I want to use a 115 gr. RNFP for this load. Does anyone have actual experience with a good load in a 2" barrel using a bullet close to this weight? If so, please recommend what you have used. Thanks.
I want to use a 115 gr. RNFP for this load. Does anyone have actual experience with a good load in a 2" barrel using a bullet close to this weight? If so, please recommend what you have used. Thanks.
Winchester1873
Eastern Pennsylvania
NRA Endowment Member
SASS #4489
I am answering this mainly to be subscribed to your post so I can see the answers you get. I have found 32 caliber pistol loads in older hand books to often be pretty stiff. The model 31 Smith is stronger than a lot of the older 32's. I suggest reading the Sticky " The 32 SW Long as a manstopper". This sticky is very,very long.
Closest recorded range Chrony kill (3 feet with witnesses)
2.5 grains of Bullseye with #311008 or similar is a safe, full-charge load.
The ENEMY is listening.
HE wants to know what YOU know.
Keep it to yourself.
I have pressure tested numerous loads for the 32 S&WL. For my own M30 S&W with 3" barrel {same as M31 but with fixed sights] I use 2 loads with 115 gr cast bullets; one with 2.8 gr Bullseye and one with 3.3 gr of Unique. Both loads run right at 18,000 psi which are safe for the solid steel framed S&W M30 and M31s.
Larry Gibson
“Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
― Nikola Tesla
Thanks Larry!
The ENEMY is listening.
HE wants to know what YOU know.
Keep it to yourself.
Thanks, Larry.
Winchester1873
Eastern Pennsylvania
NRA Endowment Member
SASS #4489
I just loaded 15 rounds for testing. The #05 Lil' Dandy rotor is only throwing 3.0 gr. Unique (listed for 3.3gr.). I will see how it works and report back here.
Winchester1873
Eastern Pennsylvania
NRA Endowment Member
SASS #4489
I have found that with a 98 grain swc, my most accurate and shoot to point of aim loads for fixed sight S&W's - 32 HE's, an improved I frame pre-Model 30, and my 631 (all 4") are 2- 2.1 grains of Bullseye. I have tried 115 grain swc's but due to dwell time, I figured I needed to heat 'em up too much to be pleasant.
32 S&W Long
my own testing
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
Last edited by JoeJames; 05-30-2020 at 06:45 AM.
Britons shall never be slaves.
"I have found that with a 978 grain swc….."
I am duly impressed......
Larry Gibson
“Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
― Nikola Tesla
Me too.
978 grains!!!
Wonder what twist he uses to stabilize that thing!!
Joe James.
Don't you just love that S&W 631?
I have had mine since they first came out and have dispatched rabbits, ground hogs, blue grouse, squirrels, coyote, skunks, prairie dogs, it is a nice companion for woods walking.
Political correctness is a national suicide pact.
I am a sovereign individual, accountable
only to God and my own conscience.
I do indeed. Even though chambered for the 32 H&R Magnum, it is very accurate with 32 S&W Longs with a 98 grain SWC. Still keeping an eye out for a decent Model 31. I have an improved I frame pre Model 30 4” which is handy as a pocket on a shirt, and shoots right on to point of aim.
Britons shall never be slaves.
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |