Case Trimming 32 ACP

So, I was going through some of the old stuff I have. There is a Foster Case trimmer, that I think is the standard/original type based on the Collets that are with it. I don't have the correct #3 for .38 Special and .32 ACP. but I was playing around with what was there. They both do seem to fit in the #2 Collet and hold well.

There's also an older Herter's trimmer, that seems to use the same Collets and Pilots just fine - the dimensions are a little different, but if I had to guess made by same company, one is just older from the 60s is my guess.

Question is - it appears there is no way the trimmer will even come close to the 32ACP case. The rod on the Forster cutter is just not that long any way you adjust it. Forster sells the pilot and collet for 32 ACP, so what am I doing wrong? I looked to see if the main components had adjustments or other mount holes, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

oh, it is on the Collet housing not the base/frame … lol

made adjustment on each end, though I had it, still too short. the shaft on the Herter's trimmer looked 1/4" longer than the Forster's so - I swapped it and it fit, still not long enough. I'll have to get the proper Collet for it to see how long it has to be, if it is withing a small amount, I can just put a washer on the screw handle, to let the adjusting collar hand off the end of the shaft just a touch to make it reach. strange, I looked at the Forster's website, and if you look at cutting shafts, it appears there is a little cutter extension, but they don't list it - nor is it listed in accessories, but there is a picture of it …

5⅜" base (std) 0.750"

well, this would explain why a .68 inch case wont reach the cutter - the min length for the design is .75" // they apparently made a shorter base at some point that would trim down to nothing. guess this one isn't going to make it, although - swapping the cutter for one 1/4" longer should have made the difference, still isn't going to reach, but I don't have the proper sized collet to check it for sure.

yeah, I was ordering the little shell holder insert to try my hand at checking and trimming some .38 Special, figured while I was at it I'd see if the same trimmer would do .32 ACP, but it looks unlikely. I'll have to check out that Lyman trimmer and see what else is out there.

1MoreFord said:

Liked Walkalong l have never trimmed a straight walled semi auto pistol case and can't imagine even trying to do a .32acp. I've trimmed .38spl and .357 to get a consistent roll crimp but never a semi auto.

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don't know, was just trying to get set up so if I wanted to trim .38 Special - I could do it. figured I'd see if the same set up could do .32 ACP should I find a reason to do it, just wanted to have the components for it. can't find anything that would actually trim it if I wanted to so far.

I talked to Forster on the phone and added a sorter 4.5 inch base/frame to my order. The new original trimmers also have an additional adjusting hole, making the short frame obsolete, but it was less than the collet to grab another frame - so, we'll see when the order comes in.

Hey - honestly I don't know. I've only ever handloaded one box of .38 Special, I just like the 32ACP and it is not a cheap round for what it is, so - just want to be set up to reload it and if it ever needs to be trimmed I'll be set up for it. I'd hate to be in the middle of something and have to pause to find supplies or equipment.

Eugen said:

I love range time with my vintage 32 acp pistols. I also enjoy reloading that caliber. Well, ok, not that much because most recipes max and min loads are so close. Anyway I'm a novice handloader with a single stage press. But, in my short time reloading i have never heard anyone case trimming those little puppies. No one. OP, you have already heard from far more knowledgeable folks above that there is no need to waste you time even thinking about case trimming.

Enjoy reloading and shooting your 32 acp rounds.

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If you don't mind me asking, what do you like to use for components for 32ACP rounds for vintage pistols. I have a CZ-70 and will probably collect others. I'll probably reload factory ammo, Fiocci and Geco at this point although, the Fiocci brass is better IMHO for this because it rides a little more proud in the magazine and I can fully load them in the mags, with the Geco I only go 5 deep - after that they start to dip at the nose a little. US Ammo I've had a few issues with FTF, think because of the rim groove and how it sits in the mags, it nosedives. I've been scrolling through threads and people say .312 bullets are too wide and for 7.65 Browning go down to .310 or .309. I poked my nose around some supplier websites and didn't find too many options like it would be easy to be that picky.

Did find some in both LRN and Jackets or Plated, but again, not sure for reloading if there is an advantage of one over the other. Seems like all the factory ammo is jacketed or plated, so far as what I've seen.

I was looking on the Fiocci website, and it looks like the have 32ACP brass cases in 100 packs, but could not find anyone who actually distributes them to consumers. Unsure of other brass if it will be cut like the European cases or the US, so unsure what to get.