32 s&w

[badwolf]

I've got a 32 s&w revolver coming and I'm looking for a bullet mold and loads. Probably will just be plinking with this and might shoot it at squirrels or a grouse or two. Any recommendations? Thanks I have dies for 327 federal Magnum I'm thinking might work?

[HumptyDumpty]

If you are talking about the original 32 S&W (32 S&W Short), then your 327 magnum dies will work, with the possible exception of the seating die; I don't know if the seating plug will screw down far enough. I use a set of Lee 32 &W dies to load 32 short, long, 327, and 32 acp, so if your dies are for the 32 S&W Long, I am confident that you will have no problems. For the 32 short, I have found that right around 1 grain (.7-1.2 grains) of 700x or Red Dot with a 71 grain round nose shoots well, in a wide variety of revolvers.

[pworley1]

Lyman 3118 over 2g of Red Dot or 3g Unique.

[GhostHawk]

Or the Lee .314 100 gr TL truncated cone sized to be 1 thous over barrel groove over 2 grains of Red Dot.

Mine shoot like lasers in both a H&R snubnose in .32sw long and a Ruger NM single Six in .32H&R mag.

[JoeJames]

The Lee Precision TL 314 90 SWC mold has worked out to be the best for my 32's. I have shot it in my pre-model 30, and in my S&W Model 631.

[badwolf]

32 long

[Larry Gibson]

The 327 dies may not crimp unless they were made to load the 32 S&WL, the 32 H&R Magnum and the 327.

[HumptyDumpty]

32 long

100 grain SWC over 2.7 grains of Red Dot is an accurate, full-power load (880 fps from a 2/12" barrel).This is not for top-breaks.

[Battis]

I use 1.1 gr Bullseye under a .321 roundball sized to .311.

[MT Gianni]

32 S&W dies will load 32 long, H&R & 327 Fed. The reverse is not true. Same as 38 special, 357 and 357 max.

[Mk42gunner]

There is such a plethora of .32 S&W Long revolvers out there of varying quality, (some can be shot forever, some shouldn't be fired at all) that I am a bit hesitant to blindly recommend a load.

Glen Fryxell has a decent article on the .32 S&W Long here: http://www.lasc.us/FryxellThe32S-WLong.htm

I will say that I have used 2.5 grains of Red Dot under a few different 95-100 grain boolits sized either .313 or .314" with complete satisfaction in my little I frame S&W's. Bullseye and W231 are good powder choices also.

Robert

[badwolf]

I shoot a .32 cal flintlock so have balls available to get started. Looking at molds, thanks guy.

[Larry Gibson]

badwolf

Give us a picture of the S&W when it gets there? Always interesting in looking at those oldies but goodies.....

[Green Frog]

Badwolf, more information is needed. First, is your new revolver chambered in 32 S&W (“short”) for which new guns haven’t been made for years, or the more common 32 S&W Long? Second, what make, model, and vintage is it? These questions, along with condition of your revolver, will determine how we answer your question.

BTW, those balls for your 32 flintlock are probably close to a true 32 caliber (.32” or more) while so-called 32 revolvers take bullets in the .311-.313” range.

Froggie

[GhostHawk]

I have taken OO buckshot, run them through a .314 lee sizing die. which squeezes them a little. Those load just fine in .32sw long or .32acp brass. Flat spot on the sides gives a good place to crimp. And they shoot well.

But mostly I prefer the little Lee .314 TL truncated cone sized as needed.
That little boolit just loves to shoot.

[badwolf]

Balls are from a .310 lee mold

[Green Frog]

OK, now it seems like we are talking in terms of a solid frame S&W (hand ejector, swing out cylinder) chambered in 32 S&W Long, right?

If so, all of these suggestions for using bullets in the 90-105 grain range, sized to .311-.314” should get you started. These can be powered safely with mild loads of Bullseye or HP-38 or its equivalent W231 and you’re good to go. I won’t post charges, but they are readily available in print and on line from the manufacturers and other reliable sources. I find the 32 S&W L to be the easiest and cheapest cartridge of all to reload if primers and powder are available. Brass will get lost or stepped on before it is likely to wear out!

Froggie

PS That .310 round ball might work OK if the case neck will hold it. That will be super cheap to shoot!

[badwolf]

I'll have it Saturday, not sure what I bought.

[badwolf]

1956 improved I frame flat gate m&p, 4" barrel. Dealer had some Hornady 90 swc and Berry's plated hollow base wadcutters 93 gr to get me started.

[Stacts]

Pictures, man! Pictures! I want to drool over this thing.