized .312 roll crimped at 1.257" OAL.

Alliant Bullseye

Start load 2.3 grains, 863 fps, 7 Sd, 14,900 psi, 600 Sd
Recommended 2.5 BE 908 fps, 14 Sd, 15,900 psi, 1,500 Sd
Repeat CCI 500, 2.5 BE 902 fps, 10 Sd, 15,500 psi, 500 Sd
Do Not Exceed 3.0 BE 1028 fps, 12 Sd, 20,300 psi, 700 Sd

Alliant Unique Powder

Start 2.5 grs. Unique , 849 fps, 21 Sd, 13,600 psi, 600 Sd
Max. Pre-WW2 2.8 Uniq. 886 fps, 19 Sd, 14,100 psi, 500 Sd
Repeat CCI 500, 2.8 Uniq. 886 fps, 22 Sd, 14,500 psi, 900 Sd
Recommend 3.0 Unique 951 fps, 18 Sd, 16,300 psi, 800 Sd
Do Not Exceed 3.5 Uniq. 1062 fps, 15 Sd, 21,400 psi, 1500 Sd

Revolver velocity will be about 100 fps less.

[MrWolf]

These data from Larry Gibson. Pressures measured in his 10 inch Contender pistol chambered in .32 H&R Mag. with Oehler 43 PBL. R-P .32 S&W Long cases with Winchester small pistol primers except where noted. Lyman 116-grain #311008 sized .312 roll crimped at 1.257" OAL.

Alliant Bullseye

Start load 2.3 grains, 863 fps, 7 Sd, 14,900 psi, 600 Sd
Recommended 2.5 BE 908 fps, 14 Sd, 15,900 psi, 1,500 Sd
Repeat CCI 500, 2.5 BE 902 fps, 10 Sd, 15,500 psi, 500 Sd
Do Not Exceed 3.0 BE 1028 fps, 12 Sd, 20,300 psi, 700 Sd

Alliant Unique Powder

Start 2.5 grs. Unique , 849 fps, 21 Sd, 13,600 psi, 600 Sd
Max. Pre-WW2 2.8 Uniq. 886 fps, 19 Sd, 14,100 psi, 500 Sd
Repeat CCI 500, 2.8 Uniq. 886 fps, 22 Sd, 14,500 psi, 900 Sd
Recommend 3.0 Unique 951 fps, 18 Sd, 16,300 psi, 800 Sd
Do Not Exceed 3.5 Uniq. 1062 fps, 15 Sd, 21,400 psi, 1500 Sd

Revolver velocity will be about 100 fps less.

Please be careful as there is a difference between the 32 long colt and the 32S&W and 32 H&R. You probably already know that but I didn't when I got my Marlin lever in 32 long colt. Totally different and brass basically needs to be made as it hasn't been produced for a long time. Good luck.
Ron

[Thumbcocker]

A 98 grain dewc with bullseye or red dot is loads of fun and would probably smack a varmint pretty hard.

[GhostHawk]

I like the Lee .314 90 gr TL truncated cone with BLL in the grooves.

I load mine over 2 grains of Red Dot with CCI small pistol primers.

I use this same load in .32acp. Not the fastest but accurate and consistent, and thrifty on both lead and powder.

I also shoot this load in .32sw long brass in my Ruger NMSS in .32H&R mag. In fact this gun has never fired anything else.
Shoots like a laser.

[Oregon_Dan]

Please be careful as there is a difference between the 32 long colt and the 32S&W and 32 H&R. You probably already know that but I didn't when I got my Marlin lever in 32 long colt. Totally different and brass basically needs to be made as it hasn't been produced for a long time. Good luck.
Ron

Ron,
Don't know if you are still playing with your Marlin or not, but Starline lists brass in this caliber, though they don't currently have any. Also, Buffalo Arms is listing reformed brass for it!

[Green Frog]

There are a bunch of threads here discussing the care and feeding of the 32 S&W Long cartridge. With your soon-to-arrive K frame 32, you can pick the heaviest safe loads from any reliable source. I personally like a 95 gr cast or swaged semiwadcutter over 2.5 gr of Bullseye, but I also like the same bullet over W 231, but I don’t have the charge weight clos at hand. Since it’s a K frame, and you want to hunt with it, bullets of 105 to 115 grains also may be worth trying. Check powder manufacturers or reliable sources for load data. That gun you’re getting is a treasure... be sure to post pictures when it arrives.
Froggie

[Tall]

I've been loading S&W 32 Long with 2.0 grains of W231 powder behind a 100 Grain lswc. Seems to be pretty accurate.

[MrWolf]

Ron,
Don't know if you are still playing with your Marlin or not, but Starline lists brass in this caliber, though they don't currently have any. Also, Buffalo Arms is listing reformed brass for it!

Dan, thanks got your pm. Starline hasn't had any 32 long colt in forever. I believe the last run f factory ammo was sometime in the 70's but others that know far more than me can comment. I just wanted to make sure folks know 32 long colt is NOT the same as 32S&W long. Lot of folks get them confused.
Ron

[billmc2]

I've been using Arsenal Molds 98gr Keith http://arsenalmolds.com/products?product_id=60 for both 32 S&W Long and 32 H&R Magnum. I can't offer any load data at this time because I'm still working on it. I loaded the 32 Mag first. I've got a couple of different powders loaded for 32 S&W Long, but haven't had a chance to shoot them over the chronograph yet.

[MT Gianni]

I was surprised when I ran the RCBS 98 swc and 2.5 gr of BE over a Chronograph. Almost 900 fps out of my 4" regulation police I frame. I have since dropped things to 2.3 gr.

[racepres]

Not to be left out!!! 98 CSWC, over 3.4 gr of AA#5... I like it Lots!!!
among all others posted...

[engineer401]

This is a little off topic but I have three molds in that size and family where you live. Let me know if you want to try them out or need some bullets try load up. I can see the relatives and get stuff to you at the same time.

[JoeJames]

32 S&W Long

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


My favorite bullet now is the Lee Double Cavity Mold-.314” 90 Gr SWC.

[Tall]

Ron,
Don't know if you are still playing with your Marlin or not, but Starline lists brass in this caliber, though they don't currently have any. Also, Buffalo Arms is listing reformed brass for it!

Buffalo Arms lists it as out of stock, none available.

https://www.buffaloarms.com/32-long-colt-cases-reformed-r-32longcolt.html

[lawdog941]

Currently, Starline has it in stock.

[Tall]

Currently, Starline has it in stock.

Currently Starline will not accept backorders and they also have zero stock of 32 Long Colt

https://www.starlinebrass.com/38-long-colt-brass

[Oregon_Dan]

Gemtlemen, Thank you all for your input! You have certainly given me food for thought, and a LOT of material to play with. Looking forward to getting this gun up and going!

[rintinglen]

32 S&W long IS (or at least was yesterday evening) available at Starline.
As far as I know, they haven't made 32 Long or Short Colt, at least not in this decade.

[Mk42gunner]

I like 2.5 grains of Red Dot behind an Ideal 313445 sized 0.313" lubed with FWFL in my little 4¼" I frame. Velocity was in the low 700's, and straight ACWW was too hard for good use as a varmint cartridge. The possum wasn't very impressed, and neither was I.

That mold is such a pain to cast decent boolits with that I have since switched to using the RCBS 98 gr SWC. I haven't ran any of them over the chronograph though.

Robert

[rintinglen]

315741

Another boolit that I like is the MP 314-640 100 grain HP, 2nd from left. I use it more in my 327s, but 2.7 grains of WW-231 shoots very well in my 1923 Hand Ejector. I haven't tried it in my model 30, sigh. Too little time, too many guns.

315742

[Oregon_Dan]

Robert,
Suffice to say that since I became interested in the 32 Long, I have been researching molds fairly religiously! I have to say that the Lyman 313445 was the one that intriqued me the most! Got sniped out of one on eBay last week. At any rate, you have piqued my curiosity. What kind of issues were making it difficult to cast?

Dan

[Oregon_Dan]

315741

Another boolit that I like is the MP 314-640 100 grain HP, 2nd from left. I use it more in my 327s, but 2.7 grains of WW-231 shoots very well in my 1923 Hand Ejector. I haven't tried it in my model 30, sigh. Too little time, too many guns.

315742

I have been told that the MP hollow point molds can be difficult to cast. I suspect the person that told me that was not running the mold, or the metal hot enough. What has your experience been?

Thanks
Dan

[GooseGestapo]

I have several .32S&W-L revolvers to feed. Two are early 1900’s S&W hand ejectors .

My biggest concern is that they hit poa/poi. A Lee 100gr 2R @ .314” over 2.0gr of Bullseye gets closest to original factory loads. My preference is the Lee.309” 93gr 1R Round Nose @.311”. With 2.2gr of BullsEye comes close and is accurate. Especially nice as bullet mold is a 6-cavity
My newest mold is a NOE 5-cavity 100gr SWC . I’m just getting started with this mold but real promising.

[Oregon_Dan]

I have several .32S&W-L revolvers to feed. Two are early 1900’s S&W hand ejectors .

My biggest concern is that they hit poa/poi. A Lee 100gr 2R @ .314” over 2.0gr of Bullseye gets closest to original factory loads. My preference is the Lee.309” 93gr 1R Round Nose @.311”. With 2.2gr of BullsEye comes close and is accurate. Especially nice as bullet mold is a 6-cavity
My newest mold is a NOE 5-cavity 100gr SWC . I’m just getting started with this mold but real promising.

Keep me posted on your results with the NOE bullet! That one interests me too!!

[MrWolf]

I started another thread on the 32 Long Colt as I didn't want to hijack this thread.
Ron

[gwpercle]

Favorite Loads : 32 S&W Long - RCBS 32-098-SWC - 98 gr. SWC sized .314" dia.
Data from RCBS Cast Bullet Manual #1

Start Load - 2.6 grs. HP38 @ 847 fps
Max. Load - 3.1 grs. HP38 @ 975 fps

My "pet" load is 2.9 grs. HP38 @ 912 fps ... best accuracy in my S&W .
Gary

[rintinglen]

I have been told that the MP hollow point molds can be difficult to cast. I suspect the person that told me that was not running the mold, or the metal hot enough. What has your experience been?

Thanks
Dan

^BINGO! Whoever told you that hollow-point molds need to run hot spoke true words (MP molds are not unique in this regard.) I use a hot plate and prewarm the mold before I begin casting, and then I heap metal on the sprue plate and cast as fast as I can. As the mold gets to temperature, I back off slightly on my pot temp, but my goal is complete fill out with light frosting, so I continue to cast as quickly as the sprue will let me.

PS do not inspect your boolits until the pot is empty or you have finished casting. The few seconds you spend eyeballing the fruits of your labor may foul up your next cast. There'll be time to inspect when you size them.

[Oregon_Dan]

There are a bunch of threads here discussing the care and feeding of the 32 S&W Long cartridge. With your soon-to-arrive K frame 32, you can pick the heaviest safe loads from any reliable source. I personally like a 95 gr cast or swaged semiwadcutter over 2.5 gr of Bullseye, but I also like the same bullet over W 231, but I don’t have the charge weight clos at hand. Since it’s a K frame, and you want to hunt with it, bullets of 105 to 115 grains also may be worth trying. Check powder manufacturers or reliable sources for load data. That gun you’re getting is a treasure... be sure to post pictures when it arrives.
Froggie

Froggie,
Got it yesterday! Have pics, but haven't been able to upload them!

[Green Frog]

I’ll be waiting with great anticipation, Oregon Dan. Although S&W called their I- and J frames the “32 size” and the K frame the “38 size”, I find the K frame to be the Goldilocks Standard for all calibers that begin with 2 or a 3. A K frame 32 is just about as cool as you can find!

I too have been gathering up 32 pistol moulds by the boxful. I think my all time favorite Lyman/Ideal moulds are the 3118, 313445, and 313492, along with the near mythical 313631. There are some nice Lee TL designs out there as well as from RCBS, and some of the custom shop makers like NOE and MP.

Froggie

[Oregon_Dan]

Finally!

316163 316165

The 313445 is one I find fascinating. I hope to find one someday. I did score the RCBS 32-98 from a vary generous member here, along with some different test bullets to try! A couple more on my wish list are the 31133, and the 31357, but those are obviously not based on hands on experience ( I have none with this caliber, yet) but just the mold design...

Yes, I could spend a LOT of money with NOE and MP! But I best start by listening to folks such as yourself who have experience with what works best!

[Green Frog]

Too bad this forum doesn’t have a “LIKE” tab! You would get a BUUUUNCH! That’s a very nice K32 you got, and of course the box, wrapper and cleaning rod are nice. You don’t have the SAT and instruction sheet tucked under the VPI Paper, do you?

At one time I had both a SC and a DC example of the 313445 mould. If I still have both, I’ll PM you. For a while there I went wild trying to corner the market, and I now find myself mould poor. Do you have any others you’re looking for?

Froggie

[Oregon_Dan]

Sadly, no on the paper work. Didn't even have the official Smith and Wesson screw driver! :shock: I just now scored a 3118! Any pet data you might have for that would be greatly appreciated!

As for "wants" the previouly mentioned 31133, maybe a 31357, and a 31631. I see where Arsenal makes a multi cavity copy of that that is MUCH cheaper than an original, I am betting!

If you were to find that 313445, and decide to part with it, I would be forever in your debt! If I don't find one, there will be some kind of full wadcutter somewhere down the road!

As you can tell, I am a bit of a fun of bullets with healthy meplats. I have been a big fan of calibers that start with the number "4" for many decades, and was an avid fan of Elmer Keith. Of course I needed full power 44 mag rounds to stop the vicious Black Tailed Jack Rabbit!! I will have to admit that they worked well on deer and elk though. Now that I am older, and hopefully a bit wiser, I find that I am happier with calibers that don't hurt or raise blisters if you shoot a few hundred rounds in a weekend...... I still like large meplats though!

[Green Frog]

OD, the 313445 is a neat all around bullet for all kinds of uses in the 32 revolvers. With its abbreviated nose, it’s neither “fish nor fowl”, not long enough to be a “real” semi-wadcutter. But too “nosy” to be a true wadcutter. Regardless, it has a big following among 32 enthusiasts. Another little known and discontinued Lyman design is the 313492. It is not the same as a DE wadcutter as it still has a little bump of a nose, but for some 32 revolvers, it is quite the fine bullet. I’ve fooled around a little with both the ‘445 and the ‘492 and am happy to have both in my mould library. My biggest “problem” is I have enough different moulds, loading the 3 main lengths of revolver cartridges, for enough different revolvers that I can’t just settle down. [smilie=b:
Froggie

[Scrounge]

Ron,
Don't know if you are still playing with your Marlin or not, but Starline lists brass in this caliber, though they don't currently have any. Also, Buffalo Arms is listing reformed brass for it!

The Starline .32 Long Colt is reformed from .32 S&W Long brass. Bought some a couple of years ago.

Bill

[Oregon_Dan]

OD, the 313445 is a neat all around bullet for all kinds of uses in the 32 revolvers. With its abbreviated nose, it’s neither “fish nor fowl”, not long enough to be a “real” semi-wadcutter. But too “nosy” to be a true wadcutter. Regardless, it has a big following among 32 enthusiasts. Another little known and discontinued Lyman design is the 313492. It is not the same as a DE wadcutter as it still has a little bump of a nose, but for some 32 revolvers, it is quite the fine bullet. I’ve fooled around a little with both the ‘445 and the ‘492 and am happy to have both in my mould library. My biggest “problem” is I have enough different moulds, loading the 3 main lengths of revolver cartridges, for enough different revolvers that I can’t just settle down. [smilie=b:
Froggie

It does sound like you have a bit of a love affair with the 32 bore! The 313292 is certainly and interesting bullet! It definitely should give more powder space than a type 1 or 2, for sure. The only downside for me is that Checking the throats of my model 16, the throats are .314. From what I have read, the 313492 generally casts a bullet between .309 and .312, it's apparently a bit of a crap shoot...

I do see where Accurate Molds lists their version of it as dropping a 314 bullet. Sure gives me something to think about, if I can't find a 313445 somewhere....

Dan

[Green Frog]

If you’re not bound and determined to go original with a Lyman mould, you would be well served to order a custom fitted mould from the likes of Accurate. With a sizing die it’s easy to size them down a thousandth or two as you lube them, but it’s pretty tricky to size your bullets up!. Like you said, buying a factory mould, new or used, is a bit of a crapshoot!

I was fortunate in one aspect of the building of my K32 recreation… the gunsmith is geared toward target shooting so when he rebored my K22 cylinder, he left the throats at a tight .313”. Of course if I decide to go the HBWC route, I get a little extra leeway. I’ve got a beautiful 3 cavity brass HBWC mould (MP) but like so many things in my life it stays on the back burner. :roll::???::roll:

Froggie

[Oregon_Dan]

While I am nostalgic enough to dream about having the originals, I am realistic enough to know that modern molds are held to tighter tolerances, and potentially more accurate. From what I am seeing, a modern multi cavity mold could be significantly cheaper than an original! I see where Accurate Molds make what seems to be a pretty good copy of the 313445 (https://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=31-095M), and Arsenal Molds makes a copy of the 313492 (https://noebulletmolds.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/315-90-WC_PB_BE5_Sketch.jpg). One or both of these could be somewhere down the road. In the interim, if an original were to pop up screaming "Buy Me" I would probably jump on it!

I am thinking at the moment that the first modern mold I buy for this gun will likely be a true to form Keith design. I see where Glenn Fryxel designed one that Mountain Molds built sometime back. Apparently this was the basis for a group buy in the Cast Boolits Forum. Don't happen to know anyone that has one of these they want to sell do you? ;)

Still waiting anxiously for my dies to show up, so I can get the 16 up and going!!

Dan P

[Wayne Smith]

Have one, but want to sell, NO. I did loan it to Froggie to cast a bunch until he sourced his own. I haven't cast in the past year or so, but need to start again, once it cools down. If you are desperate this fall PM me.

[Oregon_Dan]

Wayne,
I really appreciate your offer! A question, which mold were you referring to? I know Froggie has a 313445, that he likes a bunch, and I am thinking that is the one you are referring to? I am really hoping by Fall, I will have come up with either an original, or a current remake!

[Wayne Smith]

Mine is the Lee group buy Keith 32. A whole series of Keith style boolits were run back in the day. This was, I think, the last of the series? I jumped on it when it was run, Froggie didn't. He came late to the party but was able to locate one.

[Oregon_Dan]

I've been using Arsenal Molds 98gr Keith http://arsenalmolds.com/products?product_id=60 for both 32 S&W Long and 32 H&R Magnum. I can't offer any load data at this time because I'm still working on it. I loaded the 32 Mag first. I've got a couple of different powders loaded for 32 S&W Long, but haven't had a chance to shoot them over the chronograph yet.

billmc2
Would you please keep me posted on how that bullet works for you with the 32 Long cartridge? I have been a fan of Keith style bullets for a few decades, and that bullet is one that I have been eyeballing!!

[Green Frog]

OD,

That so-called “Keith Bullet” 32 caliber is a modern construct based on scaling down the Keith designs in 44 & 357 to .314 diameter. As friend Wayne mentioned, it was a group buy project made by Lee. Old Elmer himself is said to have observed that he never felt the need to design a 32 revolver bullet as he regarded the Ideal 3118 as all that was needed.

IIRC, there is/was a similar bullet design made by RCBS in a DC iron mould, and others like NOE and Accurate have also taken a stab at similar designs.

If I were going to go on a quest for a “dream bullet” for the 32 revolvers, I would probably devote my efforts to finding the late, lamented Lyman 313631 that was designed when the 32 H&R came out. My friend beagle acquired one and had a machinist to ream out the gas check rings. Then, not willing to leave well enough alone, he had one chamber drilled to cast hollow points. He has fixed me up with a bunch of HPs and solids that are great to shoot. I also was attracted to Lee’s tumble lubed SWC mould. I believe it’s still available as a DC but it also came out years ago as a group buy 4 cav version. That’s the thing about 32 revolvers, you can spend years exploring all the good bullets you wish. With the K32 you are getting you will have an excess margin of safety to enable any sane 32 S&W L round you would like.

Enjoy,
Froggie

[billmc2]

billmc2
Would you please keep me posted on how that bullet works for you with the 32 Long cartridge? I have been a fan of Keith style bullets for a few decades, and that bullet is one that I have been eyeballing!!

I haven't been shooting it a lot because I've been playing with other calibers more recently.

My rememberer doesn't work as well as it once did, you'll probably need to ask me about it again. I have the aluminum mold and the bullets drop out fairly easily.

[Oregon_Dan]

OD,

That so-called “Keith Bullet” 32 caliber is a modern construct based on scaling down the Keith designs in 44 & 357 to .314 diameter. As friend Wayne mentioned, it was a group buy project made by Lee. Old Elmer himself is said to have observed that he never felt the need to design a 32 revolver bullet as he regarded the Ideal 3118 as all that was needed.

IIRC, there is/was a similar bullet design made by RCBS in a DC iron mould, and others like NOE and Accurate have also taken a stab at similar designs.

If I were going to go on a quest for a “dream bullet” for the 32 revolvers, I would probably devote my efforts to finding the late, lamented Lyman 313631 that was designed when the 32 H&R came out. My friend beagle acquired one and had a machinist to ream out the gas check rings. Then, not willing to leave well enough alone, he had one chamber drilled to cast hollow points. He has fixed me up with a bunch of HPs and solids that are great to shoot. I also was attracted to Lee’s tumble lubed SWC mould. I believe it’s still available as a DC but it also came out years ago as a group buy 4 cav version. That’s the thing about 32 revolvers, you can spend years exploring all the good bullets you wish. With the K32 you are getting you will have an excess margin of safety to enable any sane 32 S&W L round you would like.

Enjoy,
Froggie

Froggie,
I am aware the group buy is a modern construct, based, as I understand it on a mold designed by Glen Fryxel. Like I said, I am a fan of Keith styled bullets. Things with big meplats, but longer than a traditional wadcutter. My experience is that they are generally accurate, and work well on game. I also look longingly at the SAECO 325 bullet.

I do have a 3118 mold, but it cast bullets of 120grs. I think, based on absolutly no field experience as of yet, that my ideal would be a bullet of 95 to 100grs. That said, I will certainly yield to those who do have experience with this cartridge!

You may already be aware, but Arsenal Molds makes a clone of the Lyman 313631. It is available in either flat base or gas check. Or is your heart set on an original Lyman? I take it Beagles bullets worked very well for you???

Dan

[Green Frog]

Indeed they did! My problem now is that I have an “embarrassment of riches” in my abundance of dream moulds. My biggest problem now is that I’m too trifling to cast, load, and shoot this variety of 32s. The situation only got more extreme when my shooting buddy Dale53 “retired” from shooting and I ended up with even more 32 moulds. I’ll have to live to be at least a hundred to do justice to all this stuff!
Green Frog

[Mk42gunner]

I have not tried the 311316 nor my Group buy 314-120 (kinda sorta a copy of the 311008) in any of my .32 S&W Longs. Mainly because my 95 grain loads tend to shoot just a bit high from my fixed sight guns, no sense making it even higher.

The heavier projectiles may be fine with your adjustable sights, may not either. One way to find out.

I came to the .32 S&W Long table late, I already had a Ruger SSM in .32 H&R; so I didn't try to make the Long any more powerful than it needed to be to poke holes in paper.

Robert

[Green Frog]

I have not tried the 311316 nor my Group buy 314-120 (kinda sorta a copy of the 311008) in any of my .32 S&W Longs. Mainly because my 95 grain loads tend to shoot just a bit high from my fixed sight guns, no sense making it even higher.

The heavier projectiles may be fine with your adjustable sights, may not either. One way to find out.

I came to the .32 S&W Long table late, I already had a Ruger SSM in .32 H&R; so I didn't try to make the Long any more powerful than it needed to be to poke holes in paper.

Robert

That's the beauty of the 32 caliber family of revolvers. There's a case length and a loading available to make anyone happy. Once you get into quality revolvers in good condition, more and more reloads become an option for you.
Froggie

[Mk42gunner]

Yes sir. It also makes you appreciate adjustable sights on a handgun even more.

Robert

[NuJudge]

I shoot .32 S&W-L through a Walther GSP semiauto. I has very large groove diameters (.314"). If I try to shoot undersize bullets, groups are huge. A lot of bullets, such as the Speer 98gr HBWC are advertised as .314", but actually are smaller than that. I re-swage the Speers, then they shoot very well. There is a swager named Bear Creek which makes decent bullets.

Beware of using StarLine brass with HBWC bullets. For such bullets, I need to expand the case down to the base of the bullet. With StarLine brass, the web is thick enough, and extends high enough, that you get a belt in the middle of the case. Lapua is best for such bullets. A few other brands will work.

[Outpost75]

I shoot .32 S&W-L through a Walther GSP semiauto. I has very large groove diameters (.314"). If I try to shoot undersize bullets, groups are huge. A lot of bullets, such as the Speer 98gr HBWC are advertised as .314", but actually are smaller than that. I re-swage the Speers, then they shoot very well. There is a swager named Bear Creek which makes decent bullets.

Beware of using StarLine brass with HBWC bullets. For such bullets, I need to expand the case down to the base of the bullet. With StarLine brass, the web is thick enough, and extends high enough, that you get a belt in the middle of the case. Lapua is best for such bullets. A few other brands will work.

Fiocchi wadcutter brass is also highly satisfactory if you cannot find Lapua or Sako.

[Oregon_Dan]

I came to the .32 S&W Long table late, I already had a Ruger SSM in .32 H&R; so I didn't try to make the Long any more powerful than it needed to be to poke holes in paper.

Robert

I am thinking that I probably came to the table even later than you did, but I am certainly enjoying the journey at this point! It has sort of reinstated my interest in casting, loading, and if the weather ever cooperates, shooting!!

[Green Frog]

I honestly don’t have anything new to add to the discussion today, but want to keep it up and active. I just completed passing my SC Lyman 313445 mould to Oregon Dan, but am ready to do some casting that should include that bullet from the DC mould of that number that I kept. It’s just a gift that keeps on giving!

I really need to cast up a bunch of bullets from the Lee TL mould for a 32 SWC. I got the 6 cav one Dale53 had from a long ago group buy, and hope (believe) it will be a good replacement for the Hornady swaged SWC they used to make and sell reasonably in 500 rd boxes. Those tiny little boxes went an amazingly great distance!

For full wadcutters I’m torn between the (discontinued) Hornady HB swaged version and the products of the (MP? NOE?) mould I got, or solid versions like the Lee TL (thanks Dale53 for the 6 cavity mould) and the near mythical Lyman 313492 with “the cute little button nose”. I also got a double ender MP mould from Dale53 but he warned me it doesn’t release the bullets well, and life’s too short to deal with frustrating moulds, especially when so many other good ones are out there.

By now you should understand my “complaint” about my embarrassment of riches in 32 cal moulds, and there are a couple of others I haven’t mentioned like the Ideal 3118 at 115+ gr and the NOE “copy” of it that runs 125 gr. I’ve decided to go with the flow and save these two for longer than 32 S&W Long cases.

I found a big batch (at least 500 or more) 311316 bullets, sized, lubed and checked that followed me home from somewhere, but I don’t think I’ll be looking for that mould. I really hate fooling with GCs. In fact, the only mould I’m still considering is the Arsenal Moulds copy of the Lyman 313631 cut with PB.

By now it should be abundantly clear that a person could start shooting and developing loads for the 32 S&W L and spend the rest of his life without exhausting the possibilities, and even if they did, there would still be 32 H&R and 327 Fed Mag to explore.

Enjoy!
Froggie

[Oregon_Dan]

Froggie,
Not wanting it to die either. There has been a lot of good information given here by a lot of folks! As soon as life stops getting in my way, I intend to start putting up the results of my load testing. But firrst I need to be able to get out an shoot......

Dan P

[Green Frog]

Dan, from our PMs and your posts here it’s obvious to me that you’re a “true believer” in the 32. Just like me though, there are a variety of other life matters that get in the way of a serious, full time shooting program. I only ask that you keep us informed of your experiences and load development (good and bad) and others of in the “amen corner” will be encouraged to join in as well.

BTW, would any of the rest of your like to take this up to the 32 Retinue group, or does the ease of posting pictures here make this part of the site more desirable?

Froggie

[Oregon_Dan]

Well guys, I finally got out to try the loads I have been sitting on for way too long! Kudos to Engineer401 for donating the RCBS 98gr SWC's, The Arsenal 90gr SWC, and the Lee 85gr RN bullets, and for the RCBS mold. Also thanks to Froggie for the 313445 mold! Some of you may recognize your suggested loads.

All groups were shot from a Ransom Rest at 25yds, with my S&W m16-3. Conditions were MUCH windier than I would have liked. But sometimes you just have to go with flow. This might account for some flyers. All loads, with one possible exception (313445, 4.0gr Unique) were safe in my gun, but your mileage may very So approach with caution.

Starting with the worst, The Lee 85gr RN and my gun appeared to hate one another. I used loads with 2.5gr Bullseye, and 2.7gr 231

Lee 85gr Round nose
2.5gr Bullseye: Groups ran 2 1/2" to 3"
2.7gr 231: groups 2" One group 3 1/4" with two obvious flyers

Missouri Bullet Company #6 100gr SWC loaded with AA #5
3.5gr 1 1/2" to 1 3/4"
3.6gr 2" - Consistent
3.8gr 2" to 2 1/4"
4.0gr 1 3/4" to 2 15/16"
NOTE: This bullet is very similar to the RCBS 98gr SWC. Want to try it with 231 Powder

Lyman/Ideal 313445 50/50 Wheelweight/Pure Lead
2.5gr Red Dot: Groups 2 1/4" to 3 1/2" Note, without single flyer, this would have been a 1 1/4" group
4.0gr Unique: 1 3/16" to 2 7/8" Last group had a flyer that opened it up from 1"
Note: This load and even heavier ones were suggested by several well known gun writers, as a hunting load. I experienced very obvious flattened primers. While it extracted easily, I will NOT be using it again. I do need to do more work with this bullet, as the design just intrigues me!

90gr Arsenal SWC
4.5gr Unique: 1 1/4" to 2" very consistent groups
3.0gr Bullseye: 1" to 2" groups. Most 1" to 1 1/2"
Note: I suspect that with more load work, this could be a very good bullet.

Lyman 3118 50-50 Wheelweight/Lead
2.5gr Bullseye: 1" to 1 3/4" with flyer.
2.7gr Unique: 1" to 1 13/16" Both the larger groups would have been 1" without single flyers in each

RCBS 98gr SWC
2.5gr Bullseye: 1" to 1 3/4" Pretty much hovered around 1 1/2"
2.7gr WW231: 7/8" to 1 1/8"with most at an 1" You think I like this load????

[Green Frog]

OD,

Thanks for that good range report. Like you, I think there’s more to do with that ‘445 design. I would suggest that if you have enough COWWs that you try a batch of that bullet cast with straight wheel weights with just 2% tin added. Also, what kind of lube are you using and what diameter are you sizing to?
Have you slugged the barrel and the chamber mouths? I’m a little bummed that you’re getting those flyers with the ‘445 & ‘118 bullets... they’ve been go-to bullets to me for a looong time. You may need to measure your chambers to see whether there is one oddball causing your problem. These two bullets should give more consistent results.

Your Phriendly ‘Phibian

[Oregon_Dan]

Green One,
The lube was Javalina, basically the NRA Alox/Beeswax mix. I should note that WW's are sort of my go to bullet metal, but in this case I am hoping to find something softer in the hopes of getting a bit of expansion.

I have used a set of pin gages to determine that the cylinder throats on both my model 16, and my 631 are .314, which is a snug fit! This is what I am sizing them too. Based on the performance of the RCBS bullet, I think I am in the ballpark.

I have to say that I am not unhappy with the performance of either of these bullets at this point. With the 313445, I now know that in my gun, it definitely does not like the Red Dot load I used. I am thinking that backing off a bit with Unique may help a bunch, for as noted, I was getting pressure indications with the 4.0gr Unique load. Also want to try 231 and/or Bullseye with it! Really wishing I still had a pound or two of HS-5 squirreled away

In the case of the 3118, I had four groups that were opened up by a single flyer, I also had a legitimate 1" group, along with a couple that were 1 1/4" and 1 1/2".

When all is said and done, this is a pretty small statistical sample, but it does give me some direction. I think both these bullets, along with Engineer401 Arsenal SWC show a lot of potential.

The quest continues....

Dan P

[Green Frog]

Two guns with consistent .314 throats on all 12 chambers? That sounds like pure magic! That removes one problem I have with my gaggle of guns, ‘cause some run .313 and some are .314 :groner: I can either shoot some with undersized bullets or maintain 2 separate sets of bullets. [smilie=b:

[Oregon_Dan]

I was surprised, and a bit disapointed when I checked the throats on the 16-3. Surprised that they seemed consistent and disapointed that they weren't 312 to 313. This was due to the number of molds that cast those diameter. It would seem to limit the ones that would be useful to me. I am finding out that many of those molds cast oversize bullets, and (usually) everything is good in the world!

I guess I sort of expected the 631 to be consistent, as I figured by then, S&W had gone to CDC machines. But still it is good!

I think I were I in your situation, I would try going with the larger diameter, and see how they work. My experience is that as long as they will chamber, you may find them to be quite accurate, based on experience gained during my recent battles with a 1988 model 625, and a 625 Mountain Gun. But that is a long tale when more time is available for the telling.....

Dan P

[Mk42gunner]

Does it seem odd to anyone else that the nominal diameter for most .32 cal handgun cartridges is .312", but most S&W cylinder throats seem to be .314"?

Both of my Ruger SSM's have throats of .3125" so my first H&I die was .313" It seems to work okay for the tiny little I frames too, even if it is in theory too small.

I did eventually get a Lee .314 sizing die for those times I just want to tumble lube.

Robert

[Oregon_Dan]

It does seem a bit odd. I have been told that earlier S&W 32's had smaller throats, but not owning any yet, I don't know. That said, I have found that a lot of the 32 molds I have played with drop bullets that are .314 to 315, and seem to work just fine in my guns sized to 314. It would be an interesting experiment to try some smaller diameter bullets through my guns, just to see how they do!

[Green Frog]

As I have stated elsewhere, I have settled on .313” for all my 32 revolver bullets unless there is some exceptional situation. This is because my custom recreated K32 was made with tight chambers and carefully matched .313 throats. I guess I might be able to do better with .314” sizing on some bullets, but after all, at my age I really don’t shoot all that well! :roll:
Froggie

[Oregon_Dan]

As I have stated elsewhere, I have settled on .313” for all my 32 revolver bullets unless there is some exceptional situation. This is because my custom recreated K32 was made with tight chambers and carefully matched .313 throats. I guess I might be able to do better with .314” sizing on some bullets, but after all, at my age I really don’t shoot all that well! :roll:
Froggie

I can certainly relate to the age comment!

"It aint easy being old" :wink:

[Mk42gunner]

As I tell my cousin often, getting old is not for sissies.

I think the thing I miss the most is clear vision. I can remember focusing on a front sight striation when I was shooting long range in the desert; no way I could do it now, even wearing reading glasses. It also plays heck with trying to shoot groups with the tiny sights on I frames from the first decade of the twentieth century. One of mine dates from about 1909, the other is a few years older.

Robert

[Outpost75]

I was very lucky that my eye Doc is/was a High Master competitive pistol shooter, former All-Navy and President's Hundred. When I had cataract surgery done and new lens implants he was able to correct my astigmatism and set me up so that the sights on my EDC revolver are sharp to my dominant right eye without corrective lenses, the front sight on the Garand is sharp and I can read The Wall Street Journal in good light without any correction. I no longer have a corrective lens restriction on my driver's license. The dominantvl eye intermediate focus is good for the computer and car dashboard instruments. Left non-dominant eye is optimized for distance so I can read number boards on the rifle range and not cross-fire. Also great for highway signage on the interstate. My glasses do provide some closeup correction for fine work reading vernier scales or inspecting close work inside 12 inches.

[Green Frog]

Well, my astigmatism, while present, is sufficiently minor that I got “normal” lenses during my cataract surgery, but they don’t do much for the slow growing dry macular degeneration… fortunately worse in my non-dominant, non-shooting eye.
mk42gunner wasn’t the first to quote that phrase… “Getting old [really] isn’t for sissies!” I hope I can live long enough to give old age a run for its money though! [smilie=2: the other big reason for living a long time is to enjoy (or embarrass) your children. As a bachelor, I can’t indulge in that, but my nieces and nephew as well as the grands sure are fun. When my eldest niece tried to complain about me spoiling her three kids, I shut her down with, “Hush… I spoiled you and I’m going to spoil them too”, an argument she couldn’t refute! :bigsmyl2:
Froggie

[Oregon_Dan]

I have used that very phrase on numerous occasions! And it seems to become truer with each passing year! But I have a mission I need to stick around a bit for. Namely one hole groups from my 32's. From the Ransom rest obviously. It's sort of nice to know when you miss, it's all on you..... :-(

[Green Frog]

I’ve shot many one hole groups, Dan… but then I spoil them with the second shot! [smilie=l:

[Oregon_Dan]

Love it!!!