32 H&R Mag

[DCR]

Hope this is the right forum.

I'm well aware of being able to shoot .38 spl in .357, .44 spl in .44 mag, etc. - is there something else that can be shot in the .32 H&R? Just curious as to how versatile this little Vaquerito is.

Thank you,

DCR

 

[Old Fuff]

Yes, you can shoot .32 S&W Long or .32 Colt New Police (same cartridge, with different name. Colt didn't want to put "S&W" anything on their guns). You can also shoot .32 S&W (a short version of the .32 S&W Long).

You cannot use .32 Short Colt, .32 Long Colt or .32-20 (also called 32 WCF).

Of these the .32 S&W Long is less powerful then the .32 H&R Magnum, uses lead bullets (easier on the barrel) and is very accurate - especially in the full-wadcutter loading made for target shooting.

 

[DCR]

Thanks for the info! Dug out my old reloading book, and, looking at the cartridge drawings, you are right on.

I appreciate your help.

DCR

 

[Lancel]

Also FWIW, I've also shot 100 rounds of .32 ACP without a problem in my .32 H&R Magnum (Taurus 731 Ultra-Lite.)

It works since the .32 ACP is "semi-rimmed"; it's .358" diameter rim is more than enough to hold the cartridge in the cylinder. With three different brands of ammo, there was no split brass or other negative effects.

It's kinda like shooting .22 short in a .22 long rifle, big difference in power.

The disadvantage is that the short case can slip under the extractor if cylinder isn't emptied with the muzzle raised so the brass falls straight (more or less) down. Easy enough to clear out though.