32 ACP reloading

[MaterDei]

Anybody here load 32ACP? I found some Lee dies at Midway for $22.00 and am seriously consider starting to load this round. I don't shoot it much but, quite frankly, given the cost of this little round I think that I could quickly recoup my costs. I pay more for 32ACP, ~$15/50 than I do for 45ACP. Crazy.

So, does anybody load the stuff and if so does anybody have a good load for a Keltec P32?

 

[Walkalong]

2.2 Grs of AA #2 under a 71 Gr. FMJ powdered by a WSP primer @ .955 O.A.L. gave me an Avg of 698 FPS in 94 Degree weather.

3.2 Grs of AA #5 under a 71 Gr. FMJ powdered by a WSP primer @ .955 O.A.L. gave me an Avg of 736 FPS in 94 Degree weather.

Both loads shot fine from my Seecamp. I decided on the AA #2 load because it fills the case a tad better and with its light color is easier to see in the case when I seat a bullet.

These are max loads according to the Accurate online data.

They show the AA #2 load giving 650 FPS @ 19,300 PSI from a 4" Barrel @ .955 O.A.L.

They show the AA #5 load giving 703 FPS @ 19,700 PSI from a 4" Barrel @ .955 O.A.L.


These loads both showed an ejector mark on the soft Magtech brass. They may be a touch hot. Reduce 10% and work up.

 

[Walkalong]

32 Auto
BBL: 4"
PR: Winchester SP
TWIST: 1:16" TRIM: .672"
CASE: Winchester BULLET DIAM.
.312"

Bullet Powder COL Starting
Charge Wt.
(grs) Velocity
(fps) Pressure
Max
Charge Wt.
(grs) Velocity
(fps) Pressure

71 gr. FMJ 231 .984" --- --- --- 2.5 865 14,000 CUP
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Above info copied from the Winchester site. Use the link. There is a link on that page to a "printer friendly" version of the data. Winchester does not show links to this data anymore, but it is there. They show links to the Hodgdon data page.


W231 should work well. Reduce 10% to start.

 

[MaterDei]

Thanks, Walk.

 

[JDGray]

I load for my P32. I run 2.5gr W231, 71gr fmj seated at .955 The gun shoots this load great, its a max load, but the guns rated for +p, and I've not seen any pressure signs. Good luck!

 

[MaterDei]

Thanks, JDGray. I was looking for a max load for my little Keltec. Their warranty and service are great so if the frame has issues they'll fix it.

 

[philbo]

I recently started working up some loads after picking up a set of dies here on THR for $15. So far:

I've used 71 FMJ over 2.1 HP-38, OAL .978: Mild load thru the P32 no problems, but had 1 FTF with the Walther PP.

2.3 HP-38 w/the above seemed to work fine in everything, and the P32 was still easy to shoot. This is Hodgdon's max load by the way.

2.1 Titegroup w/above worked fine and felt about the same.

I'd like to find some Gold Dot's for the 32 and work those up next, but just having plinking ammo for less than $6.00 per 50 makes reloading this cartridge worthwhile.

As always, work your loads up carefully. There isn't a lot of room in that little 32 case for error.

 

[Roadkill]

L load for a Walther PP and a Mod 1920 Browning. Aggavating but they shoot well. I don't have load data available but I get 90g plated bullets from Berry's. Use reddot, THINK its about 2.4g

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I know what you mean about the cost of .32, ridiculous it cost more than .45! I have a Tomcat and with the small guns you need to practice to be well able for a shot in the eye or snot locker area.

 

[Blade_Zero]

Hey Guys,
I wonder if you could answer a few questions for me.

1) Commercial .308 Win & .32 ACP have a unit cost of $0.65 & $0.26 respectively, what are your unit costs when reloading these calibers, excluding set-up costs.

2) How much reloaded .32 ammo do you put through your pocket pistols in an average practice session and how much did you expend before you reloaded.

3) How many times can the .32 ACP brass be used.


Thanks.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'd like to find some Gold Dot's for the 32 and work those up next, but just having plinking ammo for less than $6.00 per 50 makes reloading this cartridge worthwhile.

philbo,
They are available. The 60 gr Speer Gold Dot .32 bullet's part number is 3986. If you go to the Speer bullet site and click "Dealer Locate" and put in your Zip Code they will give you the list of stores who are "supposed to" have their bullets. http://www.speer-bullets.com/default.asp?s1=8

MaterDei,
I feel your pain, I also have a P-32 and ammo prices are totally out of line. Like you said, you have to practice with this small gun to remain proficient. I'm thinking about reloading for the .32 Auto too.

 

[Mark whiz]

Here's my best loads for 60gr JHPs (Gold Dots & XTPS):

Gold Dots:
2.1gr Win231
2.6gr IMR700-X
These have an OAL of .930"

XTPs:
3.1gr Universal Clays OAL .930"
2.5gr IMR 700-X OAL .930"
3.5gr AA#5 OAL .905"

BTW, these were all developed for a Beretta Tomcat. They are all pretty warm loads, but it's what the Tomcat needed to cycle properly.