32 S&W Pressure?

[mkl]

Anyone out there with access to the SAAMI data bases?

I would like to know the maximum pressure for the 32 S&W cartridge.

My Speer manual gives 12,000 cup for the 32 S&W Long, but no listing for the regular version.

My reason for asking is that I have a very old solid frame (not top-break) H&R "American" whose cylinder will accommodate the factory loaded 32 S&W Long cartridge just fine. Since I cannot find a box of the regular version, I'm wondering if the Long version would be safe. The revolver is in excellent condition.

 

[nambu1]

Lee gives it as 9500.

 

[Old Fuff]

The H&R American was made from the 1890's to the late 1930's and up to about 1940. Obviously the steel that was used changed over that time period. The revolver's condition, in and of itself, doesn't reveal what it's made of.

On the other hand the .23 S&W Long's preformance and pressures have been held down out of respect for the kind of revolver you have and others like it - to include top-breaks. Thats why we have the .32 H&R Magnum rather then Plus-P loads for the .32 S&W and S&W Long.

As the American is usually not particularly accurate, and not an especially good choice for personal defense, I see little reason to shoot one. However if you are so inclined I don't think that factory-loaded .32 S&W Long cartridges would damage it. However do notice that the cylinder does not have positive notches that lock the chamber in line with the barrel. Instead you have the hand rotating the cylinder against one shoulder in the notch. This design is not very precise nor strong. Therefore watch out for spitting coming out from the cylinder/barrel gap.

 

[Ol` Joe]

The 32S&W isn`t a SAAMI registered cartridge as far as I`m aware, CIP might control it but, I`m not sure of that either.
The cartridge had it`s start as a black powder round in the late 1800s. I`d stay with the proper ammo.
JMO

 

[Old Fuff]

In this particular style of revolver, H&R had two frame sizes. The larger frame was offered in .32 S&W Long (6 shot) or .38 S&W (5 shot). The smaller frame was chambered in .32 S&W (5 shot) or .22 Long RF (I believe 7 shot.)

Since the subject gun will chamber the longer .32 cartridge it was built on the .38 size frame. You can of course shoot the shorter .32 S&W cartridge in it, but this isn't necessary. The greater question should be, "why shoot relatively expensive ammunition in a revolver of this kind?"

 

[mkl]

Old Fluff:

Thanks much for the info.

I inherited this gun from my great grandfather, who carried it when he was a "Park Guard" at one of the public parks in McKinney, Texas. I would guess this was in the 1920's. Must have had some rough public parks in those days!

It is a six shot, so it must be on the 38 frame as you said. The factory ammunition loads in the bored-through cylinder with at least 1/8 inch clearance behind the cylinder face.

I do have 30 or so better handguns, including the "broken" 38 Special [see my post on the revolver forum a day or so ago]. I know its not accurate, and am aware of the screwy way the cylinder indexes. Sort of neat design, however, as how they kept the cartridges from falling out of the loading port since there is nothing to cover it.

As to why? Simply nostalgia. Thought I'd run a few round through it and then say a simple prayer to my great grandfather thanking him for his gift and letting him know that his gun still works and that I'm passing it on to my son.

Thanks again

mkl

 

[Old Fuff]

As to why? Simply nostalgia. Thought I'd run a few round through it and then say a simple prayer to my great grandfather thanking him for his gift and letting him know that his gun still works and that I'm passing it on to my son.

I suspected as much, as I've encountered this sort of situation before. Limit your shooting to no more then 12 rounds, and make sure any shooters are wearing eye protection, hats and long-sleeved shirts for protection against splatter. Clean the revolver well afterwards and then retire it.

 

[mkl]

I suspected as much, as I've encountered this sort of situation before. Limit your shooting to no more then 12 rounds, and make sure any shooters are wearing eye protection, hats and long-sleeved shirts for protection against splatter. Clean the revolver well afterwards and then retire it.

Will do.

It will be only me at the middle of a 1200 acre ranch that belongs to my best friend.

I've been "spit on" by other revolvers before, which is why I try to avoid public ranges.

If my old great grandfather's revolver spits lead more than a 1/2 mile in ether direction, I'm going to complain to him "upstairs. "

Thanks again for all your info and help.

mkl