.32 Magnum, Lil' Gun, and lead bullets. Data?

[Shivahasagun]

I got some Lil' Gun just for my LCR .327 to load .32 magnum.

I have sns 100 gr LFN bullets at the moment.

Unfortunately, my manuals don't list data for this powder and lead bullets.

Can anyone help me out here?

 

[horsey300]

I got some Lil' Gun just for my LCR .327 to load .32 magnum.

I have sns 100 gr LFN bullets at the moment.

Unfortunately, my manuals don't list data for this powder and lead bullets.

Can anyone help me out here?

I don't know that I'd use lil gun really.... hp38 and titegroup both sound more reasonable for your use... I'm sure someone more knowledgeable should be along shortly with an answer for you though.

 

[fxvr5]

Lil Gun will certainly allow high speeds with heavy bullets. In the absence of lead load data, you could start with the start charges for jacketed bullets and work your way up. Since you're shooting them in a 327 Federal chambered gun, you don't have to be too paranoid about reaching top 32 H&R pressure.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I got some Lil' Gun just for my LCR .327 to load .32 magnum.

I have sns 100 gr LFN bullets at the moment.

Unfortunately, my manuals don't list data for this powder and lead bullets.

Can anyone help me out here?

For the record, I have not tried Lil’Gun. At all. To me, it’s TiteGrope with an extra dose of retardant. But, that’s just me.

It’s possible Hodgdon has decided not to recommend Lil’Gun for lead (because of the heat, maybe?) Not recommending a powder for a specific application is a red flag but not a full stop. If it has been done by a testing lab at some point in time, the results are the results and are as trustworthy as the lab that publishes it. And then there’s published untested testing... a la Handloader and other non-laboratory sources (no pressure test data).

Brian Pearce is pretty good about publishing insane loads on just barely the sane side of the line. . BUT! If Brian Pearce hasn’t tested it then it’s probably a bad combo.

It couldn’t hurt to write to Hodgdon and ask for lab testing results for Lil’Gun with lead in .327FM and see what they say.

You can always start with Gold Dot (plated) starting loads and go up from there. Plated and lead are supposed to be close enough to share starting load data.

 

[Bill M.]

Maybe just buy some jacketed bullets.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I’m suspicious of the SNS lead bullet. I doubt you’ll get satisfactory results at velocities much over what they’re intended for which is .32 S&WL velocities (850fps).

I’ve used Brian Pierces .32H&R data in my .32Mag and .327. They are warm loads intended for strong revolvers, but are certainly safe.

That said, I used LilGun with both jacketed bullets, and gaschecked bullets with conventional lube and .314” sizing with a harder alloy. My results were outstanding. However, I loaded a few with a Lee 90gr TLSWC with either Tumble lube or Powder Coat and was NOT happy with the results.

Best results were with the Hornady 100gr XTP. Even better results were had with H110.

I suggest you load a few with the LilGun at 10.0gr and see how they shoot. That is a factory equivalent load for about 1,170fps (1,000fps from the 1-7/8”bbl). If accuracy and leading is acceptable, then I’d try a few at 11.0gr. Any higher will be counterproductive as velocity’s will drop, instead of increasing.

Lil’Gun does the same thing with the .357mag. With a 158gr JSP, 17.8gr gives peak velocity. Increasing powder charges reduces velocity.

For future efforts, I suggest LongShot. Velocities are similar, but change weights are about half.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I’m suspicious of the SNS lead bullet. I doubt you’ll get satisfactory results at velocities much over what they’re intended for which is .32 S&WL velocities (850fps).

I’ve used Brian Pierces .32H&R data in my .32Mag and .327. They are warm loads intended for strong revolvers, but are certainly safe.

That said, I used LilGun with either jacketed bullets, or, gaschecked bullets with conventional lube and .314” sizing with a harder alloy. My results were outstanding. However, I loaded a few with a Lee 90gr TLSWC with either Tumble lube or Powder Coat and was NOT happy with the results.

Best results were with the Hornady 100gr XTP. Even better results were had with H110.

I suggest you load a few with the LilGun at 10.0gr and see how they shoot. That is a factory equivalent load for about 1,170fps (1,000fps from the 1-7/8”bbl). If accuracy and leading is acceptable, then I’d try a few at 11.0gr. Any higher will be counterproductive as velocity’s will drop, instead of increasing.

Lil’Gun does the same thing with the .357mag. With a 158gr JSP, 17.8gr gives peak velocity. Increasing powder charges reduces velocity.

For future efforts, I suggest LongShot. Velocities are similar, but change weights are about half.

Thanks for the recommendations.

I was hoping for 1050-1100 fps from my 2 in LCR.

 

[AJC1]

I'm willing to try develop and test just about anything. The lead and cast boolit is nothing I care about with lil gun. The one factor that would push me away from that power in your case is a 2" barrel.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I'm willing to try develop and test just about anything. The lead and cast boolit is nothing I care about with lil gun. The one factor that would push me away from that power in your case is a 2" barrel.

Well, you know what they say: If you can’t shoot‘em, scorch them.
I’m not sure it’s going to be the best possible powder for the job but it might just get the job done.

 

[AJC1]

Well, you know what they say: If you can’t shoot‘em, scorch them.
I’m not sure it’s going to be the best possible powder for the job but it might just get the job done.

In that senerio I would be looking at Silhouette ,#5-7, or power pistol range... I hate power pistol but that zone. Nothing slower than blue dot for sure.

 

[Riomouse911]

Well, you know what they say: If you can’t shoot‘em, scorch them.
I’m not sure it’s going to be the best possible powder for the job but it might just get the job done.

I bet it sends out quite a fireball.

Stay safe.

 

[buck460XVR]

Unfortunately, my manuals don't list data for this powder and lead bullets.

Can anyone help me out here?

From my experience, when one encounters this, and a powder is not new to consumers, it's because it's not a combination that works very well. Almost any powder will push a bullet down the barrel. Not all do it well in every scenario. Publishers of manuals test many combinations that never make it to their manuals because of this. The fact that Hodgdon, the distributor of Lil' Gun does not list a combo using Lil' Gun and lead in .327 is telling. This is also why I research manuals before I try new powder/bullet combinations. Ask long enough on the internet and someone will give you a suggestion. Your choice to use that suggestion.

 

[Shivahasagun]

From my experience, when one encounters this, and a powder is not new to consumers, it's because it's not a combination that works very well. Almost any powder will push a bullet down the barrel. Not all do it well in every scenario. Publishers of manuals test many combinations that never make it to their manuals because of this. The fact that Hodgdon, the distributor of Lil' Gun does not list a combo using Lil' Gun and lead in .327 is telling. This is also why I research manuals before I try new powder/bullet combinations. Ask long enough on the internet and someone will give you a suggestion. Your choice to use that suggestion.

I'm just going to be loading .32 magnum stoutly to fire from my .327 fed mag gun.

Manufacturers do the opposite of what you described, too. They'll list a loading that is actually quite crappy and publish it in their manuals. CFE-P in .25 acp? Crap. Their starting load for CFE-P in anything but especially say, .38 spl? There is no way they actually tried that other than some faulty computer model.

 

[Shivahasagun]

Well, you know what they say: If you can’t shoot‘em, scorch them.
I’m not sure it’s going to be the best possible powder for the job but it might just get the job done.

I look forward to trying this & reporting back.

I'm going to start in the middle of Hodgdons suggestions. (With the Lil Gun) Another batch higher and then another max. 100 gr SNS LFN. Chrono plus accuracy test. And then an inspection of the gun.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I look forward to trying this & reporting back.

I'm going to start in the middle of Hodgdons suggestions. (With the Lil Gun) Another batch higher and then another max. 100 gr SNS LFN. Chrono plus accuracy test. And then an inspection of the gun.

Oops!

I just back to the heart of the matter..there is no listing for lead 100 gr & Lil Gun.

I'll probably do what someone suggested about using jacketed data. I forget if that is generally a "safe" thing to do.

 

[AJC1]

Oops!

I just back to the heart of the matter..there is no listing for lead 100 gr & Lil Gun.

I'll probably do what someone suggested about using jacketed data. I forget if that is generally a "safe" thing to do.

Jacketed data is normally higher for a whole host of reasons. A starting change should be the best plan barring any other data points.

 

[Seedy Character]

I like L'il Gun in .41, .44, .45C. RIFLES.
Was not impressed with revolver or small caliber performance.

Several other powders (mentioned above) will serve you much better.

 

[CJJeep46]

I got some Lil' Gun just for my LCR .327 to load .32 magnum.

I have sns 100 gr LFN bullets at the moment.

Unfortunately, my manuals don't list data for this powder and lead bullets.

Can anyone help me out here?

 

[CJJeep46]

I can help with a load I use. I shoot a TC 32. I use a bullet mold from Magnum Engineering, Cave, Creek, AZ, bullet, sized .312. 4.5 grns of Herco....very accurate. If you want to splurge, buy a copy of Lyman Cast Bullets for a coverage of many more new calibers.
Not knowing what pistol you have, I will post a copies of what can be used. I'm sure you will find one that works for you.

 

[fxvr5]

Thanks for the recommendations.

I was hoping for 1050-1100 fps from my 2 in LCR.

I've shot a 100 grain lead RN bullet in a 32 H&R with 10.8 gr. of Lil' Gun. Speed was a little over 1200 fps from a 4.2" Ruger SP101. That might get you close to 1050 from the LCR. You'll have to try it, but work up your load.

 

[Shivahasagun]

Another question.

Should I try magnum pistol primers with Lil Gun, 100 gr lead bullet in .32 mag for a cleaner burn?

I'm thinking of starting at 10.0 gr with magnum primers, up to 10.5 gr, and see how that goes. And also 10.5 with standard primer, up to 11.0.

All in my .327 LCR.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Another question.

Should I try magnum pistol primers with Lil Gun, 100 gr lead bullet in .32 mag for a cleaner burn?

I'm thinking of starting at 10.0 gr with magnum primers, up to 10.5 gr, and see how that goes. And also 10.5 with standard primer, up to 11.0.

All in my .327 LCR.

Take good notes and lots of pictures.

 

[AJC1]

Another question.

Should I try magnum pistol primers with Lil Gun, 100 gr lead bullet in .32 mag for a cleaner burn?

I'm thinking of starting at 10.0 gr with magnum primers, up to 10.5 gr, and see how that goes. And also 10.5 with standard primer, up to 11.0.

All in my .327 LCR.

You should not attempt spp with lilgun. Spm is called out in every load and srp is not out of the question. Why go insanely slow in a 2".

 

[fxvr5]

You should not attempt spp with lilgun. Spm is called out in every load . . .

Not on Hodgdon's website.

Why go insanely slow in a 2".

Why not? It might be the only powder that gets the speed they want.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I've got the four loads all ready.

10 of each load for function, chrono, and just a little accuracy testing. If any of these are initially good I'll make more for accuracy.

I also made 30 with 3.5 gr 700x and standard primer. I think I'd previously tested 700x with 3.1 gr, same bullet.

It turned out a heaping load (all I can get) on a .5cc Lee Dipper was 3.5 gr. That's nice, because I enjoy using dippers.

I've been using a mild roll crimp on my .32 mags to help the brass last. But decided to increase it. I waited until after the Lil Gun loading to change it because I'd already started. Therefore the 700x load has more crimp.

I'll let y'all know how it goes.