.32 Long Defense Loads

[Lone Star]

A friend has a S&W .32 Long revolver, a Hand Ejector from the 1950's.

Does anyone know the velocity of the target wadcutter ammo in this caliber? Are Euro loads hotter?

I've read that some fire .32 auto ammo in them, but hesitate to suggest using ammo for which the gun was never intended.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Depending of the barrel length mv is close to 650 to 700 fps tops. It's weak due to the fact that a lot of 32 long were chambered in top break (weak) guns.

Yes the EU loads their .32acp ammo hotter as they use a different (CIP) industry standard. They also seal their primers too.

 

[Pyro]

From my experience Federal .32 S&W-L Wadcutter ammo is loaded warmer than other brands like Fiocchi or Magtech. Federal seals their primers as well.
Something about it being loaded warmer for use in auto-loader target pistols.

It's what I use when I carry my old F&W revolver.

Magtech makes a SJHP in .32 S&W-Long (which never expanded in my tests) and Fioochi makes a FMJ bullet for the caliber.
That's about as exotic as it's gonna get. I'd stick with wadcutters.

 

[Lone Star]

Thanks. The gun is a pre-Model 30 with 3.25-inch bbl.