"115 grain .32 H & R magnum loads?"

[exile]

I recently acquired a small quantity of .32 caliber 115 grain RNFP bullets. I plan to shoot them out of my Ruger SP-101 in .327 Federal IN .32 H & R MAGNUM cases since .327 cases are not available. I have only been able to find one load in my manuals that may work, although it is for the .32 S & W long case, (3.5 grains of Unique). Any ideas? Since these will be shot out of a .327 Federal, I assume cartridge length will not be much of a factor. (These will be loaded in new Starline cases).

It seems to me that the .32 H & R magnum is the cartridge with the least useful published data on the planet. I could find no published load data for heavy bullets in this cartridge, and nothing that would really qualify it as a "magnum" cartridge. I am still waiting for Starline to make .327 Federal cases. Loads do not neccesarily need to be fast loads to be useful to me. Thanks.

exile

[9.3X62AL]

I have used 3.5-4.0 grains of Unique with 115-120 grain 32-20 boolits in the 32 Magnum with fair to decent accuracy. Not a "magnum" loading, but has more zing than the 32 S&W Long.

In my experience, 90-100 grain bullets give better accuracy in the 32 Magnum than do 110-120 grainers. Your revo being a 327 Federal gives at least one new variable that might change that all around.

The most detailed/extensive listing of 32 Magnum loading data I've run across is contained in the well-aged RCBS Cast Bullet Manual. My copy is lost somewhere, expletives deleted. I think it was published in 1986, give or take a year or so.

[19112TAP]

I've had real good luck with 4.0 grains of Unique with 115 gr boolits in my 32 mag, lately I've been using some old Winchester 540MS I picked up which I think is close to Hs-6 with assume results. Good luck with your 32 I really like my Ruger 32 Single Six Bisley's.

[Larry Gibson]

Here's twice around the cylinder at 25 yards with a 4" M16 with 311316 cast of WW over 4 gr Unique in Starline .32 H&R cases. As you can see the 973 fps velocity was very consistent as was the accuracy (1.6" group). That was about as good as i could do 15 years ago with the short sight radius.

Larry Gibson

[exile]

Thanks guys. I will probably start with 3.5 grains of Unique and end up with 4. Should be fun. I will let you know how it goes.

exile

[dualsport]

Try finding .32HRM brass. I have a gun coming and can't find anything available but Lapua. I know, it's great brass, but geez it's pricey. Even .32 long is sold out.

[Dark Helmet]

Hodgdon's data here . http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp Work up from just below their 100 gr jacketed data. Try their 800x .
Also try starting at 5 gr AA#7

[32HR MAG]

Check out the cast bullet assoc. forum.A number of the guys are fans of the .32.Loads for handguns and rifles can be found using most any weight bullet. Love the .32

[Shooter6br]

The 32 Mag data is underloaded dure to the fact that the pressure levels are for the weaker H&R pistols. (21,00 psi) A ruger 101 and the Ruger Single Six can handle up to 40,000. CB Harris has done some load development in the 32 Mag. I read an article where 5 g of Universal Clays with a 85 to 100 g bullets are used. I got 1396 fps with a 90 grain bullet. Easy extraction with my SP 101. This is a Max load.My pistol had just started to show pressure signs. (Your results may vary) The load produces 334 ft pound of energy.The standard 45 acp is I beleive around 370? Just my 2 cents

[bubba15301]

try 7.0 grains of 2400 i used 8 grains with a 100 gr bullet in .32mag

[rond]

I use Lil Gun with good results.

[singleshot]

Wow, you guys are a little late with responses...just sayin' :-)

[william iorg]

Starline has 327 brass, I just received 500.

[MT Gianni]

Starline has 327 brass, I just received 500.

Yes it does, this thread is recently resurrected from 2009.

[FergusonTO35]

I am working on this wonderful cartridge myself, using the Ranch Dog 115 grain LFP. Right now I'm using 3.5 grains Titegroup for 850 fps out of my Charter Arms Undercoverette with 2" barrel. Next up I'm going to try Accurate #5.

[bowfin]

4.0 grains of unique behind a 115 grain boolit changed my brother's prejudice against cast boolits. Before using that load, he thought the only thing boolits had in their favor was that they were cheap.

It has been the most accurate load so far out of his Ruger.

[Nobade]

5.5gr. AA#5 and the #3118 will shoot groups around an inch at 50 yds. from my scope sighted S&W M16 and my 10" TC Contender. I use gobs of them in pistol silhouette matches. Just tried the Ranch Dog 32-20 boolit and it does the same thing. Both are plain base and cast from air cooled wheelweights, BTW.

[FergusonTO35]

Ranch Dog may be able to provide you with data for his 115 grain .32-20 boolit in the .32 H&R. Also, Laser Cast Bullets does have some data for their 115 grain slug in the .32 H&R. they will send it to you for the asking.

[Dale53]

In .32 H&R Magnum revolvers I shoot 10.0 grs of H110 behind a 120 gr RF cast bullet. This chronographs at 1100 fps with decent accuracy and punch.

FWIW
Dale53

[FergusonTO35]

A couple of days ago I tried 4.7 grains of Accurate #5 under the 115 grain Ranch Dog boolit in my Charter Undercoverette .32 magnum. Very accurate load, as long as I did my part it would bullseye it at 10 yards. I ran it through my chronograph, 805 fps average with an extreme spread of only 12 fps! Accurate #5 has always been superb in my .38 Specials, looks like it will do well in the .32 also.

[cobbmtmac]

To: 9.3X62AL and the rest of you 32H&R Mag. Nuts,

I have that RCBS Cast Bullet Manual No.1 ...I believe 9.3 is refering to page 133, which has 19diff. powders & loads listed for the 32-098-SWC, 98gr bullet.

Anyone that would like a copy, send me your e-mail address by PM and I will scan and email it to you. I do not have a FAX, but can scan and e-mail.

BTW, I have a 32H&R, S&W Mod 431PD, 2". I use 3.2 Bulleye behind a 103 gr SWC.

Let me know if you want a copy of the Data?

[FergusonTO35]

I'll take a copy. Does it show any other boolits?

[canyon-ghost]

I've had two of the 32 magnums, a TC Contender and an H&R revolver. I used Bullseye in them. It took 1.4 grains to reach 50 meters in the TC barrel (10").

That load is light and almost subsonic although it still rings my ears. I then checked it out to 100 meters with another 5 loads and came up with 1.9 grains of Bullseye. I couldn't see any difference between 1.9 and 2 grains though.

My little 32 mag revolver with 4" barrel liked the 1.9 better, the slower load seemed to generate heat and drag through it more. Most 32 magnum loads are toned down for the little NEF H&R handguns they were intended for. Mine is one of them.

Without earmuffs, the sharp snap should tell you that it's magnum and breaking the sound barrier.

Good Luck,
Ron

[usbp379]

GT Bullets makes a 115gr cast hollow point if anyone is looking.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Petrol & Powder]

..........

In my experience, 90-100 grain bullets give better accuracy in the 32 Magnum than do 110-120 grainers. Your revo being a 327 Federal gives at least one new variable that might change that all around.

...................


/\ agreed

It has been quite some time since I played with the 32 S&W Long and 32 H&R Mag but my experience was that you wanted to be right around the 100 gr bullet weight.


AND - WOW is this an old thread !

[Lloyd Smale]

8.5-9 grains of wc820 (aa9) has been a sweet spot when I want full power loads.

[gmsharps]

This is an old thread but has great info. I just picked up a Ruger Bisley 32 H&R and am working up possibilities with the 100 gr boolit. I also have the 115 gr boolit also but starting with the 100gr.

Thanks,
gmsharps

[olafhardt]

I know this ia an old thread but I would like to issue a caution. The load data for 32 cartridges is really messed in several manuals. The earlier Lyman manuals listed 3.5 grains of Unique as a minimum load for 32swl. I tried this in my Colt Police Positive and it sounded and kicked like a 357. The older Speer manual l had called for almost as much powder. I am away from my data now but can't and won't tell you what to load in a 32. If I want 38spcl performance out of a revolver ,the woods is full of them.

[Larry Gibson]

I know this ia an old thread but I would like to issue a caution. The load data for 32 cartridges is really messed in several manuals. The earlier Lyman manuals listed 3.5 grains of Unique as a minimum load for 32swl. I tried this in my Colt Police Positive and it sounded and kicked like a 357. The older Speer manual l had called for almost as much powder. I am away from my data now but can't and won't tell you what to load in a 32. If I want 38spcl performance out of a revolver ,the woods is full of them.

Reference load data for the 32 S&WL my earlier #3 manual lists 3.5 gr as a max load under a 115 gr cast stating the maximum loads are for solid frame revolvers only. The "start load" of 2.1 gr Unique is recommended for top break revolvers. My #4 Lyman CBH lists 3.1 gr Unique as max under a 93 gr cast bullet. The #4 manual also does not recommend any of the listed loads for use in top break revolvers anymore. While I prefer 2.7 gr Bullseye under the Lee 90 gr SWC in my S&W M30 I have shot a few loaded with the 3.5 gr Unique load under a 115 gr SWC. I find them no where near as boisterous out of my 3" M30 as I do 158 gr "standard" 38 SPL loads out of a 2" M36 38 SPL.

Also I thought this thread was about the 32 H&R Magnum? I've several magnum loads that exceed max charges in manuals. Those max manual charges along with the SAAMI MAP for the 32 H&R were developed for the top break H&R revolver. While it is wise to stick with the listed max charges for use with an H&R revolver new more modern solid frame S&Ws and Rugers can use heavier loads safely. Not any different than using "Ruger level" loads in the 45 Colt.

What I want out of my 32 H&R Magnum Ruger SS (original run) with 32 magnum level loads is magnum level performance using either SAAMI MAP level loads or the heavier level "solid frame" revolver loads that are safely developed (I pressure test them in a Contender barrel using the Oehler M43 PBL). If I want 32 S&W or 32 S&WL performance I will use my M30........

[JoeJames]

May be the right thread at the right time for me. I have been reloading 32 S&W Longs and 32 H&R Magnum loads for the last 30 years off and on with a stash of Remington swaged 98 grain swc's, but since I started reloading them in earnest over the last few months, my supply has dwindled.

My cousin who had a gun/pawnshop ended up with a Lyman double cavity mold #311008CV which throws a .312" 115 grain Keith type swc. In trade the same fellow gave him about 100 rounds apiece of loaded 32-20, and 32 H&R Magnum loads, all loaded with the same 115 grain Lyman bullets. Since my supply was dwindling my cousin gave me the Lyman mold with handles. I have noted in this thread and other sources that the 115 grain swc's are "not handled well" in 32S&W Long or 32 H&R Magnum. By the way the feller's load for the 32 H&R Magnum was the 115 grain bullet sitting on 4 grains of Unique. I shot a few of his loads in my S&W 631 and they seemed a bit hot.

But I am trying whether to decide to cast from the Lyman mold, or get another mold - say, the Lee mold that throws a 98-100 grain swc.

Question regarding 'not handling well": is the normal rifling in 32 revolvers too slow to stabilize the heavier 115 grain bullet, or are there pressure problems with the 115 as against the normal 98-100 grain bullet?

[RED BEAR]

Those looking for 32 hr brass should try brassman https://brassmanbrass.com it is not listed on website but give him a call i got 500 cases for something like 40 or 45 dollars shipping included. Last time i purchased from him he had a good quantity of 32 sw long also. Easy and honest fellow to deal with.

[Reg]

For some real screaming magnum loads I remember a fellow called Paco Kelly came out with loads for the 32 Mag when it came out years ago. These were for Rugers only and NEVER to be used in the H&R's or Smiths. He used the 115 grain 3118 and I think too much 2400. Tried a couple of his top loads and learned fear real quick. I forget exactly what they were nor would I even pass them on if I did remember but if you like living on the edge I know they are out there.

[usbp379]

I've been playing with an LCR in 327 Fed Mag and a Smith 432PD in 32 HRM and have been enjoying both. I guess I need to get some 100 and 115 grain GT cast hollow points and try them in ballistic gel.

[Alferd Packer]

When changing to a heavier bullet, the bullet hardness as well as the sizing play an important part in pressure generated by a load.
A thousandth larger on a heavier bullet cast from a harder alloy than the original load can put you in dangerous territory.
The reloader who said he used 3.5 grains Unique or 4 may have had a larger bore than yours in the same caliber, so he shows a safe load.
Remember: each gun is a law unto itself and no two are the same except for the exceptions to the rule.
So many variables, so many choices, so many drinks and flavors.
How anyone can say "it worked for me. I can't understand WHY YOU are having trouble."
Its just all part of the experience.
Those who understand what I mean always only start with the minimum load and only load a few because the stated minimum may not be correct for your gun. Harder alloy, different size ,different style-shape-ogive or no ogive, different lot of powder, smaller cartridge volume, hotter primer, and more variables.
Its more than bullet, case, primer, and powder. Reloading is dangerous.Really flying by the seat of your pants when you venture outside just reloading to factory specs ,using the standard supplied bullet, powder, case and primer.
Using common sense, if the reload is too hot, stopping right there and backing up is only logical.
Reloading data is never gospel and has been tested, just for the average gun.
Being above or below average is what this is all about, I think.
We just have to be able to tell the difference and make the right choice for our gun.
I like what you all had to say.
Keep experimenting. We all live and learn. Thanks for sharing.

[Walks]

I've been shooting .32H&R Mag for 25+years. Never had any problems finding brass or Data. I also load for an old Police Positive in .32S&W Long, and .32Short and Wimpy for my Grandmother's old S&W LemonSqueezer.
.32ACP too.

Never had a problem with any loadings for any of these Cartridges. Used to have a little H&R in .32Mag, the factory loads were uncomfortable to shot, so I traded it off, and got the Ruger SSM 5 1/2". It shot great with the .32 H&R Mag factory loads. So I just stuck with them.
I bought 8 boxes of once fired .32H&R Mag at a Gun Show for $40. Still using it, with the SAECO #325. A 100gr SWC FB. For .32 Long I use the Lee 93gr RN.

So go light to start with.