32 S&w

[Dustinthewind]

I have recently acquired an H&R top break in 32 S&W and am looking for load data for this cartridge as none of my load books list it. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Old Fuff]

First of all, be sure it was made to be used with smokeless powder loads, or load black powder. As a rule of thumb, if it doesn't have a positive cylinder stop (the cylinder can't be revolved when the hammer is down, and the trigger forward) it should be used with black powder.

Lyman lists a load consisting of a 71 grain/ jacketed .312 bullet usually used in a .32 ACP, backed with 2.0 grains of bullseye. Be careful! 2.5 grains is maximum for use in hand ejector (not top-break) revolvers.

 

[Dustinthewind]

Old Fuff,

Thanks. The gun in question is a New Model small frame. I hadn't really planned on shooting it, just thought that it would be a unique addition to the collection. Then I bought a box of ammo and had too much fun! It is a really great shooter. Does Lyman list C.O.L.?

 

[Old Fuff]

Lyman says .930 where Frank Barnes (Cartridges of the World) says .920 - I presume with the usually standard 85 grain lead bullet. An 85 grain lead bullet might be the best choice, but I expect they might be hard to find.

Some folks claim they shoot .32 ACP cartridges in these little revolvers, but I don't recommend it. The best of the breed when it comes to .32 S&W top-breaks is of course the Smith & Wesson .32 DA / 5th model, made between 1909 and 1919 (serial numbers 283,000 to 327,641) the later the better.

 

[Sunray]

Lots of high end target pistols are chambered in .32 S&W, so the data is out there. My old Lyman book has data for a 77 and 84 grain cast bullets. My Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual has data for a 72 grain jacketed and a 100 grain jacketed.
Hodgdon's site has lots of data for their powders too.
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

 

[Old Fuff]

You're right about those high-end target pistols, but they are chambered in .32 S&W Long, not .32 S&W, and use a full-wadcutter bullet. Don't get the loading data mixed up.

 

[Dustinthewind]

First of all, thanks again for the info! 85 grain bullets are very hard to find so I will probably go with the 71 gr acp bullet although Winchester produces new ammo with the 85gr bullet. I have also decided that I need a Lyman manual. As for the Smith and Wesson .32 top break I currently have my eye on one. Truthfully I was impressed with the quality of this little H&R. It has 98% bluing and the barell latch and cylinder lock up TIGHT! In its day it was a cheap revolver, that being said the quality of it is superior to many new revolvers that I have looked at.

 

[Old Fuff]

Concerning the H&R... You're right about the workmanship, but not the material (steel) in it. The problem with these neat, little revolvers is that extensive shooting - especially with ammunition loaded above factory standards - can streach the frame just enough so that the barrel latch is no longer tight. It should be remembered that the design goes back to the 19th century, and was intended for use with black powder cartridges. H&R products were less expensive then those made by S&W and Colt, but they were never "cheap." During World War Two both the British and U.S. governments bought H&R top-break .38 revolvers.

Smith & Wesson sold some of their .32 top-break revolvers with 6" barrels, Obviously showing that the little round was accurate.