Perk up the .32 ACP a bit

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test drive

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Picked up a Zastava M70. For those of you who have held one you know she is made from a big chunk of steel. I would like to make a hotter load for it where I would end up with something like a +p+. So can someone suggest a fairly warm load to start working with ? I would like to use a heavy FMJ. This load will only be for the M70.
 
Best advice that I can think of is for you to get a load book, either online or a print version, and start with the data that you find therein.
One problem inherent with attempting +p+ loadings is determining the pressures. Do you have pressure trave equipment.
More to the point is that there are design factors that put limitations on just how zippy a load can be and still be safe. The m70 is a blowback operated pistol and was designed as such to accommodate the lower pressure generated by the .32 ACP. Saami max is 20500psi. The +p loads run to 23200psi.
Here is an article that you might find helpful: https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/...ating-buffalo-bore-s-32-acp-p-ammunition.html.
Pete
 
Without pressure testing equipment working up a +P+ load in 32 is more like turning the gUn into a grenade.

The 32 acp is what it is. If you need something hotter IMO get one of the smaller 9x19 guns. S&W Shield is available in mid 200 range now.

I have never been a fan of +P or +P+. There is little gained if you look at the numbers. If I want more power I get more gun.

FWIW, I sometimes carry a 32 acp with factory fmj loads. I think it's an adequate SD for most purposes. It gives good penetration (13-18" with fmj) in ballistics gel. Once you have an entry and exit wound any other velocity is wasted.
 
I have reloaded my .32acp carry loads (currently, kel-tec P32 or Mauser HsC) using the 93 grain
FMJ -.309 dia.- 30 Luger/Tokarev bullet using Herco as the propellant for quite a few years now.
The 100 grain 32-20 SP is also an option for a heavier bullet. I'm still using the batch of bulk Remingtons I got prior to SH.

Older Hercules/Alliant manuals have the .32acp load data with their various appropriate powders.
You will feel the recoil difference with the heavier bullet.

JT
 
Without pressure testing equipment working up a +P+ load in 32 is more like turning the gUn into a grenade.

The 32 acp is what it is. If you need something hotter IMO get one of the smaller 9x19 guns. S&W Shield is available in mid 200 range now.
I couldn't have said it better, the .32 ACP is what it is.

It's a tiny case that will cause pressures to rise very quickly with even a .1 grain increase in powder. It operates at fairly low pressure and the guns are designed around those pressures and velocities.

Y'all be careful out there. :)
 
While I usually applaud getting as much power as possible out of a cartridge.....32acp even heavily loaded isnt gonna be a barnstormer anyway.

Mostly you are taking a pretty big risk of kaboom for less than 380 power while wearing out your gun.
 
Picked up a Zastava M70. For those of you who have held one you know she is made from a big chunk of steel. I would like to make a hotter load for it where I would end up with something like a +p+. So can someone suggest a fairly warm load to start working with ? I would like to use a heavy FMJ. This load will only be for the M70.


You might find what you're looking for in this thread.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...s-Up-quot-Serious-Loads-with-Accurate-31-087T
 
The only suggestion I would have for hotrodding a .32 would be to see if anybody ever converted to 7.65 French Longue (I think that’s the proper name). That was a sweet looking and peppy pistol, but only 1 model that I have ever seen was chambered for it. Converting over would be a really interesting project if it is safe or feasible. I doubt that it would work though because it should be longer than the magazine well is.
 
Of course there is always Buffalo Bore +P nonsense!

Good Lord! I thought some were being ridiculous about Remington’s ad, but Buffalo Bore is quite graphic, and melodramatic, with their print aren’t they?
And here I thought the numbers sold the products!;)




Remember @test drive, it’s cool to shoot old pistols, but nobody looks cool wearing a fifty year old slide in their face.

The brass will probably fail first, but Thirty Two brass is expensive for what you get...:D
 
From Lyman #44.

7265AD9F-CC3A-4F15-9E9F-CC0875DC7807.jpeg

From Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #3.

2196A21F-9BEC-4D94-AF27-329CFBAE7A84.jpeg

The Lyman 44 loads for the 77 gr cast is the closest to the Buffalo Bore load of 75 gr/1150 FPS that I can find in my manuals. That manual is 52 years old though. Take care, and use at your own risk.
 
That is where I would be looking for a self defense load for .32 ACP if standard factory FMJ doesn't flic your bic.

In the quote you deleted "nonsense" Which is what BB and Underwood is.:uhoh:
Just get a bigger caliber.
 
In the quote you deleted "nonsense" Which is what BB and Underwood is.:uhoh:
Just get a bigger caliber.

I do like BB. 357, 45 colt heavy rounds and their 10mm stuff but some of their stuff is ridiculous.....like 32acp plus p
 
In the quote you deleted "nonsense" Which is what BB and Underwood is.:uhoh:
Just get a bigger caliber.
Yes, I left the opinion part out.

I do not own any of their ammo, nor do I have any real interest in it, but it has a niche market and opinions vary.

I think it is a bad idea to hot rod .32 ACP at home, but for someone who insists on a heavy .32 ACP load at least Buffalo Bore has been pressure tested. Now, that doesn't mean it won't be hard on the gun, maybe even damage it, but it won't blow it up from over pressure like we might do playing at home with loads over book value.
 
Yes, I left the opinion part out.

I do not own any of their ammo, nor do I have any real interest in it,
I think it is a bad idea to hot rod .32 ACP at home, .


Selective quoting
Well then that's your "opinion"
 
The Lyman 44 loads for the 77 gr cast is the closest to the Buffalo Bore load of 75 gr/1150 FPS that I can find in my manuals. That manual is 52 years old though.

For public consumption:

Please note that a period specific loading manual, which would correspond nicely with the pistol in discussion, has no loads that reach anywhere near the Buffalo Bore' 1150 feet per second.
Let us, dangerously, assume that loadings above this posted maximum are in the "Above Normal Pressure" range, realizing fully that even normal loadings may be too much for some firearms.
 
I've been following this thread with interest. I've got numerous 32acp pistols that I shoot and reload. I also have a Zastava M70 that I enjoy shooting. I'm not as accurate with it as I am with, say my Colt 1903s. But that M70 is built like a tank (read: minimal felt recoil) and, well, very different.
But, back to the point. I use mild loads according to my books. I never felt the need to get adventurous with hotter loads. I shoot it at the range for fun and would never consider it an EDC firearm. It's too darn heavy and it's a 32acp. I have too many better options.

Lastly, I appreciate learning from so many knowledgeable folks that post on ammo I reload.
 
Shot a Beretta 81 and a FN 1922 in .32 ACP today. Shot some no name 71 Gr FMJs and some no name 60 Gr JHPs. Lots of fun.

No, I am not going to carry one of them for defense, although I did used to carry a .32 ACP Seecamp some, they are too big for the caliber when it comes to carry guns, we can get more power in the same or smaller package these days.

Think some of the .380s (Nominally better IMHO), and 9MMs like the Shield, the P-365, the new Hellcat from SA..........just better choices for cary IMHO.

No need to supercharge the .32 ACP.
 
I'd think you would want to match performance of some of the euro rounds; Fiocci, S&B seem to have really good reputations for .32 ACP. I've shot a good deal of the Fiocci - the S&B is priced out of my range from what I've seen. I sometimes keep a .32 ACP Pistol around, just because I have one and find it easy to stick on a shelf near where I'm working, and in a little holster - does not draw any particular attention - can't tell what it is etc. I also asked S&B what their test barrel was, and they said a 3" barrel - so, in theory that would provide an uptick in nrg from the published numbers out of a 4" barrel.

One question I have about loadings and velocity is - really what would an extra 100fps or even 200 fps do in real world performance? If you were to fire at an attacker coming at you, the round would likely just poke a .32 inch hole in one side and out the other. At a 900 fps or 1200 fps speed, sure - one has a little more nrg, but generally speaking - is there any actual advantage to poking a .32 inch hole a couple nano seconds faster? Is there a practical increase in performance? If you were trying to get a hollow point to expand maybe, but from what I've seen a good many people who like the .32 ACP just use ball ammo - and accept the round for what it is.
 
You will need to be able to read the signs of a over pressure load, which is like reading tea leaves.
Sometimes load data for a cartridge is neutered because of older guns with inferior metallurgy or design, how do you know your gun is not one of those?
 
stout .32acp rounds like what Buffalo Bore makes seem to be quite a boost for the .32 acp, however they are flat nose rounds and shorter than standard FMJ. this means rimlock is a possibility.
 
In the quote you deleted "nonsense" Which is what BB and Underwood is.:uhoh:
Just get a bigger caliber.

Lol, I doubt a 8 shots to the chest, neck and face, with this stuff and you would just laugh and say "Oh my what nonsense". That said, no I would not reload 32 anyway. And yes I have bigger calibers. But there is a tool for just about everything.Or maybe should carry a full size pistol strapped next to your bathing suite.
Personally, I will take the very small 6 1/2 ounce mouse gun.

Zf6QDKI.jpg
 
I'd think you would want to match performance of some of the euro rounds; Fiocci, S&B seem to have really good reputations for .32 ACP.
Yep, and even the old Remington FMJ I have beats any load book 71 Gr FMJ load I have tried.
 
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