Originally Posted by
Molly
Warning. The load data posted above (#347) is TOO HOT for ordinary .32 Long revolvers. Despite the lack of sticky extraction or flattened primers, I have managed to damage an almost new S&W M30 with them (Bent the crane.)
They seemed to function just fine last time I took the gun shooting as reported in the above post, and no problems were encountered in shooting several boxes of them. However, when shooting them yesterday, things went well for a bit, and then I encountered sudden problems in that without apparent reason, the cylinder did not want to close with its ordinary ease. Closer examination today was puzzling at first, with no apparent cause for the problem, but persistence paid off. A sudden gleam of white (not blued) steel brought my attention to a slightly polished spot where the crane mates with the frame, showing interference and binding.
I can fix the frame easily enough, as the damage was slight: Just enough distortion to put some resistance to the last little bit of closing the cylinder. But I will back sharply off the level of the loads I use in it. And while I believe the load of 8.0g H110 under a 100g SWC, WW primers, and a heavy crimp can be increased without causing sticky extraction or flattened primers, I will reserve such loads for my Ruger 32 H&R Magnum. and will regard something like 7.0 to 7.2g of H110 as maximum for my M.30.
A wry apology is not inappropriate here: I've often scorned 'hotrod' reloaders, and suggested that "If you want more power, don't overload, just buy a bigger gun." And here I am, hoist on my own petard!
It should be obvious that the M30 S&W is a quality firearm, and is far stronger than any breaktop and the vast majority of solid frame revolvers available in .32 Long. You are warned that such loads are very likely to seriously damage or destroy most 32 S&W Long revolvers. If you decide to replicate these loads, the results will be on your own head.